14
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Always stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before
performing any maintenance work or
adjustments on your lawn mower.
Cleaning Mower
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned
after each use to prevent any build-up of grass
clippings, leaves, dirt, or other debris. If this debris is
allowed to accumulate, it will result in rust and
corrosion.
We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or
garden hose to clean your unit. They may cause
damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys,
bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce serviceability.
•
Disconnect spark plug wire.
•
Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a
piece of plastic under the gas cap.
•
Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is
facing UP. Hold the mower firmly.
•
Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do NOT spray with water.
•
Put the mower back on its wheels. If you had put
plastic under the gas cap, remove it now.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than
90 degrees in any direction and do not
leave the mower tipped for any length of
time. Oil can drain into the upper part of
the engine causing a starting problem.
Engine Maintenance
•
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow
the accompanying engine manual for detailed list
and instructions.
•
Change engine oil after the first two operating
hours and every 25 operating hours thereafter.
Check the oil level before starting the engine every
time.
•
Service foam filter in the air cleaner every 25 hours
of use and replace the paper filter component every
100 hours. You may have to service the air filter
more frequently if you are operating the mower
under extremely dusty conditions.
•
Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and
debris with a cloth or brush.
•
Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at
least once a season or every 50 hours of operation.
Spark plug replacement is recommended at the
start of each season.
Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary.
Damaged mufflers or spark arresters can create a fire
hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding
areas while the mower engine is hot because
temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed
150
o
F.
Lubrication
Wheels
•
Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped,
at least once a season with light oil or engine oil.
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
Chute Deflector & Rear Discharge Door
•
Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the chute deflector and the rear
discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent
rusting and ensure that the deflector, which is a
safety device, can always work properly.
Engine
•
Follow the engine manual instructions and
recommended schedule for lubricating engine
components.
Transmission
•
The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at
the factory and does not require lubrication on a
regular basis as part of maintenance. However, if
you disassemble the transmission for any reason,
refill with two ounces of Alvania grease (part # 737-
0168) as part of reassembly.
Pivot Points
•
Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle, brake cable and the cutting height
adjustment lever at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control handle must operate freely in
both directions. The cutting height adjustment
levers should be able to move easily.
