Service Miscellaneous

Using Proper Fuel

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, or add fuel stabilizer.

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 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 fuel tank at the end of daily use and store fuel in plastic containers to reduce condensation.

For best year-round performance and fuel-handling, add stabilizer to fuel immediately after fuel purchase. Such practice helps prevent engine performance problems and allows fuel storage in the machine all year without draining.

Filling Fuel Tank

Use regular grade 87 octane unleaded fuel.

Add John Deere fuel stabilizer to fuel before using it in your machine to prevent engine damage due to stale fuel. Follow directions on stabilizer container.

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

· Shut engine off before filling fuel tank.

· 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.

· Use clean approved plastic funnel without screen or filter 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.

NOTE: Capacity of fuel tank is 32.2 L (8.5 gal).

1. Stop engine. Let it cool several minutes before adding fuel.

2. Remove any grass or debris from top of fuel tank.

MX18679

3. Remove fuel tank cap (A).

4. Fill tank with fuel only to 25 mm (1 in.) below bottom of filler neck.

5. Install fuel tank cap.

Removing and Installing Rear Drive Wheels

Removing:

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

MX18701

2. Lift machine with a safe lifting device centered under tire support frame (A) on the side where tire is being removed.

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3. Remove five wheel nuts (B).

4. Remove wheel.

Installing:

1. Install new wheel.

2. Install and tighten wheel nuts alternately until recommended torque value is reached.

· Tighten nuts to 100 N·m (75 lb-ft).

3. Lower machine.

Tightening Rear Drive Wheel Hardware

M77000

1. Install wheel nuts.

2. Tighten wheel nuts in numbered sequence shown for safe wheel installation. Tighten alternately until recommended torque value is reached.

· Tighten nuts to 100 N·m (75 lb-ft).

Removing and Installing Front Caster Wheels

Removing:

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

2. Lift front of machine with a safe lifting device.

MX18703

3. Remove nut (A) and wheel cap screw (B).

4. Remove wheel from yoke assembly (C).

Installing:

1. Install replacement wheel.

2. Install wheel cap screw (B) and nut (A).

3. Tighten nut.

4. Lower machine.

Checking Tire Pressure

MIF

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause serious injury or death:

· DO NOT attempt to mount a tire without the proper equipment and experience to perform the job.

· Always maintain the correct tire pressure. DO NOT inflate the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.

· When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and NOT in front of or over the tire assembly.

· Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.

1. Check tires for damage.

2. Check tire pressure with an accurate gauge.

3. Add air, if necessary:


Tire Size	Pressure
Front: 13 x 5-6	110-138 kPa (16-20 psi)
Rear: 20 x 10.00-10	69-97 kPa (10-14 psi)

Servicing Caster Pivot Bearings

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

2. Raise and securely support the front of the mower deck.

MX21431

3. Remove cap (A), cotter pin (B), castle nut (C), caster yoke and wheel assembly (D) and caster bushing (E).

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the bearing races unless the bearings need to be replaced.

4. Remove seal (F) and lower bearing (G).

5. Remove upper bearing (H).

6. Clean and inspect bearings (G) and (H); pack with clean grease. Replace bearings if needed.

NOTE: Install seal with lip to the outside.

7. Install lower bearing (G) and a new seal (F).

8. Install upper bearing (H).

NOTE: Do not overtighten castle nut (C). Tighten castle nut only enough to install the cotter pin (B). The caster wheel yoke assembly must be free to rotate.

9. Install caster bushing (E) on yoke shaft, and install caster yoke and wheel assembly (D), castle nut (C), cotter pin (B) and cap (A).

10. Apply grease to lubrication fitting (I).

Cleaning and Repairing Plastic Surfaces

Your John Deere dealer has the professional materials needed to properly remove surface scratches from any plastic surfaces. Do not attempt to paint over marks or scratches in plastic parts.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Improper care of machine plastic surfaces can damage that surface: · Do not wipe plastic surfaces when they are dry. Dry wiping will result in minor surface scratches. · Use a soft, clean cloth (bath towel, diaper, automotive mitt). · Do not use abrasive materials, such as polishing compounds, on plastic surfaces. · Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

1. Wash surface with clean water and a mild, liquid automotive washing soap.

2. Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

Cleaning and Repairing Metal Surfaces

Clean:°

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

Repair 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 John Deere 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.

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