[. . . ] GTH225 Owner’s Manual 1 SAFETY RULES Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. I. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • GENERAL OPERATION Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual and on the machine before starting. Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the instructions, to operate the machine. [. . . ] • Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush until bright. • Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY” in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual). • After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely. For approximate capacity see “PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this manual. Tighten cap onto the tube securely when finished. OIL DRAIN PLUG V-BELTS Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours of operation and replace if necessary. Replace belts if they begin to slip from wear. TRANSAXLE COOLING The fan and cooling fins of transmission should be kept clean to assure proper cooling. Do not attempt to clean fan or transmission while engine is running or while the transmission is hot. • Inspect cooling fan to be sure fan blades are intact and clean. • Inspect cooling fins for dirt, grass clippings and other materials. To prevent damage to seals, do not use compressed air or high pressure sprayer to clean cooling fins. TRANSAXLE PUMP FLUID The transaxle was sealed at the factory and fluid maintenance is not required for the life of the transaxle. Should the transaxle ever leak or require servicing, contact your nearest authorized service center/department. AIR SCREEN OIL FILL CAP/DIPSTICK FIG. 21 ENGINE LUBRICATION Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF, SG, or SH. Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. SAE VISCOSITY GRADES 10W30 5W-30 -20° °F °C -30° 0° -20° -10° 30° 32° 40° 0° 10° 60° 20° 80° 30° 100° 40° CLEAN AIR SCREEN (See Fig. 21) Air screen must be kept free of dirt and chaff to prevent engine damage from overheating. Clean with a wire brush or compressed air to remove dirt and stubborn dried gum fibers. CLEAN AIR INTAKE/COOLING AREAS To insure proper cooling, make sure the grass screen, cooling fins, and other external surfaces of the engine are kept clean at all times. Every 100 hours of operation (more often under extremely dusty, dirty conditions), remove the blower housing and other cooling shrouds. NOTE: Operating the engine with a blocked grass screen, dirty or plugged cooling fins, and/or cooling shrouds removed will cause engine damage due to overheating. TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE FIG. 20 Change the oil after every 50 hours of operation or at least once a year if the tractor is not used for 50 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each eight (8) hours of operation. Tighten oil fill cap/ dipstick securely each time you check the oil level. AIR FILTER (See Fig. Clean the foam pre-cleaner after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Service paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. [. . . ] Mulch/Bagger Nut, Weld Bolt, Shoulder Gauge Wheel, Wide Nut, Centerlock 3/8-16 UNC Washer 3/8 x 7/8 x 14 Ga. 4. 25 Reinforcement Mandrel Ring Mandrel Asm 44"/50" Service (Includes Key No. s 8-10, 12-15, 31 and 33) Deck Complete (Std. Deck-Order separately mulcher plate and gauge wheel components Key Nos. inches 1 inch = 25. 4 mm 45 SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR SIGHTING SLOPES FOR SAFE OPERATION SIGHTING GUIDE CUT OUT ON D THIS OTT IS A ED L 15° S INES LOP E ONLY RIDE UP AND DOWN HILL, NOT ACROSS HILL SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH SKY LINE OR TREE. 46 15° MAX. Operate your Tractor up and down the face of slopes (not greater than 15°), never across the face. [. . . ]