Service
11
4
Maintenance
General Recommendations
•
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
•
The warranty on this lawn mower does
not cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from warranty, operator
must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
•
Changing of engine-governed speed will
void engine warranty.
•
All adjustments should be checked at least
once each season.
•
Periodically check all fasteners and make
sure these are tight.
WARNING:
Always stop engine, allow
engine to cool, disconnect spark plug,
and ground against engine before
performing any type of maintenance
on your machine.
Lubrication
1.
Lubricate pivot points on the blade and
drive controls at least once a season with
light oil. These controls must operate
freely in both directions. See Figure 4-1.
Figure 1-1
2.
If your mower is equipped with ball
bearing wheels, lubricate at least
once a season with a light oil, all
other types require no lubrication.
However, if the wheels are removed
for any reason, lubricate the surface
of the axle bolt and the inner surface
of the wheel with light automotive oil.
3.
4.
The transmission is pre-lubricated and
sealed at the factory and does not require
lubrication.
5.
Follow the Engine Operator’s Manual for
lubrication schedule and instruction for
engine lubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each
use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or
other debris. Follow steps below for proper
cleaning.
1.
Allow the engine to run until it is out of
fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the
engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer
to Engine Operator’s Manual.
2.
Tip mower so that it rests on the housing.
Keep the side with the air cleaner facing
up. Hold mower firmly.
WARNING:
Never tip mower more
than 90º in any direction and do not
leave mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain into upper part
engine causing a starting problem.
3.
Scrape and clean the underside of the
deck with a suitable tool.
4.
Put the mower back on its wheels on the
ground.
Engine Care
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required
for good performance by the mower are listed
below. Follow the Engine Operator’s Manual for a
detailed list and instructions.
•
Maintain oil level as instructed in Engine
Operator’s Manual.
•
Service air cleaner every 25 hours of use
under normal conditions. Clean every few
hours under extremely dusty conditions.
Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicates that the air cleaner
should be serviced. To service the air
cleaner, refer to the Engine Operator’s
Manual.
•
Clean spark plug and reset the gap
once a season. Spark plug replacement
is recommended at the start of each
mowing season. Check Engine Operator’s
Manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
•
Clean engine regularly with a cloth or
brush. Keep the top of the engine clean to
permit proper air circulation. Remove all
grass, dirt, and combustible debris from
muffler area.
•
Engines stored between 30 and 90
days need to be treated with a gasoline
stabilizer to prevent deterioration and
gum from forming in fuel system or on
essential carburetor parts.
Deck Wash (If Equipped)
Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a
water port on its surface as part of its deck wash
system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from
the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup
of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following
steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1.
Push the mower to a level, clear location
on your lawn. Ensure your garden hose
can reach your mower.
CAUTION:
Make certain the mower’s
discharge chute is directed AWAY from
your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
2.
Remove the fast attach deck wash nozzle
from the mower deck and thread it onto
the end of your garden hose.
3.
Attach garden hose with the deck wash
nozzle to the water port on your deck’s
surface. See Figure 4-2.
Figure 1-2
4.
Turn the water ON.
5.
Start the engine as described in the
Engine Operator’s Manual.
6.
Run the engine for a minimum of two
minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
7.
Release blade control to stop the engine
and blade.
8.
Turn the water OFF and detach the deck
wash nozzle from the water port on your
deck’s surface.
After cleaning your deck, restart the mower.
Keep the engine and blade running for a
minimum of two minutes, allowing the
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.
