Maintenance
5
Section
20
IMPORTANT: Many of the maintenance
procedures in this section are required
only as needed or when a part needs
replacement. Other procedures are fully
described in this section but not listed in
this chart.
NOTE: If unit must be tipped for an
excess of 5 minutes for any reason, drain
oil from unit to prevent leakage.
NOTE: Some maintenance procedures
require expertise and/or tools which may
not be available to the average person. Read
each procedure thoroughly and note any
required special tools before beginning
maintenance. Procedures can be performed
by your local dealer. Advice is available
from our Technical Service Department (see
back cover).
TIRE PRESSURE
Check tire pressure. Inflate both tires
equally (10-17 psi).
CLEARING WHEEL WRAP
Occasionally, tall grass may wrap around
the wheel axle (known as “wheel wrap”),
making maneuvering the unit difficult or
impossible. This procedure explains how
to clear wheel wrap (also see “If the unit
becomes stuck or stops” on page 19).
To Disassemble:
NOTE: Performing all steps listed may not
be required! Clear grass or other matter
from around the axle and belt housing
after each step until grass or other matter
is eliminated, then reassemble unit.
Repeat for other side as required.
1. Stop the engine, wait for all moving
parts to come to a complete stop, discon-
nect the spark plug wire and prevent it
from contacting the spark plug.
2. Slide belt cover (A, Fig. 5-1) up and off
unit.
3. Remove three wheel mounting nuts (B)
and slide wheel/tire assembly (C) and belt
seal (F) off axle. (A sheet metal spacer
may also come off with the wheel/tire
assembly. If so, replace the spacer on the
axle.) The belt drive pulley shown in Fig.
5-1 will remain on the axle.
4. Clear grass or other matter from the
exposed areas.
To Re-Assemble:
1. Slide wheel/tire assembly (C, Fig. 5-1)
onto axle. Note that belt seal tabs (F) fit
inside the belt guard (D).
2. Secure wheel/tire assembly with three
mounting nuts (B) removed earlier.
3. Install drive belt cover (A). Note that
finger (E) on drive cover points toward the
front of the unit.
WHEEL DRIVE CONTROL ROD
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: This adjustment does not control
drive belt tension. Springs (B, Fig. 5-2)
control drive belt tension.
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. Remove ignition key on electric
start models. Install plastic blade guard
on cutter bar assembly.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
WARNING
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
PROCEDURE
NOTES
Adjust hold-down clips
3, 6, 7
Check and tighten nuts and bolts
4, 6, 7
General lubrication
3, 6, 13
Check parts for wear
6, 7
Check motor oil level
2, 3, 9
Change motor oil
8, 5, 7, 9
Service air filter system
5, 6, 7, 9
Check spark plug
6, 7, 9
Charge battery
1, 6, 7, 10, 11
Oil drive chain
4, 6, 7
Oil all cutter bar parts
3, 6, 7
Oil hold-down clips
3, 6, 7
Check tire air pressure
4, 12
NOTES
1 -
Before first use.
2 -
Before each use.
3 -
Every 5 operating hours.
4 -
Every 10 operating hours.
5 -
Every 25 operating hours.
6 -
Start of season.
7 -
End of season.
8 -
After first two operating hours.
9 -
See Engine Owner’s Manual for service
recommendations.
10 -
Charge battery for 24 (minimum) to 48
hours.
11 -
After extended storage.
12 -
Inflate each tire equally, 10 - 17 psi.
13 -
Parts require lubrication at different time
intervals. Refer to this Section for more
lubrication information.
1
1/
4
" (32mm)
Gap here
(right side shown)
1
1/
4
" (32mm)
Fig. 5-1
A
E
C
D
B
F
Right Handlebar
A
Fig. 5-2
C
B
Fig. 5-3
A
