12
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Cleaning the Lawn Mower
•
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use
to prevent any build-up of grass. If this debris
accumulates, it will cause rust and corrosion.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may
cause damage to electric components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduced serviceability.
•
Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from the
mower, or place a piece of plastic under 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 mower back on its wheels and remove plastic.
Engine Maintenance
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
engine manual for detailed list and instructions.
•
Change engine oil as specified in the engine
manual. Check oil level before starting engine
every time.
•
Service foam filter in the air cleaner as specified in
the engine manual. Service air filter more frequently
in extremely dusty conditions.
•
Clean engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris
with a cloth or brush.
•
Clean spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at least
once a season or every 50 hours of operation.
•
Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if
necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters
can create a fire hazard.
IMPORTANT:
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
(See Figure 12 )
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 rear discharge door using a light oil.
This will prevent rusting.
Engine
•
Follow the engine manual instructions and
recommended schedule for lubricating engine.
Pivot Points
•
Lubricate the pivot points on the discharge chute
door, blade control handle 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.
Figure 12
WARNING:
Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before performing
any maintenance or adjustments on the mower.
WARNING:
Never tip mower more than 90
degrees in any direction and do not leave it
tipped for long. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.
Lubricate
Follow engine manual
for lubrication
Lubricate
Lubricate
