604345 4-5 REV F
The fuel tanks are located in the mower’s fenders.
Remove the fuel cap slowly.
When threading the fuel cap onto the filler neck, tighten the
cap until it begins to click, then, continue to turn it until at least
three clicks are heard.
IMPORTANT: Do not overfill the fuel tanks. The fuel tanks
should be filled no higher than the bottom of the fill neck.
The fuel system is designed to leave room for the fuel to expand
with fuel temperature changes.
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or
higher. Maximum of 10% ethanol (E10) in fuel. Fuels with
greater than 10% ethanol, (such as E15, E20 and E85) voids
warranty. Fuels with greater than 10% ethanol are not approved
for use and such illegal use could cause equipment failure and
pose a fire hazard. Refer to the engine owner’s manual for fuel
specification requirements.
A fuel shut-off valve is located on each mower. Close the fuel
valve to prevent fuel flow to the engine. The valve’s two other
positions will allow fuel to be drawn from either one or the other
fuel tank. Figure 4-5
Engine Oil and Filter
Check engine oil daily and after every 4 hours of operation.
Machine must be sitting level when checking oil. Refer to
engine manual and maintenance schedule for oil
recommendation and capacities.
IMPORTANT: Change the engine oil and filter after the
first 5 hours of operation and per the engine manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations after that. If mower is being operated in
extremely dirty conditions, then it is recommended oil be
changed more frequently.
IMPORTANT: When removing the oil filter take precau-
tions to minimize oil spillage on the exhaust system.
Draining the engine oil:
1. Locate the oil drain valve and drain hose on the engine.
Figure 4-6
2. Position a suitable oil drain container under the machine
below the oil drain hose.
3. Twist the valve counterclockwise to open the valve.
Allow 10 minutes for engine oil to adequately drain.
4. After oil is drained, close the valve by twisting it
clockwise.
5. Clean up any spilled oil.
IMPORTANT: All oil drips or spills must be cleaned off
of the exhaust system before operating the machine.
Engine Air Filter
Perform engine air filter maintenance per the Maintenance
Schedule shown elsewhere in this manual.
A specially designed dry filter is standard equipment on these
• Do not fill fuel containers inside a vehicle or on a
truck or trailer bed with interior carpets or plastic
truck bed liners. Always place fuel containers on
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• When practical, remove gas powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel the equipment
with its wheels on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on the truck or trailer
using a portable container and not a fuel dispenser
nozzle. If a fuel dispenser nozzle must be used,
keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• Never use gasoline for cleaning parts.
• Read and observe safety precautions elsewhere in
this manual.
• Gasoline is harmful or fatal if swallowed.
• Long-term exposure to vapors can cause serious
injury and illness.
• Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
• Keep face away from nozzle and gas tank or fuel
container opening.
• Keep gas away from eyes and skin.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing imme-
diately.
Overfilling fuel tanks may cause the following:
• Engine damage
• Fire hazard!
Figure 4-5
If the engine has been running and is up to operating tem-
perature, allow the engine to cool before changing the oil.
Engine and engine oil will be very hot, so be very careful
when changing oil and wear the appropriate protective
gear to avoid being burned or exposed to engine oil.
Right fuel tank
Left fuel tank
Closed
position