Usually when I go out with the 4410 to do some mowing; I am out running at full pto rpm for 4 to 6 hours. A lot can happen during that time so here is what I do after each extended use such as this:
1. I open up and remove ALL panels and guards to remove grass, sticks, and debry.
2. I blow off the entire machine paying close attention to the battery compartment, radiator, and transmission oil cooler. A lot of dust and deby can build up in these areas and effect air flow for cooling. I have also found that blowing off the dust from the dash panel and fenders really cuts down on the amount of scuffing and scratching. It also clears out dirt and any obstruction to areas where a leak might be suspected.
3. I give the machine a general visual inspection paying close attention to fan belts, pulley belts, drive shafts (in this case MMM drive shaft), fluid line connectors, general engine area (pay special attention to suspected fuel leaks), and the 3 pt. hitch area.
4. I check the wheel lug bolts to make sure they are all there and do not show any tell tale signs of having lost torque. (i.e. loose to the feel, damage or abrasion to the wheel lug hole, or a broken off lug bolt head). This is VERY important to keep an eye on as lug bolts can sometimes work their way loose. This is pretty unusual as normally the lug bolts should maintain torque after repeated retorques when new or after installing a new wheel/tire. If several lug bolts become loose, they can cause tremendous damage to the actual axle hub they bolt too.
5. I remove, inspect, and clean off with compressed air the outer air filter, check for dirt build up in the air filter housing, and make sure the rubber dust boot that expells dirt and dust is open and works freely.
6. Since Deere mounts the batter right up against the transmission oil cooler; it gets pretty warm. I have modified the battery vent cap to prevent any battery acid from being expelled, but it is still a VERY good idea to check it and make sure all is well.
7. I check and top off all fluids as required. This is also a good time to refuel.
8. FOLD DOWN THE ROPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My garage is not high enough to park the tractor in with the ROPS extended in place. You will only forget to do this once. Ask me how I know. I lost a good pair of draws in the process.
Seriously this a BIG safety consideration to remember, not to mention that you can seriously damage your tractor or your house. You can also torque over or flip up a tractor doing this. So if this applies, be mindful, it is easy to forget when it is late and you are tired.
9. Every 4th or 5th use I hose the machine off or will pressure wash it to keep her nice and clean, after which I follow up with a greasing of ALL zirk fittings.
10. Make note of what is on the hour meter so you can plan ahead for any scheduled maintenance.
Then I park her in the garage and make sure I level and relax the FEL controls and 3 pt. hitch, as well as REMOVE THE KEY. This is last step is REAL important if you have kids around.
1. I open up and remove ALL panels and guards to remove grass, sticks, and debry.
2. I blow off the entire machine paying close attention to the battery compartment, radiator, and transmission oil cooler. A lot of dust and deby can build up in these areas and effect air flow for cooling. I have also found that blowing off the dust from the dash panel and fenders really cuts down on the amount of scuffing and scratching. It also clears out dirt and any obstruction to areas where a leak might be suspected.
3. I give the machine a general visual inspection paying close attention to fan belts, pulley belts, drive shafts (in this case MMM drive shaft), fluid line connectors, general engine area (pay special attention to suspected fuel leaks), and the 3 pt. hitch area.
4. I check the wheel lug bolts to make sure they are all there and do not show any tell tale signs of having lost torque. (i.e. loose to the feel, damage or abrasion to the wheel lug hole, or a broken off lug bolt head). This is VERY important to keep an eye on as lug bolts can sometimes work their way loose. This is pretty unusual as normally the lug bolts should maintain torque after repeated retorques when new or after installing a new wheel/tire. If several lug bolts become loose, they can cause tremendous damage to the actual axle hub they bolt too.
5. I remove, inspect, and clean off with compressed air the outer air filter, check for dirt build up in the air filter housing, and make sure the rubber dust boot that expells dirt and dust is open and works freely.
6. Since Deere mounts the batter right up against the transmission oil cooler; it gets pretty warm. I have modified the battery vent cap to prevent any battery acid from being expelled, but it is still a VERY good idea to check it and make sure all is well.
7. I check and top off all fluids as required. This is also a good time to refuel.
8. FOLD DOWN THE ROPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My garage is not high enough to park the tractor in with the ROPS extended in place. You will only forget to do this once. Ask me how I know. I lost a good pair of draws in the process.
Seriously this a BIG safety consideration to remember, not to mention that you can seriously damage your tractor or your house. You can also torque over or flip up a tractor doing this. So if this applies, be mindful, it is easy to forget when it is late and you are tired. 9. Every 4th or 5th use I hose the machine off or will pressure wash it to keep her nice and clean, after which I follow up with a greasing of ALL zirk fittings.
10. Make note of what is on the hour meter so you can plan ahead for any scheduled maintenance.
Then I park her in the garage and make sure I level and relax the FEL controls and 3 pt. hitch, as well as REMOVE THE KEY. This is last step is REAL important if you have kids around.
