English
PRODUCT CARE, cont'd
Battery information
WARNING: Should battery acid accidentally splatter into the eyes or onto
the skin, rinse the affected area immediately with clean cold water. If there
is any further discomfort, seek prompt medical attention.
If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it with clean water, then neutralize with
a solution of ammonia/water or baking soda/water.
NEVER connect (or disconnect) battery charger clips to the battery while the
charger is turned on, as it can cause sparks.
Keep all sources of ignition (cigarettes, matches, lighters) away from the
battery. The gas generated during charging can be combustible.
As a further precaution, only charge the battery in a well ventilated area.
Always shield eyes and protect skin and clothing when working near batteries.
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases. Do NOT open
battery. Use extreme caution when handling batteries. Keep batteries out of
the reach of children.
Battery Maintenance
•
The battery is filled with battery acid and then sealed at the factory. However, even a
"maintenance free" battery requires some maintenance to ensure its proper life cycle.
•
Spray the terminals and exposed wire with a battery terminal sealer, or coat the
terminals with a thin coat of grease or petroleum jelly, to protect against corrosion.
•
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosion.
•
Avoid tipping. Even a sealed battery will leak electrolyte when tipped.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases.
Use extreme caution when handling batteries. Keep batteries out of the
reach of children.
Battery Storage
1. When storing the mower for extended periods, disconnect the negative battery
cable. It is not necessary to remove the battery.
2. All batteries discharge during storage. Keep the exterior of the battery clean,
especially the top. A dirty battery will discharge more rapidly.
3. The battery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery can freeze sooner
than a charged battery. A fully charged battery will store longer in cold temperatures
than hot.
4. Recharge the battery before returning to service. Although the mower may start, the
engine charging system may not fully recharge the battery.
Removing the Battery
1. Remove the flange lock nut
(a) and carriage screw (b)
holding the battery hold-
down bracket (c) in place.
See Figure 11.
2. Remove the battery hold-
down bracket.
3. Remove the hex cap screw
and sems nut securing the
black negative battery lead
to the negative battery
post (marked NEG). Move
the cable away from the
negative battery post.
4. Remove the hex cap screw
and sems nut securing the
red positive battery lead to
the positive battery post
(marked POS).
5. Carefully slide the battery out of the mower.
6. Install the battery by repeating the above steps in the reverse order.
Using the Transmission Bypass Rods
If for any reason the mower will not drive or you wish to move the mower, the two
hydrostatic transmissions are equipped with a bypass rod that will allow you to manually
move the mower short distances.
WARNING: Do not tow the mower, even with the bypass rod engaged.
Serious transmission damage will result from doing so.
10
hydrostatic Transmission
The mower is equipped with
dual integrated hydrostatic
pumps/transaxles that are
sealed. However, this model is
equipped with a transmission
oil expansion reservoir. Under normal operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion
reservoir does not need to be checked and no additional oil is needed. If checking the
reservoir oil level, proceed as follows:
nOTE: See the Maintenance Schedule table for transmission oil changing intervals.
nOTE: Prior to the initial operation of the mower, the oil level in the reservoir may be
slightly higher than the maximum due to air in the oil lines. Operation of the mower will
eventually purge the air from the lines and the oil level will settle to the maximum.
Mower storage
(c)
If your mower is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (30 days to
approximately six months), the mower should be prepared for storage. Store the mower
in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the mower (including the tires)
to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed
(a)
whenever the mower is placed in storage.
(b)
Figure 11
1. Engage the transmission
bypass by pulling out on
the bypass rod (a) and
then placing it down in the
slot before releasing. See
Figure 12.
2. To release the transmission
bypass, pull out and let the
bypass rod slide back into
(a)
the frame.
WARNING: Check the oil level ONLY before starting the mower when the
transmission oil is fully cooled.
1. Clean the reservoir cap
and the area around the
cap to prevent debris
from contaminating the
transmission oil. See
Figure 13.
2. Turn the reservoir cap
counter-clockwise to
remove, then check the
oil level in the reservoir.
Oil should be visible at the
bottom of the cup, but
the oil level must NOT be
above the "FULL COLD" line.
See Figure 13. DO NOT FILL
THE RESERVOIR.
3. If necessary to add oil
because of some type of leakage, use a quality 20W50 motor oil and add only enough
oil to bring the level to the "FULL COLD" line. Reinstall the cap and fully tighten.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in the Engine
Operator's Manual packed with this manual.
WARNING: Never store the mower with fuel in the tank indoors or in poorly
ventilated enclosures, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark, or
pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, etc.
2. If storing the mower for 30 days or more:
a. To prevent gum deposits from forming inside the engine's carburetor and causing
possible malfunction of the engine, the fuel system must be either completely
emptied, or the gasoline must be treated with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration.
WARNING: Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious
starting problems.
b. Use a fuel stabilizer for storage between 30 and 90 days:
• Read the product manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
• Add to clean, fresh gasoline the correct amount of stabilizer for the capacity
(approximately 3 gallons) of the fuel system.
• Fill the fuel tank with treated fuel and run the engine for 2-3 minutes to get
stabilized fuel into the carburetor.
c. Emptying the fuel system for storage of more than 90 days:
• Prior to putting the mower in storage, monitor fuel consumption with the goal
of running the fuel tank empty.
Pull Out
(a)
Down
Figure 12
Figure 13