17
Cleaning Mower
Plug
To ensure best performance, the discharge tunnel plug
must be cleaned after each use. When grass is thick and
lush, clippings may collect on and around the plug; this
may make plug removal difficult. After each use, remove
plug from discharge tunnel and clean off all debris.
Discharge Tunnel
Always be sure that discharge tunnel door closes securely
when handle is released. If debris prevents discharge door
from closing securely, clean inside of discharge tunnel and
door thoroughly.
WARNING
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
Grass clippings and other objects can be
thrown from an open discharge tunnel.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
Thrown objects can cause serious injury or kill
operator or bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Never start or operate the mower unless one of
the following is true:
1. The discharge tunnel plug is locked securely
in discharge tunnel.
2. The grass bag is locked in place.
3. The optional side discharge chute is locked
in place.
4. The discharge tunnel door is locked closed.
Underside of Mower Housing
Keep underside of mower housing clean. Be especially
careful to keep kickers free of debris (Fig. 28).
796
Figure 28
1.
Kicker plates
Washing Method
After every use, follow this procedure for washing debris
out from the underside of the mower housing.
1. Position mower on a flat surface near a garden hose.
2. Start the engine.
3. Engage the blade.
4. Hold the running garden hose at handle level and
direct water to flow on ground just in front of right
rear tire (Fig. 29). The rotating blade will draw water
under the housing and wash out clippings. Let the
water run for a few minutes or until you no longer see
clippings being washed out from under housing.
1093
Figure 29
1.
Right rear wheel
5. Disengage the blade.
6. Turn off the garden hose.
7. Restart mower and let it run for a few minutes to dry
out moisture on the mower and its components. While
the engine is running, engage and disengage the safety
system and traction drive several times to dry them
out.
Scraping Method
If washing does not remove all debris from under deck, tip
mower and scrape it clean.
1. Pull wire off spark plug. Remove key from switch on
electric start models.
2. Drain gasoline from fuel tank: refer to Draining
Gasoline, page 12.
3. Tip mower on its right side (Fig. 28).
4. Remove dirt and grass clippings with a hardwood
scraper. Avoid burrs and sharp edges.
5. Turn mower upright.
6. Refill gas tank.
7. Reconnect spark plug wire.
