Service Miscellaneous

Using Proper Fuel and Stabilizer


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Using stale, contaminated or improper fuel can result in engine and fuel system damage. Repairs caused by stale, contaminated or improper fuel are not covered by warranty.

Use regular grade unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 87 octane or higher. Fuel blends containing up to 10% ethanol or up to 15% MTBE reformulated fuel are acceptable. Do not use fuel or additives containing methanol as engine damage can occur.

Always use fresh, clean fuel that is purchased in a quantity that can be used within approximately 30 days. Fuel stabilizer should always be added to the fuel each time fuel is purchased. Add stabilizer before filling the fuel container to insure proper mixing. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Store fuel in plastic containers to reduce condensation. Make sure the cap on the fuel container is tight to reduce fuel contamination and evaporation. For best fuel storage life, use a self-sealing gas can.

Fuel is blended to give best seasonal performance. To avoid engine performance problems such as hard starting or vapor lock, use in-season fuel. Use fuel during warm weather that was purchased during that season, and use fuel during cold weather that was purchased during that season.

Fuel can become stale in machines with engines that are used seasonally or infrequently during a season. Stale fuel can produce varnish and plug carburetor or EFI components which can affect engine performance.

Keep fuel storage container tightly covered and in a cool area out of direct sunlight. Fuel can break down and degrade if not sealed properly or exposed to sun and heat.

Condensation may collect in the fuel tank because of a variety of operating or environmental conditions and, over time, may affect your machine’s operation. Fill machine fuel tank at the end of the day.

Filling Fuel Tank

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Fuel vapors are explosive and flammable:

• Shut engine off before filling fuel tank.

• Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Do not smoke while handling fuel.

• Keep fuel away from flames or sparks.

• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in well ventilated area.

• Clean up spilled fuel immediately.

• Use clean approved non-metal container to prevent static electric discharge.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Dirt and water in fuel can cause engine damage: • Clean dirt and debris from the fuel tank opening. • Use clean, fresh, stabilized fuel. • Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to keep condensation out of the fuel tank. • Use a non-metallic funnel with a plastic mesh strainer when filling the fuel tank or container.

Fill fuel tank at the end of each day’s operation to prevent condensation and freezing during cold weather.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Allow engine to cool.

3. Remove any trash from area around fuel tank cap.

4. Remove fuel tank cap slowly to allow any pressure built up in tank to escape.

5. Fill fuel tank only to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.

6. Install fuel tank cap.

• Gas models: Turn cap until clicks.

Lifting Machine

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The machine can fall or slip from an unsafe lifting device or supports.

• Use a safe lifting device rated for the load to be lifted.

• Lower machine onto jack stands or other stable supports and block wheels before servicing.

NOTE: Remove any material collection system attachments prior to lifting machine.

MX50275

2. Safely lift rear of machine frame points (A). Place jack stands or other stable supports onto transaxle locations (B).

MX51461

3. Safely lift front of machine at machine frame point (C). Place jack stands or other stable supports onto machine frame locations (D).

4. If only lifting front of machine, block rear wheels remaining on ground to avoid movement of machine.

5. To lower machine, lift front and/or rear of machine, and remove jack stands or supports. Lower machine.

Checking Tire Pressure

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of tire and rim parts is possible when they are serviced incorrectly:

• Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

• Do not inflate the tires above the recommended pressure.

• Do not weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. Heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in an explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.

• Do not stand in front or over the tire assembly when inflating. Use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side.

1. Check tires for damage.

NOTE: Refer to the SPECIFICATIONS section for tire pressures.

2. Check tire pressure with an accurate lower pressure gauge.

3. Add or remove air, if necessary.

Removing and Installing Wheel Assembly

Removing

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Place jack stands under frame, not under transmission or engine, when raising or supporting machine.

2. Raise machine with a safe lifting device and lower machine onto jack stands or other stable supports. Block wheels remaining on the ground to prevent machine movement.

MX23115a

3. Remove the wheel nuts (A).

4. Remove the wheel assembly.

5. Take wheel assembly to an authorized service dealer for repairs.

Installing

1. Install wheel assembly with valve stem to the outside.

2. Tighten wheel nuts evenly in alternating sequence until snug.

3. Lower machine completely to the ground.

4. Tighten wheel nuts to 102 N•m (75 lb-ft).

Removing and Installing Front Caster Wheels

Disassembly:

1. Park machine safely. See “Park Machine Safely” in the Safety section.

NOTE: Remove all attachments prior to lifting machine.

2. Jack up front of machine and place on safety stands.

MX51684

3. Support caster assembly and remove flange bolt (A) and cap (B).

4. Remove caster from machine.

5. Inspect bushing (C) at top and bottom of frame. Replace worn or damaged bushings.

6. Remove nut (D) and pull bolt out of caster.

7. Remove wheel assembly (E).

MX43298

8. Remove shield (F) and bearing (G). Inspect shields, wheel, and bearings for wear or damage. Replace worn or damaged parts.

MX38582

9. Inspect bearing wear areas (H), and bolt holes (I) for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.

Assembly

• Apply grease to caster shaft and bolt.

• Assemble in the reverse order of disassembly.

• Tighten caster locknut and bolt to 47 N•m (35 lb-ft).

• Tighten flange bolt securing yoke to 47 N•m (35 lb-ft).

Cleaning and Repairing Metal Surfaces

Cleaning:

Follow automotive practices to care for your vehicle painted metal surfaces. Use a high-quality automotive wax regularly to maintain the factory look of your vehicle’s painted surfaces.

Repairing Minor Scratches (surface scratch):

1. Clean area to be repaired thoroughly.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use rubbing compound on painted surfaces.

2. Use automotive polishing compound to remove surface scratches.

3. Apply wax to entire surface.

Repairing Deep Scratches (bare metal or primer showing):

1. Clean area to be repaired with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.

2. Use paint stick with factory-matched colors available from your authorized dealer to fill scratches. Follow directions included on paint stick for use and for drying.

3. Smooth out surface using an automotive polishing compound. Do not use power buffer.

4. Apply wax to surface.