Section 5: Maintenance
15
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
Throttle Control Adjustment – If the
engine does not shut off when the throttle
lever is moved to the stop position, or if the
engine does not respond to various throttle
settings, refer to the Engine Owner’s
Manual for service information.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the trimmer/mower for
extended periods, follow these procedures
to ensure that the unit will be in good con-
dition for future use.
• Store machine on a level surface.
• Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
loose, broken or missing parts. Repair
or replace parts as necessary.
• Perform recommended engine mainte-
nance by following the engine storage
instructions found in the Engine Owner’s
Manual. Be sure to protect the fuel lines,
carburetor and fuel tank from gum
deposits by removing fuel or by treating
fuel with a fuel stabilizer (follow engine
manufacturer’s recommendations).
• Change engine oil.
• Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from the air
cooling system intake area and other
parts of the engine.
• Check nuts, bolts, other hardware for
tightness. Replace missing hardware.
• On an electric start model, remove key
from keyswitch. Charge battery for 24
hours before and after storage.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug. Prevent wire from touching spark
plug by placing wire away from spark
plug.
BATTERY RECHARGING (Models
with electric start feature)
Recharge the battery before and after
storing the unit for more than three weeks.
The engine must be stopped and the area
in which recharging will take place must
be dry.
1. Connect the small plug on the battery
charger cord (A, Figure 5-8) to the wire
harness plug (B) located near the
keyswitch.
2. Plug the recharger box (C, Figure 5-8)
into a grounded 220-Volt wall outlet.
3. Charge the battery for 24 hours. After
charging, unplug the recharger box (C,
Figure 5-8) from the wall outlet first, then
disconnect the recharging line plugs (A
and B, Figure 5-8).
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
If the battery no longer takes a charge, or
if it is leaking or otherwise damaged, it
must be replaced.
1. Tilt the debris shield forward.
2. Disconnect the negative (–) black wire
first; then the positive (+) red wire.
3. A clamp secured with two screws
holds the battery to the deck. Remove
screw (D, Figure 5-9), then lift the battery
from under the battery clamp.
4. Position the new battery under the
clamp and replace screw (D).
5. Connect the red wire to the positive (+)
red-coded battery terminal. Then, connect
the black wire to the negative (–) black-
coded battery terminal.
NOTE: Discard battery properly, as
required by regulations in your area.
6. Close the debris shield.
• Never perform maintenance when
engine is running or spark plug wire is
connected, except when instructed to
do so.
• Never store mower with fuel in fuel
tank inside a building where fumes can
reach an open flame or spark, or where
ignition sources are present such as
hot water and space heaters, furnaces,
clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors,
etc. Make sure engine is cool before
storing.
• Drain gasoline outdoors into an
approved container. Do not smoke and
keep fuel away from open flame.
Failure to follow these instructions will
result in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
WARNING
• Wet conditions can cause an electric
shock hazard during battery charging.
Avoid wet conditions when charging.
• Recharging the battery with improper
equipment could cause a battery explo-
sion. Use only the battery charger
shipped to you. All parts must be fully
stopped and the spark plug wire dis-
connected and moved away from the
spark plug.
Failure to comply could result in per-
sonal injury or property damage.
DANGER
Figure 5-8: Use recharger supplied with
unit.
A
C
B
Figure 5-9: Battery replacement.
D
