Section 7: Maintaining Your Garden Tractor; Cleaning The Engine And Deck - MTD White Outdoor GT2550 Operator's Manual

SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR

WARNING:
Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, set
parking brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the engine manual for maintenance details.
• Check engine oil level before each use as
instructed in the engine manual.
Oil Fill Cap
Oil Drain Hose
Oil Fill Tube
Figure 13
Changing Engine Oil
NOTE: Depending on the engine model found on your
tractor, it may be necessary to remove the tractor's side
panel in order to replace the oil filter (if so equipped).
• Unscrew oil fill cap and remove dipstick from the oil
fill tube. See Figure 13.
• Pop open the protective cap on the end of the oil
drain valve to expose the drain port. See Figure 13.
• Push the oil drain hose (packed with this manual)
onto the oil drain port. Route the opposite end of
the hose into an appropriate oil collection container
with a capacity great enough to collect the used oil
(approximately 64 oz.).
• Push the oil drain valve in slightly, then rotate
counterclockwise and pull outward to begin
draining oil. See Figure 13.
• Service the oil filter (if so equipped) as instructed
in the engine manual.
• Perform the above steps in the opposite order after
oil has finished draining.
• Refill the engine with new motor oil.
Refer to the engine manual for details
IMPORTANT:
about quantity and proper weight of motor oil.
Air Cleaner
Protective Cap
Oil
Drain Port
Drain
Valve
18
• Service the pre-cleaner, if so equipped, and
cartridge/air cleaner element as instructed in the
engine manual.
Spark Plugs
• Clean the spark plugs and reset the gap once a
season. Spark plug replacement is recommended
at the start of each mowing season. Refer to the
engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.

Cleaning the Engine and Deck

• Promptly wipe off any fuel or oil spilled on the
machine.
• Do not allow grass, leaves, and dirt to accumulate
around the cooling fins of the engine or on any
other part of the machine, especially the pulleys
and other moving parts.
The use of a pressure washer to clean
IMPORTANT:
your tractor is not recommended. Direct water pressure
on electrical components and the engine could reduce
life of the tractor and its serviceability.
Deck Wash System™
The tractor deck is equipped with a water port on its
surface as part of the Deck Wash System™. Use this to
rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside and
prevent build-up of corrosive chemicals. Complete the
following steps after each mowing:
• Drive the tractor to a level, clear spot on your lawn,
near enough to a water sillcock (spigot) for your
garden hose to reach.
Water Port
Figure 14
Make certain the tractor's discharge chute
IMPORTANT:
is directed away from your house, parked cars, etc.
• Disengage PTO, set the parking brake, and stop
the engine.
Hose Coupler
(Shown without
Hose Attached)