Cub Cadet ZT1 42 FAB Operation Manual - Page 25

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE LUBRICATION WARNING Before lubricating, repairing, or inspecting, always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove key to prevent unintended starting. • Using a quality lubricating oil, lubricate all lubrication points. Refer to Maintenance Schedule chart located in this manual for proper service intervals. 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. HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION Your zero-turn tractor is equipped with two hydrostatic pumps/ transaxles. Under normal operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion reservoirs does not need to be checked and no additional oil is needed. Changing the Transmission Oil Please see your authorized service dealer for transmission oil changes. Off-Season Storage If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (30 days or more), 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 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. Removing the Tractor from Storage 1. Check the engine oil. 2. Fully charge the battery and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. See tire side wall for proper tire inflation 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. 25