Hey Tony,
Glad you like your tractor.
Here's a few things I want to pass on to you...
Adjust the deck wheels to about the middle position unless you mow lower than 4.
Check the spring clip in the linkage for the hydro pedals. Mine was binding and it would stay moving forward after you let off the pedal. It was binding on the right step.
Reroute the LF headlight wires so they don't touch the exhaust heat shield.
Check the tow-in. If you sight along the front wheels, the outside edges should line up with the rear tire edges. Mine was waaay off.
Change the oil at 5 hours. Somewhere deep in the owner's manual, it says this.
Change the hydro filter at 10 hours. Jack up the front of the tractor and do it quickly. It will lose about 1/2 quart of hydro fluid.
Check the hydro fluid level. Mine was overfilled at the factory. My service guy said it was fine that way, but the manual cautions about overfilling.
Remove the headlight bulbs and put them in the bag with the manual. You don't need them unless you're mowing in the dark, and if you are mowing in the dark, you want to make it harder for the neighbors to get a clean shot at you!
Check the air in the tires. Mine were overfilled, but that might be due to the altitude change.
When you finish mowing, fast-idle it for about a minute or so, then idle down and kill it.
When you shut it down, raise the hood and let it cool off. Otherwise the built up heat will stay in the engine compartment.
If you mow in setting 6 and it doesn't seem to cut right, check the tension on the belt that stays on the deck. Mine was binding the spring loaded take-up pulley and the belt was slipping.
Geez, I feel like I wrote a novel here. Hope some of this helps you or others!
- Rhoderman
