The transaxle is the first thing that gets blamed when one of these tractors stops pulling, and the Transaxle Fluid section on page 31 is where you check the cold level at the reservoir before you start guessing at the drive control. The Troubleshooting chart at the back works the same way for a no-start: symptom, likely cause, what to check next.
Around that sit the jobs that come due every season. Engine oil and crankcase capacity, spark plug service, greasing the front wheels, spindles and front axle pivot, brake adjustment at the trunnion, fuel filter replacement, front wheel toe-in, fuses, headlights, battery and a one-page wiring diagram. Operation covers the controls, parking brake, PTO and the safety interlock system.
Forty-four pages in PDF, covering the Ford LS45-16H and LS55-18H yard tractors, publication 42644520. Have the model and serial number from the plate under the seat in front of you when you call the dealer for parts, and get back to cutting.
What's Inside This Ford LS45-16H, LS55-18H, 9861900, 9861901 Operator Manual
| System | Pages | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 4-9 | Safe Operating Practices, Slope Operation, Children |
| Gasoline and Oil | 10 | Recommended Gasoline, Stabilizer/Conditioner, Filling the Fuel Tank, Check Engine Oil Level |
| Operation | 11-18 | Think Safety First, Controls, Parking Brake, Starting and Stopping the Engine, Operating the Power Take Off, Safety Interlock System, Indicator Control Module, Hourmeter |
| Engine Oil | 22-23 | Service Interval, Oil Type, Crankcase Capacity, Viscosity, Checking Oil Level, Changing Oil |
| Spark Plug | 24 | Service Interval, Spark Plug Type, Air Gap, Removing, Checking, Installing |
| Greasing and Lubrication | 25 | Service Interval, Grease Type |
| Tire Pressure | 26 | Service Interval, Valve Stem |
| Brake | 27 | Checking, Adjusting, Trunnion, Brake Lever |
| Fuel Tank | 28 | Draining, Fuel Shut-Off Valve, Hose Clamp |
| Fuel Filter | 29 | Hose Clamp, Fuel Line, Filter |
| Front Wheel Toe-In | 30 | Service Interval, Specification, Measuring, Adjusting, Ball Joint, Jam Nut |
| Transaxle Fluid | 31 | Fluid Reservoir, Full Cold Level, SAE 10W-30 Detergent Oil |
| Fuse | 31 | Dash/Hour Meter Fuse, Head Lights Fuse, Alternator Fuse, Main/Starter Fuse |
| Headlights | 32 | Bulb, Bulb Holder, Reflector, Terminals |
| Battery | 33-35 | |
| Wiring Diagram | 36 | |
| Cleaning and Storage | 37 | |
| Troubleshooting | 38-39 | Starter, Engine, Fuel System, Air Cleaner, Spark Plug, Drive Control |
| Warranty | 40-42 | Defective Parts, Replacement Parts, Selling Dealer, Retail Sale, Battery Warranty |
| Owner Assistance | 43-44 | Dealership, Branch Office, Service Department, Service Publications Catalog |
Quick Reference Specifications
| Specification | Value | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel tank fill level | 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (6 mm to 13 mm) below the bottom of the filler neck | p. 10 |
| Spark plug tightening torque | 15 ft-lb (20.4 Nm) | p. 24 |
| Crankcase Capacity (with filter) | 4 pints (1.9 L) | p. 22 |
| Tire Pressure (front and rear) | 12 psi (.85 kPa) | p. 26 |
| Front Wheel Toe-in Specification | 1/8-1/4 inch | p. 30 |
| Dash/Hour meter Fuse | 5 amp | p. 31 |
| Head lights Fuse | 10 amp | p. 31 |
| Alternator Fuse | 25 amp | p. 31 |
| Main/Starter Fuse | 30 amp | p. 31 |
| Battery Voltage | 12 v | p. 33 |
