Cub Cadet Z-Force SX 48 Operation Manual - Page 18

Hydrostatic Transmission Your zero turn tractor is equipped with dual integrated hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir. Under normal operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion reservoir does not need to be checked and no additional oil is needed. If checking the reservoir oil level, proceed as follows: WARNING Check the oil level ONLY before starting the tractor when the transmission oil is fully cooled. 1. Clean the reservoir cap and the area around the cap to prevent debris from contaminating the transmission oil. See Figure 4-4. Figure 4-4 2. Turn the reservoir cap counter-clockwise to remove, then check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be visible at the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must NOT be above the "FULL COLD" line. See Figure 4-4. DO NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR. 3. If necessary to add oil because of some type of leakage, use a quality 20W50 motor oil and add only enough oil to bring the level to the "FULL COLD" line. Reinstall the cap and fully tighten. Note: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the oil level in the reservoir may be slightly higher than the maximum due to air in the oil lines. Operation of the tractor will eventually purge the air from the lines and the oil level will settle to the maximum. The transmission oil and filter should be changed after the first 75-100 hours and then every 400 hours thereafter. To change the transmission oil: 1. Remove the cap from the transmission oil expansion reservoir. See Figure 4-4. 2. Remove the three filter guard screws (a) and the filter guard (b). Clean any loose debris from around the filter (c). See Figure 4-5. (d) (a) (c) (a) (b) (a) 3. Place and oil drain pan with an eight quart capacity below the filter. 4. Remove the filter. 5. When the oil finishes draining, wipe the filter base and apply a new thin coat of oil to the base and replace the filter. 6. Re-install the filter guard. 7. Remove the top port plug (d) from the transaxles to allow the transaxles to vent during filling. See Figure 4-5. 8. Using a high-quality 20W50 motor oil, slowly fill the transaxles until oil appears at the top port on the transaxles, 9. Re-install the top port plugs (torque to 180 in-lbs.) and continue to fill until the "FULL COLD" line is reached. 10. Replace the reservoir cap and fully tighten. When replacing the transmission oil, a "purging" procedure should be performed to remove air form the system. The procedure should be performed with the rear wheels off the ground or in an area free of bystanders or objects. To perform the purging procedure: 1. Disengage the brake and open the bypass valve and start the tractor. See Figure 4-5. 2. Move the tractor in forward and reverse 5-6 times. 3. Check the oil level and add as necessary. 4. Repeat steps 1-3 until the transaxles operate at normal noise levels and normal speeds. Tractor Storage If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period 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 (including 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 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. WARNING Fuel left in the fuel tank deteriorates and will cause serious starting problems. 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. 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 manual, drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl. 3. Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly. 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. Note: Using a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended for cleaning your tractor. 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. Removing The Tractor From Storage 1. Check the engine oil. 2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. 3. Fill the fuel tank with clean, fresh gasoline. 4. Start the engine and allow to idle for a few minutes to ensure engine is operating properly. 5. Drive the tractor without a load to make certain all the tractor systems are functioning properly. Figure 4-5 18 Section 4 - Product Care