Service
11
4
Maintenance
General Recommendations
•
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
•
The warranty on this lawn mower
does not cover items that have been
subjected to operator abuse or
negligence. To receive full value from
warranty, operator must maintain the
lawn mower as instructed here.
•
Changing of engine-governed speed
will void engine warranty.
•
All adjustments should be checked at
least once each season.
•
Periodically check all fasteners and make
sure these are tight.
WARNING:
Always stop engine,
allow engine to cool, disconnect
spark plug, and ground against
engine before performing any
type of maintenance on your
machine.
Lubrication
1.
Lubricate pivot points on the blade and
drive controls at least once a season with
light oil. These controls must operate
freely in both directions. See Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1
2.
The transmission is pre-lubricated and
sealed at the factory and does not
require lubrication.
3.
Follow the Engine Operator’s Manual for
lubrication schedule and instruction for
engine lubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each
use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or
other debris. Follow steps below for proper
cleaning.
1.
Allow the engine to run until it is out of
fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from
the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire.
Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.
2.
Tip mower so that it rests on the
housing. Keep the side with the air
cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
WARNING:
Never tip the mower
more than 90º 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.
3.
Scrape and clean the underside of the
deck with a suitable tool.
4.
Put the mower back on its wheels on the
ground.
Engine Care
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required
for good performance by the mower are listed
below. Follow the Engine Operator’s Manual
for a detailed list and instructions.
•
Maintain oil level as instructed in Engine
Operator’s Manual.
•
Service air cleaner every 25 hours of
use under normal conditions. Clean
every few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance
and flooding usually indicates that the
air cleaner should be serviced. To service
the air cleaner, refer to the Engine
Operator’s Manual.
•
Clean spark plug and reset the gap
once a season. Spark plug replacement
is recommended at the start of
each mowing season. Check Engine
Operator’s Manual for correct plug type
and gap specifications.
•
Clean engine regularly with a cloth or
brush. Keep the top of the engine clean
to permit proper air circulation. Remove
all grass, dirt, and combustible debris
from muffler area.
•
Engines stored between 30 and 90
days need to be treated with a gasoline
stabilizer such as STA-BIL® to prevent
deterioration and gum from forming in
fuel system or on essential carburetor
parts.
Deck Wash (If Equipped)
Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a
water port on its surface as part of its deck
wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from
the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup
of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following
steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1.
Push the mower to a level, clear location
on your lawn. Ensure your garden hose
can reach your mower.
CAUTION:
Make certain the
mower’s discharge chute is
directed AWAY from your house,
garage, parked cars, etc.
2.
Remove the fast attach deck wash
nozzle from the mower deck and thread
it onto the end of your garden hose.
3.
Attach garden hose with the deck wash
nozzle to the water port on your deck’s
surface. See Figure 4-2.
Figure 4-2
4.
Turn the water ON.
5.
Start the engine as described in the
Engine Operator’s Manual.
6.
Run the engine for a minimum of two
minutes, allowing the underside of the
cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
7.
Release blade control to stop the engine
and blade.
8.
Turn the water OFF and detach the deck
wash nozzle from the water port on your
deck’s surface.
After cleaning your deck, restart the mower.
Keep the engine and blade running for a
minimum of two minutes, allowing the
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly
dry.