Cub Cadet ZTX4 54 Operation Manual - Page 19

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 5. When the oil finishes draining, wipe the filter base and apply (d) a thin coat of fresh oil on the filter base. 6. Re-install the filter guard. (a) 7. Remove the top port plug (d) from the transaxles to allow the transaxles to vent during filling. See Figure 34. (c) (a) (a) (b) 8. Using a high-quality 20W50 motor oil, slowly fill the transaxles until oil Figure 34 appears at the top port on the transaxles. 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: 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. 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 5 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. 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. Adjustments Deck Leveling If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, leveling adjustments can be performed. WARNING If the tractor has been recently run, the engine, muffler and surrounding metal surfaces will be very hot and can cause burns to the skin. Let the engine cool for at least five minutes. Exercise caution to avoid burns. Leveling the Deck (Side-to-Side) 1. Park the tractor on a firm, level surface. 2. Ensure that all tires are properly inflated. 3. Place the deck lift handle or deck lift knob in a middle mowing position and rotate both outside blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor. 4. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they're not, proceed to the next step. 19