Weed Eater 960480001 Service Manual

Check V-belts for deterioration and wear after 100 hours 

of operation and replace if necessary. The belts are not 

ad just able. Re place belts if they begin to slip from wear. 

Only use high quality detergent oil rated with API service 

classification SG-SL.  Select the oil’s SAE viscosity grade 

according to your expected operating temperature.

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 40 

80 

100 

-30 

-20 0  20 30 

40 

 

F

 

C

32 

-10 

10 

60 

NOTE:  Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) 

improve starting in cold weather, they will result in increased 

oil consumption when used above 32°F.  Check your engine 

oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage 

from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least 

once a year if the tractor is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Keep transaxle free from build-up of dirt and chaff which 

can restrict cooling.
Do not attempt to clean transaxle while engine is running 

or while the transaxle is hot. To prevent pos si ble damage 

to seals, do not use high pressure water or steam to clean 

transaxle.

Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suf fi cient 

for normal use.  However, periodic charging of the battery 

with an automotive charger will extend its life.
•  Keep battery and terminals clean.
•  Keep battery bolts tight.
•  Keep small vent holes open.
•  Recharge at  6-10 amperes for 1 hour.
NOTE: The original equipment battery on your tractor is main-

tenance free. Do not attempt to open or remove caps or cov-

ers. Adding or checking level of electrolyte is not necessary.
TO CLEAN BATTERY AND TERMINALS
Corrosion and dirt on the battery and terminals can cause 

the battery to “leak” power.
• Raise 

seat.

•  Disconnect BLACK battery cable first  then RED  bat-

 tery cable and remove battery from tractor.

•  Rinse the battery with plain water and dry.
• 

Clean terminals and battery cable ends with wire brush 

until bright.

•  Coat terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.
• 

Reinstall battery (See “REPLACING BATTERY" in the 

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section of this man u al).

Determine temperature range expected before oil change.  

All oil must meet API service classification C.
•  Be sure tractor is on level surface.
•  Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•  Catch oil in a suitable container.
• 

Remove oil fill cap/dipstick.  Be careful not to allow dirt 

to enter the engine when changing oil.

• 

Slide oil drain extension under oil drain hole (drain hole 

may be flush with or protrude from engine block side wall).

• 

Make sure back face of oil drain extension is flush with 

engine side wall.

•  Make sure bottom lip of oil drain extension is lined up 

with bottom of oil drain hole.

• 

Position a container to catch oil directly under front end 

of oil drain extension.

• 

Slide a 1/2” (12 point) socket mounted on an extension 

onto oil drain plug.

• 

Loosen plug while holding the oil drain extension firmly 

in place.

•  Drain oil into container.
• 

After oil has drained completely, reinstall oil drain plug.  

(Do not tighten more than 13 Ft. Lbs.)

•  Refill engine with oil through oil fill dipstick tube.  Pour 

slowly.  Do not overfill.  For approximate capacity see 

“PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS” section of this man u al.

•  Use gauge on oil fill cap/dipstick for checking level.  

Be sure dipstick cap is tightened securely for accurate 

reading.  Keep oil at “FULL” line on dipstick. Tighten 

cap onto the tube securely when finished.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine 

and after each eight (8) hours of operation.  Tighten oil fill 

cap/dipstick securely each time you check the oil level.