Simplicity 5200 Series User manual

5200
Series
Hydrostatic Lawn
Tractors
Operator's
Manual

This manual covers the following Manufacturer’s Numbers:
5212.5H: 12.5 HP TRACTOR
MFG. NO. 1691234
MFG. NO. 1691235
MFG. NO. 1691473
5216H: 16 HP TRACTOR
MFG. NO. 1690810
MFG. NO. 1690853
MFG. NO. 1690881
MFG. NO. 1690919
MFG. NO. 1690936
MFG. NO. 1691032
MFG. NO. 1691033
MFG. NO. 1691362
MOWERS: 42" MOWER
MFG. NO. 1690708
MFG. NO. 1691423
48" MOWER
MFG. NO. 1690709
MFG. NO. 1691425

Table of Contents
SAFETY RULES . 2
DECALS . 4
MOWER INSTALLATION & REMOVAL . 5
OPERATION. 8
CONTROLS . 8
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM . 9
PUSHING THE TRACTOR BY HAND . 10
BEFORE OPERATING . 10
STARTING THE ENGINE. 10
STARTING & STOPPING OPERATION. 10
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION. 12
MOWING PATTERN & TIPS . 12
NORMAL CARE . 13
OPERATING TIME. 13
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE . 13
RAISING HOOD/SEAT DECK . 13
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOR. 14
ADJUSTING THE SEAT . 15
CHECKING/ADDING GASOLINE . 15
CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL.15
FUEL FILTER . 16
BATTERY FLUID . 16
CLEANING THE BATTERY & CABLES. 16
TIRE PRESSURE . 17
TRACTOR STORAGE ..... 17
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE. 17
STARTING AFTER STORAGE .17
MOWER LUBRICATION. ‘‘8
SHARPENING BLADES . 18
MOWER OFF-SEASON STORAGE . 19
TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR .20
BATTERY REPLACEMENT .22
JUMP STARTING . 23
TRACTOR BELT REPLACEMENT . 24
MOWER BELT REPLACEMENT.25
ADJUSTMENTS .27
TRACTOR ADJUSTMENTS .27
TRACTOR BRAKE .27
ENGINE PULLEY BELT STOPS.27
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT . 28
TRANS. CONTROL LEVER .28
TRANS. ENGAGEMENT LEVER . 28
MOWER ADJUSTMENTS. 29
LIFT LEVER . 33
SPECIFICATIONS . 34
COMMON REPLACEMENT PARTS . 36
OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES 37
PARTS MANUAL AVAILABLE .39
In this manual “left” and “right” are referred
to as seen from the operating position.
1

saTexy nuies
A Read these safety rules and follow them closely . Failure to obey these rules
could result in loss of control of vehicle, severe personal injury to yourself or
bystanders, or damage to property or equipment The triangle ^ in the
text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed .
• Know the controls and how to stop
quickly. READ THIS OPERATORS
MANUAL and instructions furnished
with attachments.
• Do not allow children to operate the
machine. Do not allow adults to operate
it without proper instruction.
• Do not carry passengers. Do not mow
when children and others are around.
• Clear the work area of objects (wire,
rocks, etc.) that might be picked up and
thrown.
• Disengage all attachment clutches
and shift into neutral before attempting
to start the engine (motor).
• Disengage power to attachments and
stop the engine (motor) before leaving
the operator’s position.
• Disengage power to attachments and
stop the engine (motor) before making
any repairs or adjustments.
2
• Disengage power to attachments
when transporting or not in use.
• Take all possible precautions when
leaving the vehicle unattended, such as
disengaging the power-take-off, lower¬
ing the attachments, setting the parking
brake, stopping the engine, and
removing the key.
• Do not stop or start suddenly when
going uphill or downhill. Mow up and
down the face of steep slopes; never
across the face.
• Reduce speed and exercise extreme
caution on slopes and in sharp turns to
prevent tipping or loss of control. Be
especially cautious when changing
direction on slopes.
• Stay alert for holes, rocks, and roots in
the terrain and other hidden hazards.
Keep away from drop-offs.
• Use care when pulling loads or using
heavy equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch
points.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely
control.
c. Do not turn sharply. Use care when
backing.
d. Use counterweights or wheel
weights when suggested in this
operator’s manual.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or
near roadways.
• When using any attachments, never
direct discharge of material toward
bystanders or allow anyone near the
vehicle while in operation.
• Handle gasoline with care — it is
highly flammable.
a. Use approved gasoline container.
b. Never remove the fuel cap of, or add
gasoline to, a running or hot engine
or an engine that has not been

Safety Rules
allowed to cool for several minutes
after running. Never fill the tank
indoors and always clean up spilled
gasoline.
c. Open doors if the engine is run in
the garage — exhaust fumes are
dangerous. Do not run the engine
indoors.
• Keep the vehicle and attachments in
good operating condition, and keep
safety devices in place and in working
condition.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight
to be sure the equipment is in safe
working condition.
• Never store the equipment with
gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves, or excessive
grease.
• The vehicle and attachments should
be stopped and inspected for damage
after striking a foreign object, and the
damage should be repaired before
restarting and operating the equipment.
• Do not change the engine governor
settings or overspeed the engine.
• When using the vehicle with mower,
proceed as follows:
a. Mow only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
b. Never make a cutting height ad¬
justment while the engine (motor) is
running if the operator must
dismount to do so.
c. Shut the engine (motor) off when
removing the grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
d. Check the blade mounting bolts for
proper tightness at frequent in¬
tervals.
• Under normal usage, the grass
catcher bag material is subject to
deterioration and wear. Check bag
frequently for deterioration and wear
and replace worn bags. Check that
replacement bags comply with the
original manufacturer’s recommen¬
dations or specifications.
• Disengage power to mower before
backing up. Do not mow in reverse
unless absolutely necessary and then
only after observation of the entire area
behind the mower.
3

Decals
ALL WARNINGS. CAUTIONS, and in-
structional messages on your tractor
and mower should be carefully read and
obeyed. Personal bodily injury can re¬
sult when these instructions are not
followed. The information is for your
safety and it is important. The safety
messages on this page are on your
tractor and mower.
A DANGER
ROTATING CUTTING GLADE
•DO NOT OPERATE MOWER WITHOUT
DEFLECTOR OR ENTIRE GRASS
CATCHER IN PLACE.
A DANGER
ROTATING CUTTING BLADE
•00 NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET UNDER
MOWER DECK WHILE BLADE IS
ROTATING
SNOWTHROWER & 1
MOWER PTO
ENGAGE
B- ™
DISENGAGE
A CAUTION
TO A VOID POSSIBLE INJURY
• READ OPERATOR S MANUAL(S).
• KNOW LOCATION ANQ FUNCTION OF ALL
CONTROLS
• KEEP SAFETY QEVICES (GUARDS. SHIELDS
AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT C0UL0 BE THROWN
BY BLADE.
• 00 NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN ANO OTHERS
ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
• ALWAYS LOOK BEHIND MACHINE BEFORE
BACKING.
• 00 NOT MOW WHERE MACHINE COULD TIP
OR SLIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL. STOP
BLA0E ANO BACK SLOWLY DOWN.
• BE SURE BLA0E AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED
BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR
BLADE.
• WHEN LEAVING MACHINE REMOVE KEY ANO
SET PARKING BRAKE.
CAUTION
PULLEY GROOVE \
--cm-X—.
..
■ 4-1/16"
7 CLEARANCE
BRAKE PAD Jj
/ WITH
/ MOWER
1 ENGAGED
)
ALWAYS CHECK MOWER BRAKE PAD
TO V-PULLEY CLEARANCE WHEN
REPLACING BELT OR REPAIRING
MOWER. BRAKE PADS WILL BE
OAMAGED IF BRAKE PAD CONTACTS
PULLEY WHEN MOWER IS ENGAGED.
TRANSMISSION
ENGAGE
IMPORTANT: Do not
tow tractor. Damage to
transmission will result.
Disengage transmission
to manually push tractor.

Mower Installation &
Removal
A WARNING
Engage the parking brake, disengage
the PTO, stop the engine and remove
the key before attempting to install or
remove the mower.
NOTE
The lift chain (E, figure 1) should be
connected to the rear hole in lift arm
(D) unless optional large lift lever (B,
figure 8) is used to raise mower. With
large lift lever, connect chain in for¬
ward hole.
INSTALLATION
1. Place the tractor and mower on a flat,
level surface, such as concrete, with the
mower on the right side of the tractor.
2. Insert the end of the PTO rod (A, figure
1) from the right-hand side and work
the “S” bend (C) around until rod
appears as in figure 1.
3. Using the mower height control lever
(F, figure 7), place the mower in lowest
Figure 1. PTO Rod Connection (42"
mower shown)
A. PTO Rod D. Lift Bracket
B. PTO Arm E. Chain
C. "S" Bend
cutting height.
4. Turn the front wheels toward the left.
5. Place the lift lever fully forward so that
lift arm (B, figure 2) is in lowest posi¬
tion.
6. Slide the mower under the tractor so
that the lift chain (C, figure 2) is under
the lift arm (B).
7. Insert the link (A) into lift arm (B) then
pivot back and down. Secure chain (C)
to clevis (D) with pin (E) and clip (F).
(Early models are equipped with a
simple hook instead of clevis assembly
shown in figure 2.) If chain has four
links, be sure to use only three links.
8. Lift up front of mower and insert pins
(F, figure 3) to attach mower hitch arms
to tractor hitch (E). (You can insert a
pry bar under front edge of deck to
raise.)
Figure 2. Lift Assembly
A. Lift Link C. Chain E. Pin
B. Lift Arm D. Clevis F. Clip
5

Mower installation & Removal
Figure 3. L.H. Belt Stop
A. Belt Stop D. Mi
B. Belt E. Tr
C. PTO Pulley F. Pii
D. Mower Hitch Arm
E. Tractor Hitch
F. Pins
Figure 4. Mower Hitch Attached
A. Tractor Hitch
B. Pins
C. Safety Clips
D. Drive Belt
Figure 5. Right-Hand Belt Stop - 42'
Mowers
A. Belt Stop
B. PTO Pulley
C. Belt
9. Install the clips (C, figure 4) in the pins.
10. Slip the mower drive belt onto the
engine PTO pulley loosening belt stops
as necessary. The left-hand belt stop is
shown in figure 3. The right-hand belt
stop for 42" mowers is shown in figure
5. Position belt stops 1/16" from belt.
11. Insert the rear end of the PTO rod in the
hole marked “MOW” in the PTO arm
(B, figure 6). Insert the spring clip (C).
12. I f installing mower for the first time,
check the following adjustments.
a. Mower belt tension (page 27).
b. PTO pulley belt stops (page 27).
c. Mower belt stops (page 27).
d. Mower levelling (page 28).
e. Blade brake (page 30).
f. Lift lever (page 31).
6

Mower Installation & Removal
A. PTO Rod
B. Tractor PTO Arm
C. Spring Clip
REMOVAL
1. Place mower in lowest cutting height.
Lower the lift lever. Disengage the PTO
lever.
2. Remove the belt from the PTO pulley,
loosening belt stops as necessary.
3. Remove the spring clip (C, figure 6) and
pull PTO rod from hole. Reinstall the
spring clip in the rod for storage.
4. Unhook the lift chain (C, figure 2) from
the clevis (D).
5. Pull the safety clips from the hitch pins.
Push the pins out while holding mower
hitch up then allow mower to drop
down.
6. Turn the tractor wheels as far as they go
to the left.
7. Slide the mower out from under the
tractor from the right side.
7

OPERATION
CONTROLS
Ref.
Name
Function
A
Clutch-Brake
Disengages tractor clutch when pressed down at least
halfway. Applies brake when fully depressed. Engages
parking brake when latched over footrest.
B.
Optional
Lift Lever
Lifts and holds attachments in transport position (only
required with attachment other than mower).
C Ignition
Switch
Operates with key to start, run, or stop engine.
Light Switch
Switches headlights on or off.
m
Lift Lever
Lifts and holds mower in transport position.
F
Mower Height
Control Lever
Adjusts mower cutting height.
G
PTO (Power
Take Off)
Lever
Engages and disengages power to attachments. Pull
back to disengage.
H
Transmission
Control Lever
Controls ground speed and forward/reverse motion.
Push toward left to move out of neutral (center)
position. Push down to go forward. Pull up to go rearward.
1
Engine Speed
Control
Position from SLOW to FAST to control engine speed.
J
Gas Gauge/
Cap
Shows amount of gasoline in the tank and serves as
tank cap.
K
Choke
Pull out to aid starting engine.
L
Seat Deck
Latch
Pull down on latch underneath left foot rest while
raising seat deck.
M
Seat Safety
Switch
Shuts off engine if operator leaves seat when PTO is
engaged and/or hydrostatic control lever is in forward/
reverse slot.
8

Operaticn
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Your tractor is equipped with a seat switch
safety system that will automatically shut
the engine off when the operator leaves the
seat with PTO engaged or with the
transmission lever in gear. The tractor
engine will continue to run when the
operator leaves the seat if the PTO is
disengaged and the transmission is in
neutral.
Check the seat switch (A, figure 7B) every
fall and spring with the following three tests.
Make sure the wiring harness (B) is securely
plugged into the switch.
Test 1 — Engine should not crank if:
A. Seat not occupied, or;
B. Transmission lever out of neutral, or;
C. PTO engaged.
Test 2 — Engine should crank if:
A. Seat is occupied, and;
B. Transmission lever in neutral, and;
C. PTO disengaged.
Test 3 — Engine should shut off if:
A. Operator rises off seat with transmission
in gear or;
B. Operator rises off seat with PTO engaged.
Figure 7B.
A. Seat Switch
B. Wiring Harness
.WARNING
If the tractor does not pass the test, do
not operate tractor. See your author¬
ized dealer. Under circumstance should
you attempt to defeat the purpose of
the safety system.
9

Operation
^^CAUTION
Do not tow tractor. Transmission
damage may result.
PUSHING THE TRACTOR BY HAND
Never push the tractor faster than walking
speed. To push, the transmission must be
disengaged. To do this, raise the seat deck to
expose the transmission engagement lever
(A, figure 7C). Push the lever forward to
disengage the transmission. Pull toward left
and pull lever back to engage the
transmission.
BEFORE OPERATING
1. Refer to Normal Care Chart and per¬
form any needed care.
2. Clear the work area of any objects
which may be caught in or thown by the
attachment.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Seat yourself on tractor seat in oper¬
ating position. Set the parking brake.
2. Place transmission control lever in
NEUTRAL. The lever will snap into
NEUTRAL notch when moved to
center position.
3. Lift the PTO lever fully back to
disengage the attachment.
4. Pull out the choke knob.
5. Insert the key into ignition switch and
turn to START. Release when engine
starts.
6. Push in the choke knob as engine
warms.
Figure 7C.
A. Transmission Engagement Lever
STARTING & STOPPING OPERATION
1. Start the engine as described in
previous procedure.
2. Place the engine speed control lever
between 3/4 and full speed. Full engine
speed is recommended, especially if
mowing thick grass or blowing heavy
snow.
3. Release the parking brake by depress¬
ing pedal and unlatching from end of
footrest.
4. If possible, the first motion should be
straight forward or back. Position the
front wheels straight ahead.
5. To go forward, move transmission
control lever to left to move out of
neutral, then press downward. The
farther downward you press, the faster
forward ground speed.
To go rearward, move transmission
control lever to left to move out of
neutral, then pull up. The farther
upward you pull lever, the faster
rearward ground speed.
10

Operation
6. Use the ground speed control lever to
select appropriate ground speed for
conditions (keep RPM level high). If
the terrain if rough, hilly or sloping,
drive slowly. You should also drive
slowly to cut thick grass or blow heavy
snow. On level ground, with light grass
or snow, you can use full speed.
7. Use the transmission control lever to
slow down for turns or to trim around
objects, then increase speed.
8. To stop, move the transmission control
lever into NEUTRAL position. For a
more rapid stop, depress the clutch-
brake pedal. If you stop by depressing
the pedal, move control lever to
NEUTRAL before releasing pedal.
9. Before leaving the operator seat:
a. Stop tractor motion and engage
parking brake.
b. Disengage the PTO and lower the
attachment.
c. Set engine speed control halfway
between fast and slow (if tractor
backfires when shutting off, move
speed control a little higher than
halfway). Stopping a hot engine too
fast may cause engine damage. Let
engine idle for about a minute.
However, do not idle engine for an
extended period - it may cause
carbon buildup.
d. Turn key to OFF and remove it.
e. Place transmission control lever into
forward position. This will help
prevent accidental starting. The
control lever must be in neutral to
start.
^W A R N I N G
Never operate on slopes greater than
30 percent (16.7°) which is a rise of
three feet vertically in 10 feet
horizontally. When operating on
slopes that are greater than 15 percent
(8.5°) but less than 30 percent, use
rear wheel weights (see your dealer).
Select slow ground speed before
driving onto slope. Mow up and down
the slope, never across the face, use
caution when changing directions and
DO NOT STOP OR START.
WARNING
To reduce fire hazard, keep the
engine, tractor and mower free of
grass, leaves and excess grease._
^j^WARNING
Before leaving the operator’s position for
any reason, engage the parking brake,
disengage the PTO, stop the engine and
remove the key. _

Operation
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION
Refer to figure 7D. Depressing pedal from
position A to B disengages transmission
drive. Depressing pedal further from
position B to G will also apply tractor brake.
Parking brake is applied at position C when
pedal is latched over foot rest as shown in
figure 7D.
A-*1623
Figure 7D. Brake/Clutch Pedal
MOWING PATTERN & TIPS
For the first use of the mower choose a
smooth level area. Cut long straight strips
overlapping slightly.
The size and type of area to be mowed will
determine the best mowing pattern to use.
Obstructions such as trees, fences and build¬
ings must also be considered. Where pos¬
sible, make one or two passes in a clockwise
direction around the outside of the area to
keep cut grass off fences and walks. The
remainder of the mowing should be done in
a counterclockwise direction so the clippings
are dispersed on the cut area.
Where possible, keep the left side of the
mower toward trees, posts, or other obsta¬
cles on the first pass around the obstacles to
keep hand trimming to a minimum.
On moderate size, frequently mowed lawns
where grass is light and dry, it is sometimes
practical to mow in a clockwise direction so
that clippings are thrown toward the center
of the lawn and concentrated for pickup and
removal.
Most lawns should be mowed to keep the
grass approximately two to three inches (50
to 76 mm) high. Best results are obtained by
cutting often and not too short. To help keep
a green lawn, never mow more than one
third off the height of the grass, or a
maximum of one inch (25 mm), in one
mowing. For extremely long grass, set the
cutting height at maximum for the first pass,
and then reset to the desired height and mow
again.
On thick, or springy grass or soft ground, the
mower rollers sink into the ground giving
too low a cut. Adjust the cutting height as
necessary. For best appearance, grass should
be cut in the afternoon or early evening (in
daylight) where it is free of external mois¬
ture.
Where possible, change patterns occasion¬
ally to eliminate matting, graining or a
corrugated appearance.
12

Normal Care
DETERMINE OPERATING TIME
Determining operating time is easily accom¬
plished if the tractor is equipped with an
optional hourmeter. If not, multiply the time
it takes to do one job by the number of times
you’ve done the job.
NORMAL CARE SCHEDULE
A schedule for normal care is provided in
Table 1.
RAISING HOOD & SEAT DECK
To raise the hood, grasp both sides of the
hood near the dash. Pull sides of hood
outward and tilt the hood forward.
To raise the seat deck, position yourself as
shown in figure 8. Pull down on the release
located underneath the left-hand footrest
and raise the seat deck.
Do not close the seat deck with the release
lever pulled down.
Schedule ‘
Care Required
- r
See
- r
i
Before
First
Use
Before
Each
Use
Every
5-Hours
i
i
** 1
Every
25
Hours
Yearly j
or |
Every |
100
Hours
Check gas gauge
P. 13
•
•
Check tractor & mower for
loose nuts, screws, bolts,
oil leaks, etc.
•
•
•
Check engine oil level
Eng. Manual
•
•
•
i
i
Clean engine & air filter
Eng. Manual
•
—
Change engine oil*
Eng. Manual
•
***
Lubricate tractor & mower
P.12,16
•
•
Check battery fluid
P. 14
•
•
•
Clean battery & cables
P. 14
•
Sharpen/balance blade
P. 16
•
Inspect spark plugs
Eng. Manual
•
Check fuel filter
P. 14
•
Check tire pressures
P. 15
•
•
Check transmission fluid
P. 13
•
***
‘Change original engine oil after first 5 hours of operation.
“More often in hot (over 85°F; 30°C) weather or dusty operating conditions.
‘“If used year round - check in spring & fall
Table 1. Schedule of Normal Care - Tractor & Mower 13

Normal Care
oil can is shown wipe the area clean, apply a
few drops of oil (S AE 30), then wipe up drips
or spills. Keep oil off belt and brake pads.
Figure 9. PTO Lever Lubrication
Figure 8. Opening the Seat Deck
LUBRICATING THE TRACTOR
Lubricate the tractor as shown in figure 9
thru 11. When a grease gun is shown, wipe
the fitting clean, apply two or three shots of
grease and wipe off excess grease. When an
14
m
5353^
\
Figure 10. Front Axle Lubrication
(Two grease fittings on each side)
Ml
ill
flL:
Figure 11. Clutch & Control Rod
Lubrication (underneath tractor)

Normal Care
ADJUSTING THE SEAT
Raise the seat deck. While holding the seat,
loosen the four capscrews that secure seat to
seat deck hinges. Position the seat as desired,
then tighten the capscrews.
Seat springs can be adjusted for operator
comfort. Move springs forward for lighter
operator or toward the rear for heavier
operator.
CHECKING/ADDING GASOLINE
Check the gas gauge/cap to be sure there is
enough gasoline to complete the job. To add
gasoline, remove the gas gauge/cap. Refer
to your engine manual for gasoline recom¬
mendations. Install and hand tighten the gas
gauge/cap.
CHECK TRANSMISSION FLUID
LEVEL
There are two fluid levels that must be
checked. The Hydrostatic Transmission and
the Differential fluid level. Proceed as fol¬
lows.
Hydrostatic Fluid Level
1. Allow tractor to cool after operation.
Fluid must be cool for an accurate
check.
2. Raise the seat deck.
3. The fluid level is visible in the reservoir
(figure 12) without removing cap. The
level should be at COLD level mark. If
not, go to step 4.
Figure 12. Hydrostatic Reservoir
A. Reservoir
4. Remove the reservoir cap and add to
cold level mark. Ask your dealer or refer
to Common Replacement Parts section
of this manual for recommended fluid.
If the existing oil is black or milky, see
your dealer to determine cause.
5. It will take a while for the oil to seep
thru a filter screen into the transmis¬
sion. Check the level again after operat¬
ing tractor a few times. If level is
consistently low, see your dealer to
check for leaks.
Differential Fluid Level
1. The check plug is located on the front of
the differential. For this reason, it would
be easier to check the fluid in the spring
before installing the mower or in the fall
after removing the mower.
2. Remove the check plug (A, figure 1) by
turning counterclockwise. If the level is
at the bottom of the hole, the fluid level
is OK. If not, add oil. Ask your dealer or
refer to Common Replacement Parts
section of this manual for recommended
oil.
3. Reinstall the check plug.
15

Normal Care
Figure 13. Differential Check Plug
A. Check Plug (viewed from underneath)
The fuel filter is located in fuel line between
fuel tank and carburetor. If filter is dirty or
clogged, replace as follows. Place a con¬
tainer below filter to catch spilled gasoline.
1. Using a pliers, open and slide hose
clamps from fuel filter.
2. Remove hoses from filter.
3. Install new filter in proper flow direc
tion in fuel line. Secure by reclamping
with hose clamps. See warning at begin¬
ning of procedure.
CHECKING BATTERY FLUID
1. Raise the seat.
2. Remove filler caps, one at a time.
3. Fluid must be even with split ring full
mark (figure 14). If not, add distilled
water.
CHECKING THE FUEL FILTER
^^ WARNING
Do not remove fuel filter when engine is
hot, as spilled gasoline may ignite. Do
not spread hose clamps further than
necessary. Insure clamps grip hoses firm¬
ly over filter after installation.
4. R einstall filler caps.
CLEANING THE BATTERY & CABLES
A WARNING
Be careful when handling the battery.
Avoid spilling electrolyte. Keep flames
and sparks away from the battery.
WARNING
When removing or installing battery
cables, disconnect the negative cable
FIRST and reconnect it LAST. If not
done in this order, the positive terminal
can be shorted to the frame by a tool.
1. Disconnect the cables from the battery,
negative cable first (figure 14).
Figure 14. Battery
A. Positive Terminal C. Battery Clamp
B. Negative Terminal
16

Normal Care
2. Remove the battery clamp, then re¬
move the battery.
3. Scrub the battery, cables, and battery
compartment with baking soda and
water.
4. Clean the battery terminals and cable
clamps with a wire brush.
5. Reinstall battery and clamp (figure 14).
6. Connect cables, positive cable first.
7. Coat cable clamps and terminals with
grease or petroleum jelly.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
Check air pressure of all four tires. Front
tires should be 12 to 15 psi (82 to 103 kPa).
Rear tires should be 6 to 8 psi (41 to 55 kPa).
A gauge with one-pound markings will be
necessary for an accurate check.
TRACTOR NORMAL STORAGE
Clean all grass and dirt from the mower. To
protect your tractor, store it in an enclosed
dry area. Do not store it in an enclosure
where fumes from the fuel tank could reach
an open flame. Clean the seat with a vinyl
cleaner.
To store your tractor in a cold area between
winter snow removal jobs, we suggest that
you fill the fuel tank at the completion of
each job to prevent water condensation in
the fuel tank. Wait for engine to cool before
filling tank.
TRACTOR OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When the tractor is to be stored for two
months or longer, take precautions as fol¬
lows:
A WARNING |
Gasoline is highly flammable. Keep open
flame or spark away from gasoline and
fuel tank. Never store tractor where
gasoline fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. __
1. T o empty or prepare fuel tank:
a. Run tractor engine until it stops
from lack of fuel, or;
b. Use a gasoline stabilizer. This addi¬
tive, available from your dealer,
prevents formation of gum and var¬
nish for up to one year. With the
additive, fuel may remain in your
tank for long periods.
2. Change engine oil while the engine is
still warm. Record the type and weight
of oil put in crankcase.
3. Remove spark plugs. Pour one ounce
(30 ml) of SAE 30 oil into engine
through spark plug holes. Crank engine
a few times to distribute oil and then
reinstall the spark plugs.
4. Lubricate the tractor.
5. Check battery fluid level. Battery life
will be extended if it is removed and
stored in a cool, dry place, and fully
charged.
6. Clean tractor thoroughly. Coat all ex¬
posed bare metal parts with a good
quality paint (obtainable from your
dealer) or a light film of grease or oil.
STARTING AFTER STORAGE
1. Replace battery, if removed. Be sure
terminals and clamps are clean.
2. Remove the spark plug and wipe dry.
Crank engine a few times to blow excess
oil out of plug hole. Reinstall the plug.
3. Fill fuel tank with fresh gasoline (unless
a fuel stabilizer was used).
17

Normal Care
4. Clean engine fins and air filter. (See
engine manual.)
5. Check fluid levels and tire pressure.
(See Normal Care Chart.)
6. Start the engine outdoors. Do not run
engine at high speeds immediately after
starting.
LUBRICATING THE MOWER
Lubricate the mower as shown in figures 15,
16, 17 and arbor (under deck). Use an oil can
with medium weight (S AE 30) oil. Brush and
wipe dirt and grass from the area before
applying oil. Wipe up drips and spills. Keep
oil off belts and pulleys.
Figure 15. Lubricate height control
lever & point where roller bar
contacts bracket.
Figure 16. Lubricate clevises &
points where roller bar contacts
brackets.
Figure 17. Lubricate hitch, PTO rod
& PTO arm.
SHARPENING & BALANCING THE
BLADES
1. Remove the mower from the tractor.
2. Position the mower as in figure 18.
Secure the mower so it will not fall or
slide.
WARNING
Do not handle the mower blades with
bare hands. Avoid touching the cutting
edge. Careless or improper handling of
blades may result in serious injury.
3. Remove any dirt or foreign matter from
inside the mower deck and blade.
4. To remove the blade for sharpening use
a wooden block to hold blade while
removing the capscrew (figure 18).
5. Use a file to sharpen blade to fine edge.
Remove all nicks and dents in blade
edge. If blade is severely damaged, it
should be replaced.
6. Check and balance blade. Use a balanc¬
ing machine or the fixture shown in
figure 19. Center the blade on a nail
lubricated with a drop of oil. A bal-
18