20
21
Maintenance and Storage
Storing the lawn mower for short periods
After mowing, please follow the actions below prior to placing the lawn mower in storage:
- Allow the engine to fully cool.
- Ensure the grass bag is empty.
- Clean all debris from under the mower deck.
Store the lawn mower on a flat and level surface, with all 4 wheels on the ground.
Store in a dry, safe place which is not accessible by children or people who are not familiar
with operation.
Storing the lawn mower for extended periods
CAUTION!
Do not empty the petrol tank in enclosed areas, near fire or when
smoking. Petrol fumes can cause explosions and fire. Always carry the product
on its gripping surfaces.
If the lawn mower is to be placed into storage at the end of the season, or if the mower is
not to be used for a longer period than 6 weeks, storage maintenance must be performed
on the lawn mower.
Temperature fluctuations cause condensation, which contaminates fuel and causes starting
problems. Simply emptying the machine of fuel will prevent this.
Empty the petrol tank with a petrol suction pump, if available, or use the tipping method.
Start the engine and let it run until any remaining petrol has been used up.
Change the oil at the end of every season. To do so, remove the used engine oil from a
warm engine and refill with fresh oil.
Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head. Fill the cylinder with approx. 20ml of oil from
an oil can. Slowly pull back the starter handle, which will bathe the cylinder wall with oil, and
screw the spark plug back in.
Clean the cooling fins of the cylinder and the housing.
Be sure to clean the entire machine to protect the paint.
Store the machine in a well-ventilated place.
NOTE:
Alternatively, adding Briggs & Stratton FUEL FIT to the fuel will prevent
contaminated fuel. Not all additives on the market do this. FUEL FIT can be ordered via
www.gardenservicecentre.co.uk.
Preparation to re-use
Check the oil level before starting the engine to ensure there is sufficient oil, see page 14.
Check the spark plug is inserted correctly, see page 22.
Fill engine with fresh unleaded fuel, see page 15.
Follow starting procedure, see page 16.
Maintenance schedule
WARNING!
Before you tip the lawn mower onto its side, completely empty the fuel tank using
a petrol suction pump.
Never turn the mower upside down.
Before commencing any maintenance, always disconnect the spark plug.
Performing routine maintenance correctly on your lawn mower will ensure you get years of
trouble-free use.
Please keep this manual safe for future reference.
It is recommended that the following maintenance schedule is adhered to. This will ensure
the lawn mower operates correctly and is safe to use.
After every use
After 12 hours
use
After 24 hours
use
After 36 hours
use
Cleaning
clean
clean
clean
clean
Air filter
clean
clean
replace
Spark plug
check
check
replace
Engine oil
check
check
check
check
Cutting blade
check
check
check
replace
NOTE: The engine oil should be changed after the first 5 hours.
Cleaning
•
To ensure long life and good performance of the machine, it’s important to keep the
machine clean and well lubricated. Make sure the chute is clean and under the deck is
cleared from wet debris. (See also short term storage).
•
Do not allow grass cuttings and other debris to become dry and hard on any of the
mower surfaces, as this will directly affect the cutting and grass collection performance.
Make sure that the underside of the lawn mower deck is clean and clear.
•
Never clean the lawn mower with a water jet or high-pressure cleaner. The engine
must remain dry. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or solvents, such as cold
degreasers or petroleum ether.
