Case IH DX18E, DX24E, MWX154S, MWX160S Tractors, Mower Decks Operator Manual (incl. Wiring)

Check coolant level daily before operation — the system holds 3.5 liters (3.7 U.S. qts.) and should be inspected every 10 hours per the maintenance schedule on page 71. Clean debris and grass clippings from the radiator fins. Verify the radiator cap seals correctly; it should hold 0.9 bar (13.1 PSI). If the thermostat opens late, normal range is 82°C start to 95°C fully open per specs on page 131.

Verify deck level side-to-side: blade tip height difference must not exceed 3 mm (1/8″) across the full cutting width — check the leveling procedure on page 110. Then confirm front-to-back pitch: front of blade 'A' should sit 3 mm (1/8″) lower than rear 'B' per page 112. Slow ground speed on wet or lush grass; wet conditions cause blades to push grass down rather than cut it cleanly.

Stop immediately and disengage PTO. Inspect each blade for chips, cracks, bends, or breaks — replace any blade that is cracked, bent, or excessively nicked per the replacement criteria on page 119. Check that blade retaining bolts are torqued to 98-118 N⋅m (72-87 ft. lbs.) per page 118. Clear packed grass buildup from under the deck; accumulated clippings can contact spinning blades. Consult the troubleshooting chart on page 123 for loose spindle fasteners or driveline U-joint wear.

Inspect blades for dullness and verify they are installed cutting-edge down — an upside-down blade is the single most common cause of this pattern. Clean grass buildup from under the deck; clippings packed against the inside housing choke airflow and cause streaking. Avoid mowing when grass is wet. Review the streaking troubleshooting checklist on page 124. Ensure ground speed is slow enough for current grass density.

Clean the primary air filter element every 100 hours using compressed air at 30 PSI or less, blowing from inside out per the procedure on page 66. Replace the primary element after six cleanings or once per year, whichever comes first. Replace the inner safety element every third primary change or every 1,000 hours per the maintenance schedule on page 58. Never operate without both elements seated — unfiltered air causes rapid engine wear.

Bleed the fuel system before cranking. Follow the bleeding procedure on page 64 — open the bleed screw at the fuel filter housing, pump the primer until bubble-free fuel flows, then tighten. If the engine cranked dry for more than a few seconds, also bleed the injector lines per page 65. Check that the fuel shutoff valve is fully open and the tank has at least a partial fill; tank capacity is 29.5 liters.