Section 5: Maintenance
27
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to
come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove
the key from the keyswitch on units so equipped.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
AIR CLEANER
Inspect the air cleaner elements every 25
hours of engine operation, or more fre-
quently if operating under very dirty, dusty
conditions. Never operate the engine
without the air cleaner assembly installed.
See the separate engine manual for air
cleaner maintenance instructions.
INSPECT SPARK PLUG
Inspect spark plug every 100 operating
hours. Follow the spark plug cleaning and
replacement recommendations in the sep-
arate engine manual. Always replace a
damaged spark plug.
AIR COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING
Dry grass or debris can clog engine
cooling fins, air intake screen, levers,
guards and linkages. Clean all debris from
these areas to help avoid engine damage
caused by overheating. See the separate
engine manual for instructions.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
(Electric-Start Units)
• Before charging battery after operating
unit, stop engine, wait for all moving
parts to come to a complete stop, dis-
connect spark plug wire and prevent it
from contacting spark plug. Remove
key from keyswitch. Install blade
guard.
• Do not use any battery charger other
than the one which was supplied with
the unit. Use of any other battery
charger may permanently damage the
battery.
• Do not short circuit the battery wires
by touching the connectors together,
or by touching metal objects with
connectors.
• Remove all metal jewelry when
working near the electrical system.
• Do not smoke, use any flame, or gen-
erate sparks near the battery during
battery charging.
• Do not charge the battery for more than
48 hours.
Failure to follow these instructions could
result in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
1. Unplug the battery charger (A, Fig. 5-
20) from the wall outlet.
2. Plug the battery wire lead (B) into the
battery charger lead (C).
3. Plug the battery charger into a
grounded 120-volt wall outlet. The battery
charger is designed for use indoors and
should not get wet. Keep the battery
charger away from water, rain, snow, etc.
Charge the battery for 24 to 48 hours (24
hours minimum).
4. Unplug the battery charger from the
wall outlet first, then unplug the battery
wire lead (B) from the battery charger lead
(C).
SEASONAL BATTERY CHARGING
The engine alternator continuously
charges the battery while the engine is
running. To help ensure that the battery is
always fully-charged, it should additionally
be charged for 24 (minimum) to 48 hours
at the start and end of the mowing season.
BATTERY REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT
1. Remove the two screws securing the
panel at the rear of the unit. Remove the
panel.
2. Unplug the black wire from the nega-
tive (-) terminal on the battery and the red
wire from the positive (+) terminal on the
battery.
3. Remove the two screws that secure the
battery bracket (behind the panel).
Remove the battery bracket and heat
shield and lift out the battery.
4. Install the new battery and re-install the
battery bracket, heat shield and panel.
Reconnect the red wire to the positive (+)
terminal on the battery and the black wire
to the negative (-) terminal.
CHECK AND TIGHTEN
HARDWARE
Vibration occurs during operation and can
loosen parts and hardware. Check all parts
and hardware every 10 operating hours.
Tighten or replace as needed.
LUBRICATION
Every Five Operating Hours:
• Put a drop or two of general purpose oil
under the hold-down clips and the wear
plates (G, Fig. 5-10).
Every Ten Operating Hours:
• Lightly oil the drive chain (see “Drive
Chain Adjustment and Lubrication” to
access chain). Spread oil over as much
of the chain surface as possible.
• With a hand-operated grease gun, apply
grease through the zerk fittings in the
attachment mounting bracket and
pitman assembly pivot shafts (see Fig.
5-21).
• Wipe old, dirty grease from the eccentric
channel (A, Fig. 5-16) and apply fresh
grease.
WARNING
Fig. 5-20
E
A
(to grounded
wall outlet)
C
(from
battery
charger)
B
(from
battery)
Fig. 5-21
Grease
Fittings
