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

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.

• 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.

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.

6. Install fuel tank cap.

Removing and Installing Hood

Removing:

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

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Touching hot surfaces can burn skin. The engine, components, and fluids will be hot if the engine has been running. Allow the engine to cool before servicing or working near the engine and components.

2. Let engine cool.

3. Open hood.

MX36328

4. Disconnect wiring harness (A).

5. Lower hood slightly and lift hood from brackets (B).

6. Lift up and forward to remove hood from machine frame.

Installing:

1. Align hood brackets with tractor brackets and install hood.

2. Connect wiring harness (A).

3. Close hood.

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 gauge.

3. Add or remove air, if necessary.

Removing and Installing Wheel Assembly (Models with E-Clip)

Removing

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.


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.

MX23092

3. Remove the cap (A) from the end of the axle hub.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Components are installed under spring tension. Wear eye protection and use proper tools when installing and removing components with spring tension.

4. Remove the E-clip (B) and washer (C).

NOTE: When removing rear wheel assembly, a shaft key may fall out of the axle shaft. If so, be sure to retain for installation.

5. Remove the wheel assembly.

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

Installing

1. Apply multipurpose grease to spindle shaft before installing wheel assembly.

NOTE: On rear wheel, be sure shaft key is in place on axle shaft before installing wheel assembly.

2. Install wheel assembly with valve stem to the outside and align slot in wheel assembly with key in axle shaft.

3. Install washer and E-clip.

4. Install cap.

Removing and Installing Wheel Assembly (Models with Wheel Bolt)

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.

MX23093

Picture Note: Wheel may or may not have a cap (A) to remove when removing the wheel.

3. Remove the wheel bolts (B).

4. Remove the wheel assembly.

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

Installing

1. Apply multipurpose grease to spindle shaft before installing wheel assembly.

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

3. Tighten wheel bolts evenly in alternating sequence until snug.

4. Lower machine completely to the ground.

5. Tighten wheel bolts to 88 N•m (65 lb-ft).

Cleaning Plastic Surfaces


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.

1. Rinse hood and entire machine with clean water to remove dirt and dust that may scratch the surface.

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

3. Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

4. Wax the surface with a liquid automotive wax. Use products that specifically say “contains no abrasives.”


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not use a power buffer to remove wax.

5. Buff applied wax by hand using a clean, soft cloth.

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.

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