Maintenance Instructions LUBRICATION48LUBRICATIONProper lubrication is an important maintenance pro-cedure. It reduces wear and makes the machinequieter and easier to operate.Engine OilEngine Break-In OilNo special break-in oil is required. The engine isserviced with 10W-30, Service Class SG oil from thefactory. Change the oil after the initial engine break-in period of 35 hours. Thereafter, change oil afterevery 100 hours of operation.Checking Engine Crankcase Oil LevelCheck the engine crankcase oil level before use andafter each 5 hours of continuous operation.IMPORTANT: The importance of checking andmaintaining the proper crankcase oil level cannot beoveremphasized. Check the oil level BEFOREEACH USE.1. Park the mower on a level surface with the en-gine stopped. Also, make sure the engine iscool and oil has had time to drain into the sump[allow at least five (5) minutes after stoppingthe engine].IMPORTANT: NEVER check or add oil with theengine running.2. Before removing the dipstick, clean the areaaround the dipstick to keep any dirt or debris outof the engine.3. Remove the dipstick, wipe off with a clean rag,then reinsert the dipstick into the tube and pressall the way down.4. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil lev-el on the dipstick. The oil level should be withinthe “Operating Range” on the dipstick (betweenthe lower mark and the upper mark).IMPORTANT: DO NOT operate engine withouta sufficient oil supply in the crankcase. DO NOToperate with the oil level below the lower mark orabove the upper mark on the dipstick.5. If additional oil is needed, refer to Specificationsfor proper crankcase lubricant. Fill up to, butnot above, the upper mark on the dipstick.IMPORTANT: DO NOT overfill the crankcase(oil above upper mark) as this CAN result inengine overheating, loss of power, and possi-ble engine damage.Dipstick Operating RangeChanging Engine Crankcase Oil/Oil FilterChange the engine crankcase oil after every 100hours of operation and replace the oil filter everyother oil change (every 200 hours of operation).1. Park the mower on a level surface with the en-gine stopped. The engine oil should be warmbefore draining. If not warm from operation,start the engine and run a few minutes to warmthe oil.2. Before removing the dipstick and oil fill cap,clean the area around them to keep any dirt ordebris out of the engine.3. Remove the dipstick, oil fill cap, and oil drain plugand drain the oil into a suitable container. Besure to allow ample time for complete drainage.WARNINGDO NOT attempt to lubricate the machinewith the engine running. Disengage thePTO clutch, shut off the machine, and re-move the ignition key.Upper MarkLower Mark