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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
TROUBLESHOOTING
Before performing any corrections in this troubleshooting chart, refer to the appropriate information in this manual for correct
safety precautions and operating or maintenance procedures. Contact your local authorized engine service dealer for engine
service. Contact your local authorized dealer or our factory for help with service problems.
PROBLEM POSSIBLE
CAUSE
CORRECTION
Poor cutting performance.
1. Dull/damaged blades/sections/ledger plates.
1. Replace blades/sections/ledger plates.
2. Blade guides not properly adjusted.
2. Readjust blade guides.
Sloping/uneven cut.
1. Left and right height adjusters not set
1. Reset height adjusters.
at equal heights.
Cutter bar does not
1. Disconnected spring.
1. Replace spring.
move when cutter bar
2. Broken or bent blade section.
2. Replace blade section.
lever is engaged.
3. Broken blade drive mechanism.
3. See dealer
4. Worn or broken blade drive belt.
4. Replace belt.
Cutter bar does not stop
1. Broken or worn idler spring.
1. Replace spring.
moving when cutter bar
lever is disengaged.
Wheels do not rotate
1. Control rods not properly adjusted.
1. Adjust wheel drive control rods.
when wheel drive levers
2. Worn or broken wheel drive belt.
2. Replace belt.
are engaged.
3. Stretched or disconnected belt tension spring.
3. Reconnect or replace spring.
4. Loose spring tension.
4. Move spring to lower hole or replace spring.
STORAGE
• Never perform maintenance while the
engine is running or when the spark
plug wire is connected, except where
specifically instructed to do so.
• Use a gasoline stabilizer, or drain
gasoline outdoors into an approved
container. Do not smoke and keep
away from open flame.
• Never store the unit with fuel in the
fuel tank inside a building where
fumes may 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. Allow
engine to cool before storing.
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
NOTE: When storing the unit for more
than 90 days, follow these procedures to
help keep the unit in good condition for
future use:
1. Install the plastic blade protector on the
blade.
2. Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank.
Follow the stabilizer manufacturer’s direc-
tions. Or, if draining fuel is absolutely nec-
essary, drain fuel from the engine as
described in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
Avoid leaving non-stabilized gasoline in
the fuel tank for longer than 30 days
because gum and other deposits can form
that will foul the carburetor and fuel line.
3. Change the engine oil (see the Engine
Owner’s Manual).
4. Remove the spark plug and squirt 1/2
ounce of engine oil into the spark plug
hole. Hold a rag over the spark plug hole
(be careful to prevent rag from entering
hole). Slowly pull the recoil starter rope
several times to coat the cylinder wall with
oil. Reinstall the spark plug.
5. Clean any dirt, grass, or debris from
the recoil housing screen, cooling fins,
and other parts of the engine.
6. Lubricate the unit (see instructions in
this Section).
7. Thoroughly inspect the unit for any
loose, broken, or missing parts. Repair or
replace them as necessary.
8. Check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
9. Disconnect the spark plug wire from
the spark plug. Prevent the wire from con-
tacting the spark plug by placing the spark
plug wire boot on the engine holding tab.
10. Apply a light coat of oil to the blade.
11. On electric start models, fully charge
the battery (see instructions in this Sec-
tion), and remove the key from the
keyswitch.
12. Store the unit in a level position out of
reach of children.
WARNING
