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break in period / maintenance schedule

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#22 ·
pb1995 said:
"Do not go past 10hrs" but the documentation just doesn't support that.
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planned ob·so·les·cence
/ˌpland ˌäbsəˈlesəns/

noun: planned obsolescence

a policy of producing consumer goods that rapidly become obsolete and so require replacing, achieved by frequent changes in design, termination of the supply of spare parts, and the use of nondurable materials.

Engineers write the manuals. I turn a wrench, doing it since the 70s.... Changing the oil/filter in the first 10-20 hours of operation is cheap insurance.....You where give some good advise from your dealer and some of us here, maybe we knows more then the engineers.....
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#24 ·
derson279 said:
A few questions: I work for a non profit organization who recently purchased a new Cub Cadet LX 60 zero turn mower. The motor is a Kawasaki FR 730V, 24 HP. There are discrepancies between the maintenance schedules of the motor manufacturer and the Cub Cadet manufacturer.
The Kawasaki Manual for my engine states to change the oil at 8 hrs., change the oil filter at every 200 hrs., and the oil at every 100 hrs.
Cub Cadet recommends to change oil @ 5 hrs., oil filter and oil change every 50 hrs.
Tech that dropped off my mower recommended oil change at 10 hrs and stick to the Cub Cadet recommended oil changes and filter change (50 hrs.)
I know Kawasaki Has no idea what their motors are being used for. Should I go with Cub Cadet's recommendations or the motor manufacturer's recommendations?
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The Service Manual for my FH series Kaw.....says exactly the same thing as your FR series (8 hrs first change, 100 hrs. oil, 200 hrs. filter). But I can tell from experience (having owned and used by Tiger Cub) for 18 yrs. you don't want to wait that long between filter changes. And probably not the 100 hrs. on the oil either (depending on use).

Let the oil tell you when to change it. The appearance alone is a good enough sign when to change....but don't exceed the recommended maximum hrs.

If you're going to err.....err on the safe side and change more often. A filter and a couple of quarts of oil are inexpensive. You are starting with a brand new engine, treat it right. You don't need written documentation to do so.

If more than one person will be mowing....or be responsible for the maintenance, then my concern would be making sure everyone knows to keep track of the hours.

Knowing WHEN to do the maintenance and getting someone to actually DO it can be two separate things.
 
#25 ·
Eric502 said:
FWI.... it is not required to use kawasaki oil.... but they make a dam good oil!!
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It is not required to use any branded oil. These companies do not refine oil. They buy it and repackage it and charge a fortune to make money off of people who think they do.
As long as the oil is within the manufacturers specifications (listed in manual), you are good to go. Don't believe that it voids a warranty or all that. It is a lie. I sold lubricants for many years and believe me, we see all kinds of these shenanigans! Use a quality oil and change as often as you need to. Danshoeco
 
#26 ·
The break in change may have been removed from the manual. Do i care? Not in the slightest. I've done early break in changes on every truck, mower, pressure washer, etc. It's not a terrible practice. Strictly required? No. Cheap insurance though. Mobil-1 20W-50 V-Twin and Mobil-1 15W-50 are some of the best (highest Zinc) and most widely available oil choices for hard working air cooled mowers. I can't change the oil without changing a filter, it's the mechanic in me, so i ignore Kawasaki's recommendations there and will always do filter with oil. Lastly, Non-profit? I don't imagine this mower is going to get super high hours cutting one location. In that case all of this is moot anyway. Just change annually.
 
#27 ·
Look it's real simple, micromanaging or overthinking this one is optional but not required.

So it's first oil change 5-8 hrs, doesn't really matter which but no more than 10.
After that I use a chart or you can do every 100 hours or once a year after with synthetic, 50 hrs or every 3 months with dino.

New engine, $2000 and good luck finding one.

As was stated, cheap insurance.
 
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sidemouse
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