14
Section 5: Maintenance
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove key on
electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING
AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Thorough and regular cleaning of debris
from the engine and the machine is
required for maximum engine efficiency
and good overall performance. Inspect
and clean the following areas regularly,
making sure the engine is stopped, and
cool, before proceeding:
• Brush and wipe off all engine surfaces,
especially before checking oil or adding
fuel. Do not let debris, oil or grease
accumulate. To access the front of the
engine, lift the debris shield up and tilt
it forward.
• Wipe the deck clean, particularly near
the engine muffler.
• Clean the underside of the deck.
• Keep safety and operating decals clean
and legible.
• Keep all operating control levers
debris-free so they work properly.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Before each use of the machine and at
each refueling, clean grass, chaff or
accumulated debris from the finger guard
area on top of the engine (see Figure 5-
7), and from the linkage, springs and
controls on the engine. Keep the area
around and behind the muffler free of any
combustible debris. See “Cleaning
Debris” in the engine manual for com-
plete cleaning instructions. Do not use
water to clean engine parts as water
could contaminate the fuel system. Use
a brush or dry cloth. Be sure engine is
cool before cleaning around muffler area.
NOTE: The separate engine air cleaner
must also be serviced according to the
instructions in the engine manual.
LUBRICATION
Applying light oil or a silicone-based
lubricant to your machine allows the fol-
lowing parts to work smoothly and pro-
tects them from the elements:
• Throttle control cable
• Control bail cable
• Nuts, bolts and other hardware
NOTE: The spindle head is permanently
lubricated at the factory. There is no
need for additional lubrication.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage, remove the two
screws and locknuts securing the han-
dlebar and carefully (to avoid kinking the
cables) rotate the handlebar so that the
upper portion rests on the engine and the
handlebar legs face to the rear.
GENERAL ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine mainte-
nance according to the engine mainte-
nance schedule and instructions in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
Engine Oil – Check the engine oil level
before starting the engine each day and
check it after each 5 hours of continuous
operation. Running the engine when it is
low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation and even sooner when oper-
ating in extremely dirty or dusty condi-
tions.
Air Cleaner – Operating the engine with a
dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor per-
formance and damage to the engine.
Inspect and service the air cleaner after
every 25 operating hours, more often if
operating in very dusty or dirty conditions.
Never operate the unit without the air
cleaner installed.
Spark Plug – Inspect and clean or
replace the spark plug after every 100
operating hours or annually.
Spark Arrester Screen – If the engine is
equipped with a spark arrester screen,
remove and clean it according to the time
intervals and instructions in the engine
manual.
Engine Cleaning – The engine must be
kept clean to assure smooth operation
and to prevent damage from overheating.
Carburetor/Governor Control
Adjustments – The carburetor was
adjusted at the factory for best operating
speed. See the engine manual for any
adjustment information.
The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine
and other moving parts from damage
caused by overspeeding. Do not tamper
with the governor settings. Seek autho-
rized service if you think an adjustment is
required.
Figure 5-7
Engine parts must be kept clean to
reduce the risk of overheating and igni-
tion of accumulated debris. This is
especially important if cutting tall
grass. Clean accumulated debris at
each refueling and before each use of
machine.
Failure to comply can cause injury or
property damage.
WARNING
Finger Guard
