JOHN DEERE 212 (01) PDF MANUAL

JOHN DEERE 212 (01) PDF SUMMARY:

What safety precautions should I take when using the tractor?

Improper use of the tractor and its equipment can result in injury. To reduce this possibility, give complete and undivided attention to the job at hand, and follow these safety precautions.

• Know your controls. Read the operator’s manual and the manuals provided with your equipment. Learn how to stop the tractor, engine, and equipment quickly in an emergency.
• Do not allow children to operate the machine, nor adults to operate it without proper instructions.
• Keep children and pets a safe distance away. Never permit any person other than the operator to ride or board the tractor at any time.
• Clear work area of objects which might be picked up and thrown. Do not use tractor for mowing unless the mower discharge chute guard is in place.
• Disengage all attachment clutches and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine. Start the engine carefully. Keep feet and hands well away from the blades.
• Always wear relatively tight and belted clothing when operating tractor. Loose jackets, shirts, sleeves or other loose clothing should not be worn because of the danger of catching them in moving parts or controls.
• Read and observe all “CAUTION” and “WARNING” decals appearing on tractor and equipment.
• Never direct discharge of any material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near machine while it is in operation.
• Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment. Use only approved drawbar hitch points. Limit loads to those you can safely control. Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing. Use counterweight(s) or wheel weights when suggested in the owner’s manual.
• Watch out for traffic when crossing or working near roadways.
• Disengage power to attachments and stop engine (1) before leaving operator position, (2) before making any repairs or adjustments, or (3) when transporting or not in use.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving tractor unattended; such as disengaging power-take-off, lowering attachments, shifting into neutral, setting parking brake, stopping engine and removing key.
• Handle gasoline with care—it is highly flammable. Use approved gasoline container. Never remove cap or add gasoline to a running or hot engine or fill fuel tank indoors. Wipe up spilled gasoline. Open doors if engine is run in garage—exhaust fumes are dangerous. Do not run engine indoors. Never smoke while refueling.
• Never store equipment with gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Do not change engine governor settings or overspeed engine.
• Keep vehicle and attachments in good operating condition and keep safety devices in place.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure equipment is in safe working condition.
• Keep engine free of grass, leaves or excessive.

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How do I fill the gas tank?

1. Wipe dust and dirt from around gas tank cap before removing it.
2. Open fuel shut-off valve.
3. Fill gas tank with fresh, clean “regular” grade gasoline having an octane rating of 85 or higher. Non-leaded gasoline is recommended. Low-lead or leaded “regular” grades are acceptable if the octane rating is 85 or higher.
   • DO NOT use premium, ethyl, or white gasoline, or regular gasoline having an octane rating below 85. Never use special additives such as carburetor cleaners, deicers or moisture-removing liquids in the gasoline.
   • IMPORTANT: Do not mix oil with gasoline. Be sure fuel containers are clean.

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How do I start the engine?

1. Disengage PTO clutch by pulling lever rearward.
2. Fully depress clutch pedal and shift transmission into neutral. Depress brake pedal and lift parking brake knob. Move knob to left and release into long vertical slot.
   • NOTE: The engine will not start unless the PTO is disengaged and the transmission is in neutral.
3. Raise the throttle lever to the 1 / 4 open position.
4. If the engine is cold, pull the choke knob out.
   • NOTE: It usually isn’t necessary to choke a warm engine.
5. Turn ignition key to “START” position.

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What should I be aware of when operating the tractor?

1. Never operate your tractor without brakes.
2. Be sure the parking brake is “off” when the machine is operated.
3. Do not “ride” the brake pedal. Use brakes for stopping only.
4. If brakes begin to feel “spongy” or “weak”, adjust the brakes or see your John Deere dealer.

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How do I operate the tractor?

1. Fully depress the clutch pedal. Keep clutch pedal depressed. Fully depress the brake pedal and lift parking brake knob. Move knob to the right and release into short vertical slot.
2. Shift transaxle into desired gear. Always stop.
3. Move the power take-off (PTO) clutch lever upward to engage power-driven equipment.
   • CAUTION: If tractor is to be used to power an elevator or other machine operated by the PTO attachment (extra equipment), disconnect mower drive belt or remove mower from tractor.
4. Move throttle lever up to full throttle position. Power-driven equipment should be operated at full throttle.
5. Release the brake pedal and slowly release the clutch pedal.
6. Press the thumb release and move the variable speed control lever forward to increase travel speed.
7. Tractor speed may be varied with the foot-operated clutch pedal. Place the variable speed control lever in the desired forward position. Depressing the clutch pedal reduces travel speed. Releasing the clutch pedal provides the original travel speed selected with the variable speed control lever.

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How do I stop the tractor?

Remove the ignition key each time you leave the tractor. This prevents unauthorized use of the tractor and assures that lights and ignition are off.

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How does the manual lift control system work?

1. Press thumb release and move lift lever forward to lower mounted equipment; rearward to raise equipment. Release thumb pressure to lock lever in position.
2. To set depth control, first turn depth control knob counterclockwise until tight. Next, lower equipment to desired operating height. Then, turn depth control knob clockwise until tight.

Proper adjustment of the depth control allows the mower or center blade to return to the same pre-set height each time it is raised and lowered. This assures uniform cutting height or blading depth.

The depth control also enables the operator to lock the mower or center blade in the raised position while using the manual lift lever to operate front- or.

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How does the electric lift control system work?

Move the lift lever forward to lower equipment; rearward to raise equipment.

• NOTE: This electric lift system is position-responsive. The equipment moves up or down in direct proportion to the amount the lift lever is moved forward or rearward.
• IMPORTANT: Turn the deck depth control knob counterclockwise as far as possible. This allows the console depth control knob to be used to set mower or center blade depth.

To set mower or center blade depth, turn both depth control knobs counterclockwise until tight. Lower mower or blade to desired height and turn console depth control knob clockwise until.

To lock mower or center blade in raised position, raise mower or blade all the way up and turn deck depth control knob clockwise until tight. The electric lift can now be used to operate front- or rear-mounted equipment.

• NOTE: Front- and rear-mounted equipment can be operated position-responsive or at a pre-set depth, depending on how the console depth control is set. The electric lift is always position-responsive from the pre-set depth to the fully raised position. Front- or rear-mounted equipment cannot be locked in the raised position with either the deck or console depth control knobs.

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How does the hydraulic lift control system work?

The hydraulic lift control system operates primarily the same as the manual lift control system. The hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers equipment instead of doing it manually with a lift lever.

Refer to manual lift control system for the method of setting depth control knob.

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How do I adjust the position of the seat?

Adjust seat by loosening knobs and sliding seat forward or backward to the most comfortable position. Tighten knobs.

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How do I adjust the rear wheel tread?

Rear wheels are factory assembled in the narrow tread position. For greater stability, especially on hillsides, wheels can be turned around on the hubs for a wide wheel tread.

Tractors with GT-3 or GT-5 High-Flotation Tires

Remove wheel bolts; turn wheel around with valve stem inward, and reassemble wheel on hub.

Tractors with GT-4 or GT-8 Traction Tires

Remove wheel bolts, turn wheel around with valve stem inward and reassemble each wheel on the opposite side of the tractor. Interchanging right-hand and left-hand rear wheels is required to maintain the proper direction of rotation for traction tires. Tread (and arrow) on tire must point forward in direction of travel.

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How do I adjust the integral hitch?

Use the manual, electric or hydraulic lift lever to raise or lower the integral hitch.

Adjust the height of the hitch with the handwheel. Turn the handwheel clockwise to lower the hitch.

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What mower safety precautions should I take?

When using your tractor with a mower:

1. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
2. Never make a cutting height adjustment while engine is running, if you must dismount to do so.
3. Shut engine off when unclogging discharge chute.
4. Check blade mounting bolts for proper tightness at frequent intervals.
5. Do not use tractor for mowing unless mower discharge chute guard is in place.
6. Keep all shields and discharge chute guard in place.
7. Before servicing machine: disengage power, shut off engine, make sure knife arms have stopped revolving, disconnect engine spark plug cable.
8. Do not stand near machine while knives are in motion.
9. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from power-driven parts.

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What does the service interval chart include?

• Check crankcase oil level
• Clean engine air intake side panels and grille
• Change engine crankcase oil
• Clean air filter
• Check battery electrolyte level
• Check tire pressure
• Clean engine shrouds and cooling fins
• Check transaxle lubricant level. (Change lubricant every 500 hours or 2 years)
• Check spark plug gap
• Clean fuel strainer
• Lubricate grease fittings
• Repack PTO clutch bearing

Use the service interval chart as a reminder of periodic and seasonal services that must be performed to keep your tractor running smoothly. If necessary, refer to the appropriate page in the “Lubrication” or “Maintenance” sections of this manual for detailed instructions on how to perform the service.

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How do I check the engine crankcase oil level?

Daily or every 5 hours of operation, check the engine crankcase oil level. Park the tractor on a level surface, stop the engine, and raise the hood. Wipe dust and dirt from around the dipstick. Pull out the dipstick to check oil level.

If necessary, add John Deere Torq-Gard Supreme engine oil or its equivalent of the proper viscosity to bring oil level up to the full “F” mark on the dipstick when the dipstick is pushed in tight.

We recommend John Deere Torq-Gard Supreme engine oil for use in the engine crankcase. This oil provides superior lubrication under all conditions. NEVER PUT ADDITIVES IN THE CRANKCASE. Torq-Gard Supreme oil was formulated to provide all the protection your engine needs. Additives could reduce this protection rather than help it.

If oil other than Torq-Gard Supreme is used, it must conform to one of the following specifications:

• API Service CD/SE, CD/SD, CC/SD or SD
• MIL-L-46152
• MIL-L-2104C*

As further assurance of quality, the oil should be identified as suitable for AP/ Service Designation SD.

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How often should I change the engine crankcase oil?

Change oil after first two hours of operation and every 25 hours or each week of operation, thereafter. Drain crankcase when oil is hot and all dirt and foreign material is in suspension.

• NOTE: Change oil every 8 hours when working in extremely dusty conditions.
• IMPORTANT: Check dipstick reading before pouring in the last 1 /2-pint (0.2365 I). Fill only to “F” mark. Overfilling can cause engine overheating, resulting in permanent damage to the engine.

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How do I check the transaxle lubricant level?

Each month or every 100 hours of operation, check the transaxle lubricant level. Park the tractor on a level surface, shut off engine, and set the parking brake.

Remove the plug from the oil level filler hole in the front of the transaxle. The lubricant should be even with the filler hole. If necessary, use a pressure oil can to add lubricant through the filler hole until oil spills out.

Use AM30200 Transmission Lubricant in transaxle. This select, non-foaming lubricant is especially suited for the transaxle and can be purchased from your John Deere dealer in 1 /2-pint (0.2365 I) cans.

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How do I repack the power take-off clutch bearing?

Each spring and fall repack the PTO clutch bearing. Remove the right-hand engine side panel for access to the PTO clutch.

Using a 1 /2-inch socket wrench with extension, loosen the cap screw holding the PTO clutch brake in place. Loosen cap screw only enough to permit removal of the PTO clutch assembly.

John Deere High-Temperature Grease is available in one-pound (0.45 kg) cans.

Slide the PTO sheave assembly on the shaft and replace the clutch arm. Lock arm in place with clip.

Refer to and adjust the clutch brake so the distance between the brake and clutch cup sheave is 1 /32-inch (O. 79 mm) when the clutch is engaged. Tighten the cap screw. Replace engine side panel.

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Where are the tractor grease fitting locations?

• Front Wheel Hubs
• Front Axle Spindles
• Steering Gear
• Brake Pedal Shaft
• Primary Lift Shaft (2)
• Brake Shaft (grease from the front)
• Rear lift pivot (if the tractor is equipped with an integral hitch)

Each spring and fall lubricate the grease fittings illustrated above with John Deere Multi-Purpose.

Use either a hand grease gun or the John Deere Pisto-Luber with flexible hose and throw-away tube available from your dealer. (Be sure to puncture grease tube before using Pisto-Luber.)

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How do I check the hydraulic lift lubricant level?

This information is not available in the provided text.

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How do I open the grille and remove engine side panels?

This information is not available in the provided text.

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How do I clean the engine air intake side panels and grille?

Daily or every 5 hours of operation, make a visual check of the grille and side panel air intake openings. The engine is air-cooled and must have an ample supply of air to prevent it from overheating. Wipe off all dirt or debris from the air intake openings; check openings often, especially when mowing or mulching leaves.

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How do I clean the air filter?

Weekly or every 25 hours of operation (more often when operating in extremely dusty conditions), clean.

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How do I clean the engine shrouds and cooling fins?

Be sure the engine cooling fins and the shrouds which enclose them are clean at all times. Dirt, oil and other debris which may have entered through the screens may lodge on cooling fins, restricting the normal air flow. Overheating causes serious damage to engine parts.

Raise tractor hood and remove engine side panels to gain access to engine shrouds.

Remove screws holding shrouds in place and brush dirt from cooling fins. Clean inside of shrouds thoroughly. Soak off oil deposits with a safe solvent.

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How do I check the battery electrolyte level?

Every 25 hours or each week of operation, check the electrolyte level of each cell by removing the cap. Water should completely cover the plates at all times. If necessary, fill each cell with distilled water to the top of the circular split ledge in the filler tube.

• IMPORTANT: When adding water to battery during freezing weather, run engine at least an hour to make sure water and electrolyte have mixed thoroughly.

Keep the battery fully charged during the winter to prevent freezing. A trickle-type battery charger can be obtained from your John Deere dealer to keep the battery charged when tractor is not in use.

Keep battery connections tight at all times, especially when charging. Loose cables will cause arcing.

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How do I clean the battery?

Remove negative ( – ) battery cable first. Remove positive ( + ) battery cable last. Use a wire brush to remove corrosion around battery terminals. Wash terminals with a solution consisting of one part baking soda to four parts water. Do not allow cleaning solution to run into battery cells.

Wash entire battery case, platform and hold-down parts with clear water and wipe dry.

Coat battery terminals with petroleum jelly. Connect positive ( + ) battery cable first. Be sure both cables are tight. Place plastic cover over positive cable.

Be sure top and bottom vent holes in each cell cap are open.

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How do I set the spark plug gap?

Use a round, wire-type feeler gauge to check the spark plug gap after every 100 hours of operation.

The distance between electrodes should be 0.025 inch (0.635 mm).

Bend the outer electrode only to obtain proper gap.

If the electrodes have burned short or have become pitted, install a new spark plug.

Use a spark plug wrench to remove plug. Always use a new spark plug gasket when replacing plug. Tighten plug to 15 to 20 ft-lbs (20 to 27 Nm) torque.

• NOTE: In Canada, compliance with radio interference regulations certified. Replace spark plug with resistor spark plug only. See “Specifications” for spark plug type and part number.

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How do I adjust the carburetor?

If the engine misses, backfires, surges or starts hard, carburetor adjustment may be required.

Depress clutch pedal and move shift lever into NEUTRAL. Disengage PTO clutch. Set parking brake before adjusting carburetor.

Idle adjustment and high-speed adjustment must be made at the same time as each affects the other. Adjust as follows:

1. Turn high-speed mixture needle clockwise until closed. Close finger tight only. Then open 2
2. Turn high-speed mixture needle 1 /8 turn each time, clockwise or counterclockwise, until engine runs smoothly at full throttle. Keep needle position slightly on the rich side (open) when operating tractor with power-driven equipment such as the mower or snow thrower.
3. Move throttle lever to “SLOW” position and turn idle mixture needle 1 /8 turn each time, clockwise or counterclockwise, until engine idles smoothly.
4. Advance throttle lever quickly to check for uniform acceleration. If engine misses, gas-air mixture is too lean. Turn high-speed mixture needle counterclockwise until positive acceleration can be obtained.

If excess exhaust smoke is noticed, mixture is too rich. Readjust idle mixture needle, if necessary, until good balance is achieved and engine idles smoothly between 1700 and 1900 rpm.

The idle speed screw adjusts the speed at which the engine idles. This is factory-adjusted and will not normally require adjustment. Leave all other adjustments of carburetor and governor to your John Deere service technician.

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How do I adjust the rear wheel brake?

This information is not available in the provided text.

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How do I check tire pressures?

Check tire pressures after storage, when changing attachments, and weekly during use. Use a low-pressure tire gauge to check tire pressure. Inflate tires to pounds-per-square-inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) shown in chart below.

Use the high psi or kPa readings for heavy front loads such as loaders; mid-range readings for blades and snow throwers, and low readings for normal lawn use.

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How do I clean the fuel strainer?

1. Close the fuel shut-off valve and disconnect the hose from valve.
2. Attach a 12-inch length of 1 /4-inch rubber hose, open the shut-off valve and drain the gas tank into a clean container.
3. Remove hose from valve and unscrew the shut-off valve assembly from the gas tank.
4. Thoroughly clean all particles from the in-line strainer.
5. Reinstall the valve assembly, close the valve, connect the hose, and fill the gas tank.
6. Disconnect hose at fuel pump and open the fuel shut-off valve. When gas begins to run out, connect the hose. This procedure will prevent an air lock in the gas line.

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How do I adjust the hydraulic lift pump drive belt?

This information is not available in the provided text.

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How do I adjust the power take-off (PTO) clutch?

1. Remove right-hand engine side panel.
2. Engage PTO clutch control lever.
3. Adjustment is necessary if clutch lining wear has reduced spring tension gap to zero or, if clutch does not engage drive properly.
4. Spring tension gap should be 3/32 inch (0.228 mm) between washer and clutch arm with PTO clutch control lever engaged. To adjust, loosen jam nut and turn adjusting nut on or off adjusting link until spring tension gap is correct. Tighten jam nut after adjustment.
5. After adjusting PTO clutch, adjust PTO clutch brake so it stops the PTO clutch sheave in 4 seconds at an engine speed of 3600 rpm under no load when PTO clutch control lever on dash of tractor is disengaged.

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How do I adjust the PTO clutch brake?

Shut off tractor engine and engage PTO clutch control lever on tractor dash. Place a feeler gauge between PTO clutch brake and PTO clutch sheave. When properly adjusted, distance between brake and sheave should be no more than 1 /32-inch (0. 79 mm). Refer to instructions below if adjustment is required.

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How do I adjust and replace the breaker points?

1. Open the tractor grille and remove the left-hand engine side panel.
2. Remove ignition point cover and rotate engine flywheel until breaker points are fully open.
3. Check point gap with a 0.020-inch (0.5080 mm) feeler gauge. If adjustment is required, loosen locking screw and move screwdriver in V-slot until points are properly set. After tightening locking screw, recheck point gap.
4. To replace points, remove locking screw and screw. Be sure lock washers are in place when installing new points.

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How do I replace the master circuit breaker?

The tractor is equipped with a 25-amp master circuit breaker to protect the entire electrical system (except the electric lift which is extra equipment and neutral-start system), in case of a short circuit or electrical overload. The circuit breaker, attached to the starter solenoid, is located under the battery base.

The circuit breaker will automatically reset after the cause of the electrical short or overload is corrected. If a circuit breaker should require replacement, see your John Deere dealer.

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How do I replace the electric lift fuse?

This information is not available in the provided text.

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How do I adjust the steering?

If the tractor is difficult to steer or hard to control, adjust the tractor steering components as follows:

Adjusting Steering Gear Bearings

Adjust bearings to take play out of steering gear. To adjust, remove nut and disconnect drag link from lever arm.

Remove cotter pin from adjusting plug.

Tighten adjusting plug into housing to 10 to 14 ft-lbs (13.6 to 17.6 Nm) torque.

Install cotter pin.

Re-connect drag link to lever arm.

Adjusting Steering Gear Backlash

Adjust steering gear so there is a slight drag at mid-point as the steering wheel is turned through its full range of travel.

Then loosen inside jam nut just enough to remove spacer.

Tighten outside jam nut to 40 ft-lbs (54.23 Nm) torque.

Tighten tapered stud into housing until it is snug.

Tighten jam nut to 40 ft-lbs (54.23 Nm) torque.

Turn steering wheel through its full range of travel for final test.

Adjusting Toe-In

Measure distances. The tractor has proper toe-in or alignment when dimension (A) is 3/16-inch less than dimension (B).

The overall length of the drag link determines left and right turning radius.

To equalize turning radius, disconnect the drag link from lever arm. Position wheels straight ahead.

Turn steering wheel through its full range, counting the number of turns. Turn wheel half-way back. Loosen jam nuts at the drag link. Then lengthen or shorten drag link until it can be attached to lever arm.

If drag link interferes with left front tire, loosen drag link ball joint jam nuts. Rotate drag link inward (toward center of the tractor). Lock ball joint jam nuts and re-test for equal turning.

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How do I replace headlight bulbs?

Periodically check to be sure headlight bulbs are functioning properly and that bulbs are not burned out.

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How do I perform variator adjustments?

Linkage Adjustment

1. To adjust the variator linkage, place the variable speed control lever in notch 5 on the quadrant, which is the third notch from the front of the tractor.
2. Pry button plug from adjusting hole in right side of the tractor pedestal and loosen cap screw one to two turns with a 3/4-inch (19.050 mm) socket wrench.
3. Disconnect spark plug cable and ground. Turn ignition key to crank engine several revolutions with starter until the clutch pedal raises as high as it will go.
4. Take up slack in linkage by pushing down on cap.

Spring Adjustment

To obtain desired torque and load sensing characteristics, adjust the variator spring as follows:

For greater load sensitivity (variator increases torque earlier under load) loosen the spring tension by lengthening the eyebolt. For less load sensitivity, tighten the spring tension by shortening the eyebolt.

Belt Guide Adjustment

This information is not available in the provided text.

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How do I inspect and replace V-belts?

Inspecting V-Belts

The V-belts transmit power by friction and a wedging action against the sheaves. All belts and sheaves wear with use. Normal wear can be recognized as even wear, both on the belt and sides of sheaves.

A slight raveling of the belt does not indicate premature belt failure. Cut off the raveling when the covering begins to peel.

When evidence of extreme or abnormal belt wear is noted, check first for faulty sheaves. A bent, nicked or chipped sheave will cause rapid belt wear. Replace sheaves found in this condition.

Belt wear, tractor vibration, and erratic operation will result when dirt becomes packed and lodged in V­ grooves of the sheaves. Check especially the variator sheave. Loosen and clean dirt from all sheaves.

Cleaning V-Belts

Clean belts by wiping them with a clean cloth. Avoid use of solvents since this will soften the belt materials and cause the clutch to grab. Replace belts found to be oily or greasy.

Do not use belt dressings. Dressings often give only temporary gripping action while softening the belt and causing eventual deterioration, and shortening of the belt life.

Replacing Primary V-Belt

Remove right-hand side panel. Unclip PTO arm and push it to the rear away from the machine.

Loosen cap screw securing PTO brake shoe enough so PTO clutch sheave can be pulled off the engine crankshaft.

Move the variable speed control lever forward. Push up on secondary belt idler and remove the secondary belt from variator sheave.

Depress clutch pedal so secondary belt may be pulled past brake pedal shaft.

Loosen the primary belt guide at the variator and remove the primary belt.

Replacing Secondary V-Belt

To replace a worn or broken secondary belt, move variable speed control lever forward. Raise the secondary belt idler and slip secondary belt off variator.

Depress clutch pedal to allow secondary belt to be pulled past the brake pedal shaft.

Loosen three cap screws on the transmission driven sheave and slide sheave off hub far enough to remove secondary belt.

Install new belt on variator sheave.

Raise secondary belt idler and install belt on transmission driven sheave. Tighten cap screws onto driven sheave.

After belt replacement, check variator and brake adjustments.

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How do I prepare the tractor for storage?

Engine

1. When engine is warm, drain oil and refill with proper viscosity oil.
2. Drain gasoline tank. Start engine and run it out of fuel. Drain carburetor by loosening nut on bottom of carburetor bowl.
3. Remove, clean and reinstall fuel strainer. Also drain gasoline from fuel lines.
4. Remove all oil, grease and dirt from around engine and related parts.
5. Use spray paint or brush and touch up all unpainted areas to prevent rust.
6. Remove spark plug and pour in one tablespoonful SAE 30 oil. Turn engine over at least two times and replace spark plug.

Tractor

1. Remove battery and store where it will not freeze. Check electrolyte level. Refill and charge fully.
2. Clean tractor exterior thoroughly, removing all mud, dirt, grease and other material.
3. Block up tractor to take weight off tires. Store tractor in cool, dark and dry place if possible to prevent excess tire deterioration.
4. Wipe and clean belts with a dry cloth.
5. Remove belt tension from all belts. Lock parking brake to remove tension from primary belt. Block up secondary idler. Disengage clutches on belt-driven equipment.

Your dealer is equipped to give your tractor a complete service check and make recommendations for replacing parts in need of attention.

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How do I prepare the tractor for use after storage?

Engine

1. Close fuel shut-off valve and refill gasoline tank. Be sure to remove fuel line from fuel pump to prevent airlock. Open fuel shut-off valve and connect hose when gas begins to run out.
2. Clean spark plug and set gap.
3. Check breaker point gap.

Tractor

1. Reinstall battery. Check electrolyte level.
2. Check transaxle lubricant level.
3. Check tire inflation.

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What do I do if the starter is inoperative or will not turn the engine?

• Move transaxle shift lever to neutral position.
• Disengage PTO clutch.
• If solenoid clicks but engine will not start, charge battery.
• Check for faulty transaxle, PTO, and seat neutral-start switches.
• Check and clean battery connections.

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What do I do if the engine is hard to start?

• Disconnect fuel line at fuel pump to make sure gas is getting to carburetor. Clean fuel lines if they are gummed or plugged.
• Clean in-line fuel strainer and refill gas tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
• If dirty fuel is the cause of hard starting, have your service technician clean the carburetor.
• Adjust carburetor.
• Check spark plug for proper gap.
• Replace spark plug if electrodes are pitted or fouled.
• If breaker points are worn, pitted, or incorrectly gapped, see your John Deere dealer.

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What do I do if the engine misses under load?

• Check spark plug for proper gap.
• Replace spark plug (use correct type) if electrodes are pitted or fouled.
• Check for lean fuel mixture. Adjust carburetor high-speed mixture needle.
• See your service technician if other ignition or carburetor adjustments are necessary.

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What do I do if the engine knocks?

• Use only fresh regular grade or non-leaded gasoline having an octane rating of 85 or higher.
• Check carburetor adjustment for lean fuel mixture.
• Keep engine air intake side panels, grille and shrouds clean to prevent overheating.
• Check crankcase oil level. Fill to full “F” mark on dipstick.

NOTE: If engine knock has developed because of lack of crankcase oil, have your dealer check condition of connecting rod and cap.

Have your service technician check for possible loose connecting rod, improper timing, or excessive carbon in the combustion chamber.