side wall for proper inflation pressures. Observe the following
guidelines:
• Do not inflate a tire above the maximum pressure shown on
the sidewall of the tire.
• Do not reinflate a tire that has been run flat or seriously un-
der inflated. Have it inspected and serviced by a qualified tire
mechanic.
GENERAL 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 ven-
tilated area.
· Always shield eyes and protect skin and clothing when work-
ing near batteries.
· Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases.
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 petro-
leum 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 ex-
plosive gases. Use extreme caution when handling batteries.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
BATTERY STORAGE
1. When storing the tractor 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 dis-
charge 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 tractor may start, the engine charging system may not fully
recharge the battery.
30
USING THE TRANSMISSION BYPASS RODS
If for any reason the tractor will not drive or you wish to move
the tractor, the two hydrostatic transmissions are equipped
with a bypass rod that will allow you to manually move the
tractor short distances.
WARNING: Do not tow the tractor, even with the bypass rod
engaged. Serious transmission damage will result from doing
so.
1. From the rear of the tractor,
just inside the two rear tires,
locate the transmission bypass
rods. Refer to Figure 21.
2. Engage the transmission by-
pass rods, one on each side of
the tractor, to move the tractor
manually without starting it.
The transmission bypass rods are located on the rear of the
tractor, just inside each rear wheel. Engage the bypass rods by
pulling each one out (a) and to the right (b) to lock it into place.
NOTE: The tractor will not drive with the bypass rods in the
engage position.
3. Disengage the bypass rods by reversing steps a & b after mov-
ing the tractor.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
The hydrostatic transmission is sealed at the factory and is
maintenance-free. The fluid level cannot be checked and the
fluid cannot be changed.
TRACTOR STORAGE
If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended peri-
od of time (thirty days to approximately six months), the tractor
should be prepared for storage. Store the tractor in a dry and
protected location. If stored outside, cover the tractor (includ-
ing the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures
outlined below should be performed whenever the tractor is
placed in storage.
1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions
provided in the engine manual packed with this manual.
WARNING: Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank in-
doors 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 tractor 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. Using a fuel stabilizer between 30 and 90 days:
• Read the product manufacturer's instructions and recommen-
dations.
• 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.