Cub Cadet ZT2 54 Operation Manual - Page 19

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Hydrostatic Transmission Your zero turn tractor is equipped with two hydrostatic pumps/transaxles. Some models are equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir. Under normal operating conditions, the oil level in the expansion reservoirs does not need to be checked and no additional oil is needed. Checking & Adding Transmission Oil WARNING 9. Re-install the top port plugs. Torque to 180 in-lbs (20.3 N-m). and continue to fill until the "FULL COLD" line is reached. 10. Replace the reservoir cap and fully tighten. 11. Repeat the process for the other transmission. 12. 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: 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 33. 2. Turn the Figure 33 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 33. 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. a. Disengage the brake and open the bypass valve and start the tractor. b. Move the tractor in forward and reverse 5-6 times. c. Check the oil level and add as necessary. d. Repeat steps a-c until the transaxles operate at normal noise levels and normal speeds. Off-Season Storage If your tractor is not going to be operated for an extended period of time (thirty 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 manual packed 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. Note: Prior to the initial operation of the tractor, the oil level in the reservoir may 2. If storing the tractor for 30 days or more: 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. 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 4. Repeat the process for the other transmission. with a stabilizer to prevent deterioration. Changing the Transmission Oil & Filter (If Equipped) b. Using a fuel stabilizer for storage between 30 and 90 days: Note: Refer to maintenance schedule chart located in this manual for proper service intervals. To change the transmission oil: 1. Remove the cap from the transmission oil (d) expansion reservoir. See Figure 33. 2. Remove the three filter guard screws (a) and the filter guard (b). Clean any loose debris from around the filter (c). See Figure 34. (a) (c) (a) 3. Place and oil drain pan with an eight quart (7.6 liter) capacity below the filter. (b) (a) 4. Remove the filter. Figure 34 5. When the oil finishes draining, wipe the filter base and apply a thin coat of fresh oil on the filter base. 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 34. 8. Using a high-quality 20W50 motor oil, slowly fill the transaxles until oil appears at the top port on the transaxles. • 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 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. 19