Cub Cadet RZT54 - Manual (Page 19)

Maintenance & Adjustments
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Maintenance
WARNING! Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage the PTO,
move the drive control levers fully outward in
the neutral position, engage the parking brake,
stop the engine and remove the key to prevent
unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual for all engine
maintenance intervals, procedures, specifications and
instructions.
Changing the Engine Oil
WARNING! If the engine has been recently run,
the engine, muffler and surrounding metal
surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the
skin. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:
Run the engine for a short time to warm the engine 1.
oil. The oil will flow more freely and carry away more
impurities. Use care to avoid burns from hot oil.
Locate the oil drain port on the right side of the engine.
2.
Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil drain 3.
valve to expose the drain port. Refer to Figure 6-1.
Remove the oil fill cap/dipstick from the oil fill tube.
Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual) onto
4.
the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of the hose
into an appropriate oil collection container with at least
a 2.5 quart capacity, to collect the used oil.
Pinch the tabs on the oil drain valve, then pull outward
5.
to begin draining oil. See Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1
After the oil has finished draining, push the end of the 6.
oil drain valve back in, until the tabs click into place.
Re-cap the end of the oil drain valve to keep debris
from entering the drain port.
Replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with new oil
7.
as instructed in the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual.
Air Cleaner
Service the pre-cleaner and cartridge/air cleaner
element as instructed in the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual.
Spark Plug
The spark plugs should be cleaned and the gap reset
once a season. Refer to the Kawasaki Owner’s Manual
for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Hydrostatic Transmission
Your zero turn tractor is equipped with dual integrated
hydrostatic pumps/transaxles that are sealed and
are maintenance-free. However, the model ZT 54 is
equipped with a transmission oil expansion reservoir.
Under normal operating conditions, the oil level in the
expansion reservoir does not need to be checked and
no additional oil is needed.
If checking the reservoir oil level, proceed as follows:
IMPORTANT: Check the oil level ONLY before starting
the tractor when the transmission oil is fully cooled.
Pivot the operator’s seat forward and clean •
the reservoir cap and the area around the cap
to prevent debris from contaminating the
transmission oil. See Figure 6-2.
Figure 6-2
Turn the reservoir cap counterclockwise to re-move,
then check the oil level in the reservoir. Oil should be
visible at the bottom of the cup, but the oil level must
NOT be above 1/4” from the bottom of the cup. DO
NOT FILL THE RESERVOIR.
If necessary to add oil because of some type of
leakage, use a quality 20W50 motor oil and add only
enough oil to bring the level within 1/4” of the bottom
of the reservoir. Reinstall the cap and fully tighten.
General Battery Information
WARNING!
Should battery acid accidentally splatter into •
the eyes or onto the skin, rinse the affected area
immediately with clean cold water. If there is
any further discomfort, seek prompt medical
attention.
Oil Fill Tube
Oil Drain Valve
Oil Filter Oil Fill Cap/Dipstick
Pivot seat
forward
Reservoir
Cap