53Maintenance Instructions CLEANING/CHECKING/SERVICINGHydrostatic Transmission Cooling FinsKeeping the cooling fins on the hydrostatic transmis-sions clean and free of obstruction is essential toavoid overheating the transmission fluid and short-ening transmission life. The cooling fins should bechecked every 100 hours; and cleaned ifnecessary.To clean the fins, use compressed air and/or a pres-sure washer. The cooling fins extend all the wayaround the housing -- the fins underneath need to beclean as well as the more visible fins above. Also,pay close attention to the area under the drive pulley.IMPORTANT: In case an oil leak develops on theinput shaft, the cooling fan blowing dusty air and oilon the transmission will quickly pack the cooling finswith oily dirt. If this condition occurs, replace theseal immediately to avoid overheating and damag-ing the transmission. The input shaft assembly andseal are easily replaced without removing the trans-mission from the machine.An additional procedure in maintaining transmissioncooling is to inspect the cooling fans. Replace thefan(s) if blades are missing or damaged.Hydrostatic Transmission Cooling FinsCHECKING/SERVICINGSecurity of Air Filtration ComponentsNOTE: The following inspection is only an externalinspection and should be done without “disturb-ing” the filtration components.On a daily basis, visually inspect the external condi-tion of the complete air cleaner system. Thefollowing items should be inspected:1. Check the Donaldson Radialseal™ air cleanercanister for damage. Make sure the cover is inplace and the cover latches are secure - do notrun the engine without the air cleaner cover inplace and secure.2. Inspect the air intake hose for cracks, nicks,cuts, etc., and check the hose clamps fortightness.BatteryNOTE: For initial battery service during setup, referto Battery Service in Assembly Instructions.IMPORTANT: Make sure battery is securelymounted in the frame. A loose battery may causedamage to the case resulting in acid leakage andsevere damage to the machine. A hazard may becreated by damage to critical working parts andsafety systems.Electrolyte LevelThe battery electrolyte level should be checked afterevery 25 hours of operation. To check electrolytelevel:1. Remove battery cell filler caps.2. Check the electrolyte level. If the level is belowthe bottom of the vent well, fill with drinkingwater to the bottom of the vent wells [1/4 to 1/2in. (6 to 13 mm) above the plates].CoolingFansCooling FinsDANGERTo prevent accidental starting of the en-gine when servicing or adjusting the ma-chine, remove the key from the ignitionswitch and disconnect the spark plug wire.