This technical manual is written for an experienced
technician and contains sections that are specifically for
this product. It is a part of a total product support
program.
The manual is organized so that all the information on a
particular system is kept together. The order of grouping
is as follows:
INTRODUCTION
Safety
Specifications and
Information
• Table of Contents
• Specifications
• Component Location
• System Schematic
• Theory of Operation
• Troubleshooting Chart
• Diagnostics
• Tests & Adjustments
• Repair
Note: Depending on the particular section or system
being covered, not all of the above groups may be
used.
Each section will be identified with a symbol rather than a
number. The groups and pages within a section will be
consecutively numbered.
We appreciate your input on this manual. If you find any
errors, or want to comment on the layout of the manual,
please mail your comments back to us.
Direct exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause
serious injury. Potentially hazardous chemicals used
include such items as lubricants, coolants, paints, and
adhesives.
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provides specific
details on chemical products: physical and health
hazards, safety procedures, and emergency response
techniques. Check the MSDS before you start any job
using a hazardous chemical. That way you will know
exactly what the risks are and how to do the job safely.
Then follow procedures and recommended equipment.
When you work around fuel, do not smoke or work near
heaters or other fire hazards.
Store flammable fluids away from fire hazards. Do not
incinerate or puncture pressurized containers.
Make sure machine is clean of trash, grease, and
debris.
Do not store oily rags; they can ignite and burn
spontaneously.
Be prepared if a fire starts.
Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency numbers for doctors, ambulance
service, hospital, and fire department near your
telephone.
• DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
Improperly disposing of waste can threaten the
environment and ecology. Potentially harmful waste
includes oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters, and
batteries. Use leakproof containers when draining
fluids. Do not use food or beverage containers that
may mislead someone into drinking from them. Do not
pour waste onto the ground, down a drain, or into any
water source. Inquire on the proper way to recycle or
dispose of waste from your local environmental or
recycling center.
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SAFETY
USE CARE IN HANDLING AND
SERVICING BATTERIES
• PREVENT BATTERY EXPLOSIONS
• Keep sparks, lighted matches, and open flame
away from the top of battery. Battery gas can
explode.
• Never check battery charge by placing a metal
object across the posts. Use a volt-meter or
hydrometer.
• Do not charge a frozen battery; it may explode.
Warm battery to 16°C (60°F).
• PREVENT ACID BURNS
• Sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is poisonous. It is
strong enough to burn skin, eat holes in clothing,
and cause blindness if splashed into eyes.
• Avoid acid burns by:
1. Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves.
2. Avoiding breathing fumes from electrolyte.
3. Avoiding tipping battery.
4. Use proper jump start procedure.
USE SAFE SERVICE PROCEDURES
• WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate to the job.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing. Wear a suitable hearing
protective device such as earmuffs or earplugs to
protect against objectionable or uncomfortable loud
noises.
Operating equipment safely requires the full attention
of the operator. Do not wear radio or music
headphones while operating machine.
• SERVICE MACHINES SAFELY
Tie long hair behind your head. Do not wear a necktie,
scarf, loose clothing, or necklace when you work near
machine tools or moving parts. If these items were to
get caught, severe injury could result.
Remove rings and other jewelry to prevent electrical
shorts and entanglement in moving parts.
• If you spill acid on yourself:
1. Flush your skin with water.
2. Apply baking soda to help neutralize the acid.
3. Flush your eyes with water for 10–15 minutes.
4. Get medical attention immediately.
• If acid is swallowed:
1. Drink large amounts of water or milk.
2. Then drink milk of magnesia, beaten eggs, or
vegetable oil.
3. Get medical attention immediately.
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• USE PROPER TOOLS
Use tools appropriate to the work. Makeshift tools and
procedures can create safety hazards. Use power tools
only to loosen threaded parts and fasteners. For
loosening and tightening hardware, use the correct
size tools. DO NOT use U.S. measurement tools on
metric fasteners. Avoid bodily injury caused by slipping
wrenches. Use only service parts meeting John Deere
specifications.
SAFETY
• PARK MACHINE SAFELY
1. Depress brake pedal fully.
2. Move park lever into lock position.
3. Check that shift lever has returned to neutral.
4. Make sure blade drive lever is pulled back fully.
5. Move throttle lever to SLOW IDLE position and
allow engine to idle for approximately 30 seconds
before turning key switch to OFF position. Remove
the ignition key to prevent accidental starting.
• Before working on the machine:
1. Lower all equipment to the ground.
2. Stop the engine and remove the key.
3. Disconnect the battery ground strap.
4. Hang a “DO NOT OPERATE” tag in operator
station.
• WORK IN CLEAN AREA
• Before starting a job
1. Clean work area and machine:
2. Have all the necessary tools to do your job
3. Have the right parts on hand.
4. Read all instructions thoroughly; do not attempt
shortcuts.
• ILLUMINATE WORK AREA SAFELY
Illuminate your work area adequately but safely. Use a
portable safety light for working inside or under the
machine. Make sure the bulb is enclosed by a wire
cage. The hot filament of an accidentally broken bulb
can ignite spilled fuel or oil.
• WORK IN VENTILATED AREA
• SUPPORT MACHINE PROPERLY AND USE
PROPER LIFTING EQUIPMENT
TS229
If you must work on a lifted machine or attachment,
securely support the machine or attachment with jack
stands rated to support the lifted load.
Do not support the machine on cinder blocks, hollow
tiles, or props that may crumble under continuous load.
Do not work under a machine that is supported solely
by a jack. Follow recommended procedures in this
manual.
Lifting heavy components incorrectly can cause severe
personal injury or machine damage. Follow
recommended procedure for removal and installation
of components in the manual.
Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death. If
it is necessary to run an engine in an enclosed area,
remove the exhaust fumes from the area with an
exhaust pipe extension.
If you do not have an exhaust pipe extension, open the
doors and get outside air into the area.
WARNING: California Proposition 65 Warning
Diesel engine exhaust and some of its constituents are
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects, and other reproductive harm.
Gasoline engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State Of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
• REMOVE PAINT BEFORE WELDING OR HEATING
Avoid potentially toxic fumes and dust. Hazardous
fumes can be generated when paint is heated by
welding, soldering, or using a torch. Do all work outside
or in a well ventilated area. Dispose of paint and
solvent properly. Remove paint before welding or
heating: If you sand or grind paint, avoid breathing the
dust. Wear an approved respirator. If you use solvent
or paint stripper, remove stripper with soap and water
before welding. Remove solvent or paint stripper
containers and other flammable material from area.
Allow fumes to disperse at least 15 minutes before
welding or heating.
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SAFETY
• AVOID HARMFUL ASBESTOS DUST
Avoid breathing dust that may be generated when
handling components containing asbestos fibers.
Inhaled asbestos fibers may cause lung cancer.
Components in products that may contain asbestos
fibers are brake pads and some gaskets. The asbestos
used in these components is usually found in a resin or
sealed in some way. Normal handling is not hazardous
as long as airborne dust containing asbestos is not
generated.
Avoid creating dust. Never use compressed air for
cleaning. Avoid brushing or grinding material
containing asbestos. When servicing, wear an
approved respirator. A special vacuum cleaner is
recommended to clean asbestos. If not available, apply
a mist of oil or water on the material containing
asbestos. Keep bystanders away from the area.
• SERVICE TIRES SAFELY
REPLACE DECALS
Replace missing or damaged Decals. See the machine
operator's manual for correct safety sign placement.
LIVE WITH SAFETY
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause
serious injury or death.
Do not attempt to mount a tire unless you have the
proper equipment and experience to perform the job.
Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate
the tires above the recommended pressure. Never
weld or heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can
cause an increase in air pressure resulting in a tire
explosion. Welding can structurally weaken or deform
the wheel.
When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension
hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and
NOT in front of or over the tire assembly. Use a safety
cage if available.
• Check wheels for low pressure, cuts, bubbles,
damaged rims or missing retaining hardware.
Before returning machine to customer, make sure
machine is functioning properly, especially the safety
systems. Install all guards and shields.
DO NOT use these values if a different torque value or tightening procedure is given for a specific application.
Torque values listed are for general use only. Check tightness of fasteners periodically.
Shear bolts are designed to fail under predetermined loads. Always replace shear bolts with identical grade.
Fasteners should be replaced with the same or higher grade. If higher grade fasteners are used, these should only
be tightened to the strength of the original.
Make sure fasteners threads are clean and that you properly start thread engagement. This will prevent them from
failing when tightening.
Tighten plastic insert or crimped steel-type lock nuts to approximately 50 percent of the dry torque shown in the
chart, applied to the nut, not to the bolt head.
Tighten toothed or serrated-type lock nuts to the full torque value.
a
“Lubricated” means coated with a lubricant such as engine oil, or fasteners with phosphate and oil coatings.
“Dry” means plain or zinc plated without any lubrication.
b
Grade 2 applies for hex cap screws (not hex bolts) up to 152 mm (6 in.) long. Grade 1 applies for hex cap screws over
152 mm (6 in.) long, and for all other types of bolts and screws of any length.
DO NOT use these values if a different torque value or tightening procedure is given for a specific application.
Torque values listed are for general use only. Check tightness of fasteners periodically.
Shear bolts are designed to fail under predetermined loads. Always replace shear bolts with identical property
class.
Fasteners should be replaced with the same or higher property class. If higher property class fasteners are used,
these should only be tightened to the strength of the original.
Make sure fasteners threads are clean and that you properly start thread engagement. This will prevent them from
failing when tightening.
Tighten plastic insert or crimped steel-type lock nuts to approximately 50 percent of the dry torque shown in the
chart, applied to the nut, not to the bolt head. Tighten toothed or serrated-type lock nuts to the full torque value.
a
“Lubricated” means coated with a lubricant such as engine oil, or fasteners with phosphate and oil coatings.
“Dry” means plain or zinc plated without any lubrication.
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GASOLINE SPECIFICATIONSSPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION
GASOLINE SPECIFICATIONS
CAUTION
Handle fuel with care, it is highly flammable. DO
NOT refuel machine:
• Indoors. Always fill fuel tank outdoors.
• While you smoke.
• When machine is near and open flame or
sparks.
• When engine is running. STOP engine.
• When engine is hot. Allow it to cool.
Help prevent fires:
• Fill fuel tank only to bottom of filler neck.
• Clean oil, grease and dirt from machine.
• Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
• Do not store machine with fuel in tank in a
building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark.
To prevent fire and explosion caused by static
electric discharge while you fill tank:
• Use approved, non-metal fuel container.
• When using a funnel, MAKE SURE it is
PLASTIC.
• Avoid using a funnel which has a metal screen
or filter.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE OIL
Use oil viscosity based on the expected air
temperature range during the period between oil
changes.
The following oil is preferred:
• 10W30
IMPORTANT: To avoid engine damage:
• DO NOT mix oil with gasoline
• Use only clean oil and fuel
• Use clean approved containers and funnels.
• Store oil and fuel in an area protected from dust,
moisture and other contamination.
Unleaded fuel is recommended because it burns
cleaner and leaves less unburned deposits in engine
combustion chamber. Regular unleaded gasoline with
an anti-knock index of 85 octane or higher may be
used. Use of gasohol is acceptable as long as the ethyl
alcohol blend does not exceed 11 percent. Do not use
gasoline that contains Methanol.
Fill fuel tank at end of each day's operation. Fill only to
bottom of filler neck.
GASOLINE STORAGE
Keep fuel in a clean container in a protected area. Do
not use deicers to remove water from fuel. Do not
depend on fuel filters to remove water.
If possible, install a water separator at the storage tank
outlet.
IMPORTANT: Keep all dirt, scale, water or other
foreign material out of fuel.
If mower is stored for the winter, add gasoline storage
stabilizer to the fuel. Follow directions on can.
Other oils may be used if they meet one of the
following:
• API Service Classification SG
• API Service Classification SF
• CCMC Specification G4
Oils meeting Military Specification MIL-L-46167B may
be used as arctic oils.
Use grease based on the expected air temperature
range during the service interval.
The following greases are preferred:
• MOLY HIGH TEMPERATURE EP GREASE
• HIGH TEMPERATURE EP GREASE
• MULTI-PURPOSE GREASE
SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS
Synthetic lubricants may be used in John Deere
equipment if they meet the applicable performance
requirements (industry classification and/or military
specification) as shown in this group.
The recommended temperature limits and service or oil
change intervals should be maintained as shown in the
operator’s manual.
Avoid mixing different brands, grades, or types of oil.
Oil manufacturers blend additive in their oils to meet
certain specifications and performance requirements.
Mixing different oils can interfere with the proper
functioning of these additives and degrade lubricant
performance.
OIL FILTERS
Filtration of oils is critical to proper lubrication. Always
change filters regularly.
Use filters meeting John Deere performance
specification.
LUBRICANT STORAGE
Other greases may be used if they meet one of the
following:
• SAE Multipurpose EP Grease with a maximum of
5% molybdenum disulfide.
• SAE Multipurpose EP Grease
Greases meeting Military Specification MIL-G-10924F
may be used as arctic grease.
ALTERNATIVE LUBRICANTS
Conditions in certain geographical areas outside the
United States and Canada may require different
lubricant recommendations than these printed in this
manual or the operator's manual. Consult with your
John Deere Dealer, or Sales Branch to obtain the
alternative lubricant recommendations.
This machine can operate at top efficiency only if clean
lubricants are used.
Use clean containers to handle all lubricants. Store
them in an area protected from dust, moisture, and
other contamination. Store drums on their sides.
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SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONSSPECIFICATIONS & INFORMATION
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS
When working on machines or components that are
covered by warranty, it is IMPORTANT that you include
the tractor identification number and
serial numbers on the warranty claim form.
The location of tractor identification number and
component serial numbers are shown below.
the component
TRACTOR IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER
A
GEAR TRANSAXLE SERIAL
NUMBER
C
Gear transaxle serial number sticker (C) is on rear of
housing.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
SERIAL NUMBER — K55
A
Tractor identification number plate (A) is located on the
rear of frame or under seat.
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
D
Serial number (D) is stamped into top of upper case
half. It is only accessible with hydro removed.
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION
SERIAL NUMBER — K51
B
Tractor engine serial number sticker (B) is located on
fan shroud.
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E
Serial number (E) is located on a bar coded label
located on the right rear side of the transaxle.
Please refer to appropriate Briggs & Stratton Repair Manual, see above, for specific tools required to service the
particular engine in your mower.
OTHER MATERIALS
NameUse
RTV Silicone SealantSeal valve cover.
Prussian Blue CompoundCheck valve seat contact.
Valve Lap CompoundLap valves.
SCOTCH-BRITE® PadClean cylinder head.
Zinc Oxide/Wood AlcoholCheck block for cracks.
SCOTCH-BRITE® is a trademark of the 3M Company.
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ENGINEREPAIR
REPAIR
ENGINE REMOVAL
1. Turn all switches OFF and disconnect battery
negative ( - ) cable.
2. Raise hood. Disconnect light harness on right side
of hood. Lower hood to approximately 3/4 open
and slide off bracket.
Capscrews
And Nut
Heat Shield
Capscrews
CAUTION
Gasoline is explosive. Do not expose to flame or
spark. Serious injury can result. Store in a
properly marked, safe container. Wipe-up any
spills IMMEDIATELY.
7. Disconnect hose clamp (E) and slide fuel line off of
hose barb on carburetor.
H
G
F
8. Disconnect wires from starter terminal (F).
3. Remove two capscrews securing heat shield to
frame. Remove capscrew and nut on side of heat
shield. Remove heat shield.
The theory of operation stories divide the electrical
system into individual circuits by function. Each circuit
is isolated from the main wiring schematic and only
shows the components that are used in it. The story
contains information on function, operating conditions,
and theory of operation. The circuit schematics are
drawn with the components in the operating position,
with the power, or battery positive, into them across the
top and the ground, or battery negative, across the
bottom.
DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION
The diagnostic procedures is used to test the complete
circuit regardless of the problem or complaint. Select a
symptom or system from the quick check or
troubleshooting chart and follow the test procedures
under that heading.
The diagnostic procedure lists:
• Test conditions
• Test sequence
• Test location
• Normal reading
• Check or test to perform if reading is not normal
When performing the test or check, be sure to set your
machine up to the test conditions listed and follow the
sequence carefully. The middle “NORMAL” column
gives the reading or condition that should be obtained
when performing the test or check. If the results of the
test or check are not normal, perform the test, check, or
adjustment listed in the third “IF NOT NORMAL”
column to repair the malfunction. The detailed tests or
adjustments referred to in the “IF NOT NORMAL”
column are located at the end of that group. The
system diagram that accompanies each test procedure
is drawn to resemble machine components. The key
number on the art matches the number in the “TESTLOCATION” column and the leader line points to the
exact point the test is to be made.
The schematic is made up of individual circuits laid out
in a sequence of related functions. Current flow is
generally from top to bottom through each circuit and
component. All components are shown in the OFF
position. The diagram does not list connector
information unless needed to avoid confusion.
Each component is shown by a symbol and name. The
identification code contains a device identifying letter
and number.
The circuit number and wire color of the wires are
shown directly next to the wire path.