14MAINTENANCE1. Engine oil level: Check daily with engine cold and on a flat surface. Remove the dipstick andwipe clean. Reinsert the dipstick all the way,but do not screw down. Remove the dipstick andcheck oil level. If oil level is low add oil. Use engine manufacturers specs for type of oil.2. Pump drive belt: Stop engine and remove key. Check the tension on the belt.3. Mower blades: Stop engine and remove key. Inspect blades and sharpen or replace as needed.Check daily or more often if needed. The machine requires more power with dull blades andgives a poor cut. If blades get bent, replace them. Blades shouldn’t have any notches fromhitting objects. The air foil on top of the blade should be sufficient to raise the grass forcutting. If blades are in good condition, sharpen at an angle of 22 to 28 degrees about 2-1/2inches in from the tips. Note: After sharpening, check blades for proper balance, if neededcorrect balance to prevent excessive vibration.4. Safety interlock system: Check daily and never operate the mower if this system is not func-tioning properly.5. Hardware: Stop engine and remove key, thoroughly inspect the entire machine for any miss-ing or loose hardware. Check daily.6. Air cleaner: Stop engine and remove key. Remove plastic cover and loosen wingnut on theair cleaner. Remove the foam pre-cleaner and wash or replace if needed. Inspect paper filterand replace if dirty. Check every 25 hours, daily if in very dirty conditions. Fuel efficiency,engine RPM, and available power goes down rapidly if the air filter is dirty. Prolonged effectscould damage the engine.7. Engine oil: Change oil to manufacturers specifications. Stop engine and remove key. Drainoil when engine is warm. Thoroughly clean around cap before removing. Remove oildrain cap from the right side of engine block and replace drain cap. Remove oil filter andreplace. Put a light coat of clean oil on the filter gasket before installing. Fill engine with oilusing manufacturers specs, see Kawasaki owner’s manual. Start engine and idle slowly toallow the oil to recoat the interior of the engine and then inspect for leaks.8. Hydraulic oil: Check daily. Thoroughly clean around cap. Remove cap. Oil level should be1” below the bottom of the fill tube. If not, add oil. NOTE: Use only 15w - 50 mobil1.9. Tire pressure: Check every 25 to 50 hours. Pressure in all four tires should be 15 PSI.10. Belts: Check every 25 hours. Stop engine and remove key. Check the condition of all belts.12. Lubrication (every 25 hours): Caster tires and front caster pivots (Clean grease zerk thor-oughly before greasing)13. Fuel filter: Replace every 100 hours or as needed.