Cub Cadet XT1 LT50 FAB Operation Manual - Page 28

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Lubricating Deck Wheels The wheels on the deck which are spherical shaped (50" and 54" decks have four) are equipped with a grease fitting. Lubricate with a No. 2 multi-purpose grease applied with a grease gun per the maintenance schedule. Lubricating Pivot Points & Linkage Lubricate all the pivot points on the drive system, parking brake and lift linkage per the Maintenance Schedule. NOTE: It is not necessary to grease the steering pinion/sector gear interface. Doing so will allow dirt to accumulate and can affect steering performance. 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. Spark Arrestor Maintenance (If equipped) Spark arrestor assemblies must be inspected and cleaned periodically (see the Maintenance Schedule chart in this manual). Visually inspect the screen for tears, broken wires or loose welds. Replace the spark arrestor assembly if any of these conditions exist. If the screen is in good condition, clean the screen by brushing away loose dirt or carbon particles. Tires Keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressures. Improper inflation will shorten the tire service life. See the tire side wall for proper inflation pressures. Refer to Maintenance Schedule chart located in this manual for proper service intervals. 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 under-inflated. Have it inspected and serviced by a qualified tire mechanic. Off-Season Storage If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (30 days to approximately six months), the lawn tractor should be prepared for storage. Store the lawn tractor in a dry and protected location. If stored outside, cover the lawn tractor (including the tires) to protect it from the elements. The procedures outlined below should be performed whenever the lawn tractor is placed in storage. 1. Change the engine oil and filter following the instructions provided in this manual as well as the Engine Operator's Manual provided with this tractor. WARNING Never store the tractor with fuel in the tank indoors 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. b. Using a fuel stabilizer for storage between 30 and 90 days: • Read the product manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. • 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. • Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems. c. Emptying the fuel system for storage of more than 90 days: • Prior to putting the tractor in storage, monitor fuel consumption with the goal of running the fuel tank empty. • Run the engine until it begins to stall. Use the choke to keep the engine running until all fuel in the carburetor has been exhausted. • Referring to the Engine Operator's Manual, drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl. 3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly. NOTE: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended for cleaning your tractor other than to clean the underside of the deck. It may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability. 4. Fully charge the battery, then disconnect the negative cable at the battery to prevent possible discharge. Recharge the battery periodically when in storage. NOTE: Remove the battery if exposed to prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Store in a cool, dry location where temperatures are above freezing. 5. Lubricate all lubrication points. 28