26
Section 5: Maintenance
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
the key from the keyswitch on units so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
HOUSING ASSEMBLY
TIGHTENING SEQUENCE
First, tighten screws (A, Fig. 5-19).
Second, tighten screws (B).
Last, tighten screws (C).
FRONT HOUSING REMOVAL
1. Move the cutter bar lever into the OFF
position (Fig. 4-7).
2. Remove the cutter bar assembly (see
instructions in this Section).
3. Remove the cutter bar drive belt (see
instructions in this Section).
4. Remove 3/8"-16 x 3/4" long hex head
screws (C, Fig. 5-18) securing the sides
and bottom of the front housing (B).
5. Lower and slide the front assembly off
the unit.
ECCENTRIC SHAFT
REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT
The procedure for removing and replacing
the eccentric shaft requires special tools
and a high degree of mechanical aptitude.
Contact the factory Technical Service
Department before attempting this repair
(or have the unit serviced by your autho-
rized dealer).
To Remove the Eccentric Shaft:
1. Remove the 5/8–18 hex nut (H, Fig. 5-16)
and 5/8 flat washer (J) from the top of the
eccentric shaft (C).
2. Thread a spare 5/8"–18 hex nut onto
the shaft until the nut is flush with the end
of the shaft. Use the nut only to remove
the eccentric shaft pulley (K).
NOTE: The eccentric shaft is tapered to fit
snugly in the pulley hub.
3. Apply prying pressure with a small pry
bar or suitable tool between the pulley and
the eccentric housing (M, Fig. 5-16). At
the same time, rap the nut on the eccentric
shaft sharply with a hammer to loosen the
pulley from the shaft.
4. Remove the spare 5/8–18 hex nut and
separate the pulley (K) from the eccentric
shaft (C).
5. Remove the 15/16 retaining ring (L)
from the eccentric shaft.
To Replace the Eccentric Shaft:
1. Slide eccentric shaft back into bearings
and housing.
2. Replace the 15/16 retaining ring (L)
onto the eccentric shaft.
3. Replace the pulley (K) back onto the
eccentric shaft (C).
4. Secure pulley to eccentric shaft with
the 5/8–18 hex nut (H, Fig. 5-16) and 5/8
flat washer (J) (removed earlier) on the
top of the eccentric shaft (C).
5. Tighten securely.
ENGINE MAINTENANCE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Before starting the engine, check the
engine oil level. Check the oil level every
five operating hours.
NOTE: Oil can flow away from internal
engine parts when the unit is operated on
slopes. Keep the oil level at the FULL mark
on the dipstick when operating, especially
on slopes. Recheck the oil level every 30
minutes of operation.
1. Place the unit on a level surface.
2. Clean any debris away from the oil dip-
stick (E, Fig. 5-20).
3. Unscrew the dipstick.
4. Use a clean, lint-free rag to wipe the
dipstick.
5. Firmly screw the dipstick all the way
into the oil fill hole.
6. Unscrew the dipstick and check the oil
level. The level should be at the FULL mark.
ADD OIL
1. Insert a clean funnel into the oil fill
hole.
2. Select a clean, high quality detergent
oil as specified in the Engine Owner’s
Manual.
3. Slowly pour oil into the funnel. Check
the oil level frequently and do not overfill.
Over-filling can cause engine damage.
4. When the oil level is at the FULL mark
(see Engine Owner’s Manual), reinstall the
dipstick. Wipe up spilled oil.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
Change the engine oil after the first two
hours of operation and after every 25
operating hours. Change the oil more fre-
quently if the unit is operated in very dirty,
dusty conditions.
1. Run unit until engine is warm.
2. Stop the engine, wait for all moving
parts to come to a stop, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from con-
tacting the spark plug. Install the plastic
blade guard.
3. Place a drain pan with a capacity of at
least two quarts beneath the engine drain
plug (on underside of deck). Remove
plug.
4. Allow the oil to drain completely. Wipe
up spills or drips.
5. Replace the oil drain plug.
6. Refill the engine with fresh oil of the
proper type and amount as stated in the
engine manual.
Before checking the oil level, adding oil
to the engine or changing the engine oil,
stop the engine, wait for all parts to
come to a stop, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from contacting
the spark plug. Remove the key on elec-
tric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions may
result in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
WARNING
A
A
B
A
A
C
Fig. 5-19
