22
SECTION 10: MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine
before performing any adjustments,
repairs or maintenance.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to the trouble shooting chart for information.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty condition. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plugs should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season;
check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
CLEANING ENGINE AND DECK
Any fuel or oil spilled on the machine should be wiped
off promptly. Grass, leaves, and other dirt must not be
allowed to accumulate around the cooling fins of the
engine or on any part of the machine.
Clean the underside of the deck after each mowing.
CUTTING BLADES
WARNING: Protect hands by using heavy
gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blades.
The blades may be removed for sharpening or
replacement as follows:
Remove the hex flange nut that holds the blade to the
blade spindle. See Figure 25.
Figure 25
When sharpening the blades, follow the original angle
of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each
cutting edge be ground equally to prevent an
unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, may
cause damage to the mower and could break, causing
personal injury.
The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a
round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy
side until it balances evenly.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade
with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with part
number) facing the ground when the mower is in the
operating position.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Blade
Hex Flange Nut: 840 in. lb. min., 1080 in. lb. max.
Blade Spindle Screws
If disassembled for any reason, tighten the blade
spindle screws between 200 and 275 inch pounds.
WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
The caster (forward slant of the king pin) and the
camber (tilt of the wheels out at the top) require no
adjustment. Automotive steering principles have been
used to determine the caster and camber on the tractor.
The front wheels should toe-in between 1/16-5/16 inch.
Some units have adjustable tie rods so the toe-in can
be adjusted. To adjust the toe-in on these units, follow
these steps.
• Remove the hex nut and lock washer, and drop the
end of the tie rod from the axle bracket. See Figure
26.
• Loosen the hex jam nut on tie rod.
• Adjust the tie rod assembly for correct toe-in.
Blade
Hex
Flange
Nut
