GrandStand® HDX Mower

Before starting the machine each day, perform the Each Use/Daily procedures listed in .

New engines take time to develop full power. Mower decks and drive systems have higher friction when new, placing additional load on the engine. Allow 40 to 50 hours of break-in time for new machines to develop full power and best performance.

Important: Do not engage the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start, wait 15 seconds between attempts. Failure to follow these instructions can burn out the starter motor.

Note: You may need to repeat the cycle for starting the engine when you start it for the first time after you have filled a completely empty fuel system with fuel.

Figure 9

Let the engine idle at slow throttle (turtle) for 60 seconds before turning the key switch to the OFF position.

Figure 10

Important: Make sure that the fuel-shutoff valve is closed before transporting or storing the machine to prevent a fuel leak. Before storing the machine, disconnect the spark plug(s) to prevent the possibility of accidental starting.

Always engage the parking brake when you shut off the machine or leave it unattended. Before each use, check the parking brake for proper operation.

If the parking brake does not hold securely, adjust it; refer to Adjusting the Brakes.

Pull the parking-brake lever rearward to engage it (Figure 11).

Push the parking-brake lever forward to disengage it.

Figure 11

1. Parking brake—engaged
2. Parking brake—disengaged

Use the blade-control switch (PTO) in conjunction with the motion-control levers to engage and disengage the mower blades.

Engaging the Mower Blades (PTO)

Figure 12

Disengaging the Mower Blades (PTO)

Figure 13 and Figure 14 show 2 ways to disengage the mower blades.

Figure 13

Figure 14

Note: If you disengage the mower blades by releasing the motion-control levers, you can engage the blades again by pressing the ON position of the switch (Figure 12) without pressing the OFF position first.

You can adjust the throttle to FAST, ECO, and SLOW.

Use the FAST position for best cutting performance; use the ECO position for fuel-efficient cutting.

Figure 15

You can use the machine with the platform in the up or down position. It is your preference on which position to use.

Operate the machine with the platform up for the following conditions:

• Near drop-offs

• In small areas where the machine is too large

• In areas with low-hanging branches or obstacles

• Loading the machine for transport

• Driving up slopes

Operate the machine with the platform down for the following conditions:

• Using the machine in most areas

• Driving across slopes

• Driving down slopes

To raise the platform, pull out the knob and lift the platform. Push the platform tight against the cushion for the latch pin to lock it into place.

To lower the platform, push the platform forward against the cushion to release pressure on the latch pin, then pull the knob out and lower the platform.

Figure 16

1. Platform up
2. Platform down
3. Pull the knob out to release the platform.

Important: Back the machine over curbs, 1 wheel at a time; driving it forward over curbs could damage the machine.

1. Disengage the parking brake.

2. Move the motion-control levers down to the center, unlocked position.

   

   Figure 17

   1. Front reference bar
   2. Left control lever
   3. Rear reference bar
   4. Right control lever
   5. Right control lever in the NEUTRAL-LOCK position
   6. Left control lever in the NEUTRAL-LOCK position

3. Slowly push the motion-control levers forward or rearward. Move 1 lever farther than the other lever to turn.

   Note: The farther you move the motion-control levers, the faster the machine moves in that direction.

4. To stop, move the motion-control levers back to the NEUTRAL position.

Figure 18

This machine has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf.

The height-of-cut can be adjusted from 38 to 127 mm (1-1/2 to 5 inches) in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments.

Note: Using a height-of-cut under 51 mm (2 inches) increases the wear on the mower-deck belt. Use a height-of-cut that is greater than 51 mm (2 inches) whenever possible.

Figure 19

Whenever you change the height-of-cut, adjust the height of the anti-scalp rollers.

1. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the nut and bolt position the anti-scalp rollers and install the nut and bolt.

4. Ensure that the spacers and bushings are installed (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Bushing
   2. Anti-scalp roller
   3. Spacer
   4. Bolt
   5. Nut

You can adjust the mower-discharge flow for different types of mowing conditions. Position the cam lock and baffle to provide the best quality of cut.

1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. To adjust the baffle, loosen the knob (Figure 21).

4. Adjust the baffle and knob in the slot to the desired discharge flow and tighten the knob.

   

   Figure 21

   1. Slot
   2. Knob

The following figures are for recommended use only. Adjustments vary by grass type, moisture content, and the height of the grass.

Note: If the engine power draws down and the mower ground speed is the same, open the baffle.

Position B

Use this position when bagging (Figure 23).

Figure 23

• Install weights to improve balance. You can add or remove weights to create optimized performance under different operating conditions and for your preference.

• Add or remove weights 1 at a time until you achieve the desired handling and balance.

• Refer to the Operator’s Manual of attachments for recommended weights.

Note: Contact an Authorized Service Dealer to order a weight kit.

Close the fuel-shutoff valve for transport, maintenance, and storage (Figure 25).

Ensure that the fuel-shutoff valve is open when starting the engine.

Figure 25

1. ON position
2. OFF position

The bypass valves allow you to push the machine by hand without the engine running.

Important: Do not start or operate the machine with the bypass valves open. Damage to system may occur.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the platform.

4. Move both bypass levers fully rearward.

   

   Figure 26

5. Disengage the parking brake.

6. Push the machine to the desired location.

   Important: Always push the machine by hand. Do not tow the machine, because hydraulic damage may occur.

7. Immediately after moving the machine, engage the parking brake.

8. Move both bypass levers fully forward.

   

   Figure 27

Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine. Use a full-width ramp. Ensure that the trailer or truck has all the necessary brakes, lighting, and marking as required by law. Please carefully read all the safety instructions. Knowing this information could help you or bystanders avoid injury. Refer to your local ordinances for trailer and tie-down requirements.

Selecting a Trailer

Figure 28

1. Full-width ramp in stowed position
2. Ramp is at least 4 times as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
3. H=height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
4. Trailer

You can release the cushion for rear access to the machine for maintenance or adjustment.

1. Lower the platform.

2. Loosen the twist knobs on each side of the machine (Figure 31).

   

   Figure 31

   1. Twist knob
   2. Cushion

3. Remove the cushion and lower it to the platform.

4. Perform any maintenance or adjustment on the machine.

5. Raise the cushion, and slide it onto the pins on both sides of the machine.

6. Tighten the twist knobs.

Rotate the engine guard forward as shown in Figure 32.

Figure 32

Grease with No. 2 lithium or molybdenum grease.

1. Disengage the PTO and set the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean the grease fittings with a rag.

   Note: Make sure to scrape any paint off the front of the fitting(s).

4. Connect a grease gun to the fitting.

5. Pump grease into the fittings until grease begins to ooze out of the bearings.

6. Wipe up any excess grease.

Grease type: Lithium or molybdenum grease

1. Remove the dust cap and adjust the caster pivots; refer to Adjusting the Caster-Pivot Bearing.

   Note: Keep the dust cap off until you have finished greasing the caster pivots.

2. Remove the hex plug.

3. Thread a grease fitting (1/4 inch–28 taper thread) into the hole.

4. Pump grease into the fitting until it oozes out around the top bearing.

5. Remove the grease fitting from the hole.

6. Install the hex plug and dust cap.

Grease type: Lithium or molybdenum grease

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the caster wheel from the caster forks.

4. Remove the seal guards from the wheel hub (Figure 33).

   

   Figure 33

   1. Seal guard
   2. Spacer nut with wrench flats

5. Remove 1 spacer nut from the axle assembly in the caster wheel.

   Note: Thread-locking adhesive has been applied to lock the spacer nuts to the axle. Remove the axle (with the other spacer nut still assembled to it) from the wheel assembly.

6. Pry out the seals, inspect bearings for wear or damage, and replace them if necessary.

7. Pack the bearings with a general-purpose grease.

8. Insert 1 bearing and 1 new seal into the wheel.

   Note: You must replace the seals.

9. If both spacer nuts in the axle assembly have been removed (or broken loose), apply a thread-locking adhesive to 1 spacer nut, threading it onto the axle with the wrench flats facing outward.

   Note: Do not thread the spacer nut all of the way onto the end of the axle. Leave approximately 3 mm (1/8 inch) from the outer surface of the spacer nut to the end of the axle inside the nut.

10. Insert the assembled nut and axle into the wheel on the side of the wheel with the new seal and bearing.

11. With the open end of the wheel facing up, fill the area inside the wheel around the axle full of general-purpose grease.

12. Insert the second bearing and the new seal into the wheel.

13. Apply a thread-locking adhesive to the second spacer nut, threading it onto the axle with the wrench flats facing outward.

14. Torque the nut to 8 to 9 N∙m (71 to 80 in-lb), loosen it, then torque it to 2 to 3 N∙m (20 to 25 in-lb).

    Note: Make sure that the axle does not extend beyond either nut.

15. Install the seal guards over the wheel hub and insert the wheel into the caster fork.

16. Install the caster bolt and tighten the nut fully.

Important: To prevent seal and bearing damage, check the bearing adjustment often by spinning the caster wheel. The wheel should not spin freely (more than 1 or 2 revolutions) or have any side play. If the wheel spins freely, adjust the torque on the spacer nut until there is a slight amount of drag, and apply thread-locking adhesive.

Grease the operator-presence-control balljoint and the motion-control bushing for both levers.

Note: Use an oil drip between the lever brackets to grease the bushing, located in the pivot tube.

Figure 34

1. Operator-presence control balljoint
2. Pivot tube

Note: Service the air cleaner more frequently if operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

Ensure that the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug and a gapping tool or feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Install a new spark plug if necessary.

Type of Spark Plug: Briggs and Stratton 491055S

Air Gap: 0.75 mm (0.03 inch)

Checking the Spark Plug(s)

Important: Do not clean the spark plug(s). Always replace the spark plug(s) when it has a black coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.

If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is operating properly. A black coating on the insulator usually means the air cleaner is dirty.

Set the gap to 0.75 mm (0.03 inch).

Figure 43

Installing the Spark Plug(s)

Figure 44

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Wait for the muffler to cool.

4. If you see any breaks in the screen or welds, replace the arrester.

5. If the screen is plugged, remove the arrester, shake loose particles out of the arrester, and clean the screen with a wire brush (soak the screen in solvent if necessary).

6. Install the arrester on the exhaust outlet.

You can drain the fuel tank by removing it and pouring the fuel out of the fill neck; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank. You can also drain the fuel tank by using a siphon in the following procedure.

1. Disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean around the fuel cap to prevent debris from getting into the fuel tank (Figure 45).

4. Remove the fuel cap.

5. Insert a syphon pump into the fuel tank.

6. Using the syphon pump, drain the fuel into a fuel container.

7. Wipe up any spilled fuel.

   

   Figure 45

   1. Fuel cap

1. Lower the platform.

2. Release the cushion; refer to Releasing the Cushion for Rear Access.

3. Remove the cross bracket.

   

   Figure 46

   1. Fuel tank
   2. Cross bracket

4. Remove the fuel tank and set it on the operator platform.

   Note: If you want to move the fuel tank further from the machine, remove the fuel and vent lines from the top of the tank.

Do not install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.

Note: Wipe up any spilled fuel.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Close the fuel-shutoff valve; refer to Using the Fuel-Shutoff Valve.

4. Replace the fuel filter as shown in Figure 47.

   

   Figure 47

Always keep the battery clean and fully charged. Use a paper towel to clean the battery case. If the battery terminals are corroded, clean them with a solution of four parts water and 1 part baking soda. Apply a light coating of grease to the battery terminals to prevent corrosion.

Voltage: 12 V

The electrical system is protected by fuses. It requires no maintenance. If a fuse blows, check the component or circuit for a malfunction or short.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Release the operator cushion from the rear of the machine.

4. If you need to access the charge fuse, remove the fuel tank; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank.

5. Pull out the fuse and replace it (Figure 51).

   

   Figure 51

   1. Key switch fuse (15 A)
   2. Accessory port (15 A)
   3. Power-takeoff (PTO) fuse (10 A)
   4. Hour meter (7.5 A)
   5. Charge fuse (20 A)

6. Install the fuel tank, if removed; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank.

7. Install the operator cushion.

If you push both motion-control levers forward the same distance and the machine pulls to 1 side, adjust the tracking as follows.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Release the cushion from the rear of the machine; refer to Releasing the Cushion for Rear Access.

   Note: For easier access, you can also remove the fuel tank; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank.

4. Loosen the nut.

5. Rotate the left control rod in quarter-turn increments until the machine tracks straight.

   Note: If the machine pulls to the right, shorten the control rod by rotating it to the right. If the machine pulls to the left, lengthen the rod by rotating it to the left.

   Note: Adjust only the left control rod to match the left wheel speed to the right wheel speed. Do not adjust the right wheel speed, as this positions the right motion-control lever out of the center for the control panel neutral-lock slot.

   Important: Do not rotate the control rod too far, as this may cause the machine to creep in neutral.

   

   Figure 52

   1. Nut
   2. Left control rod

6. Tighten the nut.

7. Check for proper tracking, and adjust the rod as necessary.

   Note: If you are unable to achieve proper tracking by adjusting the left control rod, contact your Authorized Service Dealer.

8. Check that the machine does not creep from the neutral position with the park brakes disengaged.

9. Install the fuel tank, if you removed it.

10. Install the cushion.

Maintain the air pressure in the rear tires at 83 to 97 kPa (12 to 14 psi).

Important: Uneven tire pressure can cause an uneven cut.

Note: The front tires are semi-pneumatic tires and do not require air-pressure maintenance.

Figure 53

1. Disengage the blade-control switch (PTO), move the motion control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and set the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the dust cap from the caster and tighten the locknut (Figure 54).

4. Tighten the locknut until the spring washers are flat, and then back off a 1/4 turn to properly set the preload on the bearings (Figure 54).

   Important: Make sure that the spring washers are installed correctly as shown in Figure 54.

5. Install the dust cap (Figure 54).

   

   Figure 54

   1. Spring washers
   2. Locknut
   3. Dust cap

When the clutch brake has worn to the point where the clutch no longer engages consistently, you can remove the shim to extend the clutch life (Figure 55).

Figure 55

1. Armature
2. Field shell
3. Rotor
4. Brake-mounting bolt
5. Brake spacer
6. Shim.
7. Brake pole

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Using an air compressor, blow out any debris under the brake pole and around the brake spacers.

   

   Figure 56

4. Check the condition of the wire-harness leads, connectors, and terminals. Clean or repair them as necessary.

5. Verify that 12 V is present at the clutch connector when the you engage the PTO switch.

6. Measure the gap between the rotor and armature. If the gap is greater than 1 mm (0.04 inch), proceed with the following steps:

   1. Loosen both brake mounting bolts 1/2 to 1 full turn as shown in Figure 57.

      Note: Do not remove the brake pole from the field shell/armature. The brake pole has worn to match the armature and needs to continue to match after you remove the shim to ensure the proper brake torque.

      

      Figure 57

      1. Brake-mounting bolt

   2. Using needle-nose pliers, or by hand, remove the shim.

      Note: Do not discard the shim until you confirm that the clutch functions properly.

      

      Figure 58

      1. Shim

   3. Using a pneumatic line, blow out any debris under the brake pole and around the brake spacers.

   4. Torque each bolt (M6 x 1) to 12.3 to 13.7 N∙m (9.5 to 10.5 ft-lb).

   5. Using a 0.010 inch thick-feeler gauge, verify that a gap is present between the rotor and armature face on both sides of the brake pole as shown in Figure 59 and Figure 60.

      Note: Due to the way the rotor and armature faces wear (peaks and valleys), it is sometimes difficult to measure the true gap.

      

      Figure 59

      1. Feeler gauge
      

      Figure 60

      1. Feeler gauge

      • If the gap is less than 0.010 inch, then install the shim.

      • If the gap is sufficient, proceed to the safety check in step 6.

   6. Perform the following safety check:

      1. Start the engine from the operator’s position.

      2. Make sure that the blades do not engage when the PTO switch is in the OFF position and the clutch is disengaged.

         Note: If the clutch does not disengage, install the shim.

      3. Engage and disengage the PTO switch 10 consecutive times to ensure that the clutch is functioning properly.

Check and torque the wheel-lug nuts to 115 to 142 N∙m (85 to 105 ft-lb).

Before each use, remove any buildup of grass, dirt, or other debris from the cylinder and cylinder-head cooling fins, air-intake screen on the flywheel end, and the carburetor-governor levers and linkage. This helps ensure adequate cooling of the engine and the correct engine speed, and it reduces the possibility of overheating or mechanical damage to the engine.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the air-intake screen and fan housing (Figure 61).

4. Clean the debris and grass from the engine parts.

5. Install the air-intake screen and fan housing (Figure 61).

   

   Figure 61

   1. Guard and engine air-intake screen
   2. Fan housing

Before each use, test the parking brake on both a level surface and slope.

Always engage the parking brake when you stop the machine or leave it unattended. If the parking brake does not hold securely, adjust it.

1. Disengage the PTO and engage the parking brake

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Disengage the parking brake.

4. Engage the brake lever and ensure that the machine does not move.

5. Adjust the brake if needed.

1. Remove the fuel tank; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank.

2. Loosen the bolt on the cable clamp on the left side of the machine.

   

   Figure 62

   1. Cable
   2. Cable clamp
   3. Bolt and nut

3. Pull down on the cables until they are taut.

4. Tighten the nut.

5. Install the fuel tank, cross bracket, and cushion.

Check belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, wear, signs of overheating, or any other damage.

The signs of a worn mower belt are squealing while the belt is rotating, blades slipping while you are cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks, and cracks. Replace the mower belt if you detect any of these signs.

1. Disengage the PTO and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Open the engine guard; refer to Opening the Engine Guard.

4. Remove the belt covers.

   

   Figure 63

   1. Belt cover
   2. Spring
   3. Belt

5. Using a spring-removal tool, remove the idler spring from the deck hook to remove tension on the idler pulley, and roll the belt off the pulleys.

   Warning

   The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury.

   Be careful when removing the belt.

6. Inspect the mower deck for any damaged pulleys or bearings. Remove any debris from the deck.

7. Route the new belt around the engine pulley and deck pulleys.

   

   Figure 64

8. Use the spring-removal tool to install the idler spring over the deck hook and place tension on the idler pulley and the mower belt.

9. Install the pulley covers.

10. Close the engine guard.

1. Remove the fuel tank; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank.

2. Remove the tension spring.

   Caution

   The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury.

   Wear safety glasses and be careful when removing the spring.

   

   Figure 65

   1. Tension spring

3. Remove the deck belt from the clutch and clutch stop.

   

   Figure 66

   1. Transmission belt

4. Install the new belt.

5. Install the tension spring.

If the motion-control levers do not align horizontally, adjust the motion-control levers.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Push the motion-control levers down out of the NEUTRAL-LOCK position (Figure 67).

4. Check if the right motion-control lever aligns horizontally with the left motion-control lever (Figure 67).

   

   Figure 67

   1. Left motion-control lever in the Neutral-lock position
   2. Left motion-control lever
   3. Right motion-control lever in the Neutral-lock position
   4. Check the horizontal alignment here
   5. Right motion-control lever

   Note: To adjust the right motion-control lever horizontally, adjust the cam.

5. Release the cushion from the rear of the machine.

6. Loosen the nut holding the cam (Figure 68).

   

   Figure 68

   1. Cam
   2. Nut

7. Adjust the cam until it aligns with the left motion-control lever and tighten the nut for the cam.

   Note: Moving the cam clockwise (in the vertical position) lowers the handle; moving the cam counterclockwise (in the vertical position) raises the handle.

   Important: Ensure that the flat portion of the cam does not go above a vertical position (right or left); otherwise you may damage the switch.

8. Repeat steps 3 through 7 for the left motion-control lever.

Hydraulic Fluid Type: Toro^® HYPR-OIL^™ 500 hydraulic fluid

Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity: 4.7 L (159 fl oz)

Important: Use the fluid specified. Other fluids could damage the system.

Note: Check the hydraulic-fluid level when the fluid is cold.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Wait for the machine to cool.

4. Clean the area around the cap and the filler neck of the hydraulic tank (Figure 69).

   

   Figure 69

   1. Hydraulic-tank cap
   2. Cold fluid level

5. Remove the cap from the filler neck (Figure 69).

   Note: Look inside to check the fluid level in the reservoir.

6. Add fluid to the reservoir until it reaches the reaches the minimum cold fill level.

7. Install the cap on the filler neck.

Change the hydraulic fluid more frequently in severe conditions or in a hot operating climate. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer for a hydraulic kit to replace the hydraulic filters.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the fuel tank; refer to Removing the Fuel Tank.

4. Remove the hydraulic-reservoir cap.

5. Locate the drain plug in the bottom of each transmission and place a drain pan under the plugs (Figure 70).

   

   Figure 70

   1. Drain plug
   2. Hydraulic filter

6. Remove the drain plugs.

7. Allow the hydraulic fluid to fully drain from the machine.

8. Remove the hydraulic filter cap and filter from each transmission.

9. Install new hydraulic filters with the spring side facing out and install the filter caps.

10. Install the drain plugs and torque to 22 to 27 N∙m (16 to 20 ft-lb).

11. Loosen the vent plug in each transmission so that it is loose and wobbles (Figure 71).

    Note: This allows air to escape the hydraulic system as you add hydraulic fluid.

    

    Figure 71

    Left transmission shown

    1. Vent plug

12. Slowly add fluid to the hydraulic tank until it starts to come out 1 of the vent plugs.

    Important: Use the fluid specified in Hydraulic System Specifications or equivalent. Other fluids could cause system damage.

    Important: Monitor the level of fluid in the hydraulic tank so that you do not overfill it.

13. Tighten the vent plugs.

14. Install the hydraulic-tank cap.

15. Install the fuel tank.

16. Start the engine and let it run for about 2 minutes to purge air from the system.

17. Shut off the engine and check for leaks.

    Note: If 1 or both wheels do not drive, refer to Bleeding the Hydraulic System.

The traction system is self-bleeding, however, it may be necessary to bleed the system if fluid is changed or after work is performed on the system.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the rear of the machine onto jack stands high enough to raise the drive wheels off the ground.

4. Start the engine and move the throttle control to the idle position.

   Note: If the drive wheel does not rotate, assist the purging of the system by carefully rotating the tire in the forward direction.

5. Check the hydraulic fluid level as it drops, and add fluid as required to maintain the proper level.

6. Repeat this procedure for the opposite wheel.

To ensure a superior quality of cut, keep the blades sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement, keep extra blades on hand.

Note: Adjusting the compression spring alters how much the deck floats and the amount of effort needed to lift the deck when using the height-of-cut lever.

• More spring extension reduces the lever lift force required and causes the deck to float more.

• Less spring extension increases the lever lift force required and causes the deck to float less.

1. Raise the height-of-cut lever and lock it into the transport position.

2. Check the distance between the spring nut and the rear side of the welded mount bracket (Figure 83).

3. Ensure that the length is between 64 to 89 mm (2.5 to 3.5 inches) as shown in Figure 83.

4. If needed, adjust the distance by adjusting the bolt on the front of the mount bracket (Figure 83).

   

   Figure 83

   1. Deck-lift spring
   2. Spring nut
   3. Rear side of the mount bracket
   4. Adjustment bolt
   5. Length is between 47 to 50 mm (1.8 to 2 inches).

5. Repeat this procedure for the opposite deck-lift spring.

1. Remove the locknut, bolt, spring, and spacer holding the deflector to the pivot brackets.

   

   Figure 84

   1. Bolt
   2. Spacer
   3. Locknut
   4. Spring
   5. Spring (installed)
   6. Grass deflector
   7. J-hook end of the spring

2. Remove the damaged or worn grass deflector.

3. Place the spacer and the spring onto the grass deflector.

4. Place 1 J-hook end of the spring behind the deck edge.

   Note: Make sure that 1 J-hook end of spring is installed behind deck edge before installing the bolt as shown in Figure 84.

5. Install the bolt and the nut.

6. Place 1 J-hook end of the spring around the grass deflector.

   Important: The grass deflector must be able to rotate. Lift the deflector up to the full open position, and ensure that it rotates into the full-down position.

Remove the grass buildup under the mower daily.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, move the motion-control levers to the NEUTRAL-LOCK position, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Raise the front of the machine and use jack stands to support the mower.

Engine oil, batteries, hydraulic fluid, and engine coolant are pollutants to the environment. Dispose of these according to your state and local regulations.