Section 5: Maintenance
15
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
ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING
AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Regular cleaning of debris from around the
engine and on the machine is required for
maximum engine efficiency and good over-
all performance. Inspect and clean the fol-
lowing areas regularly, making sure the
engine is stopped – and cool – before pro-
ceeding:
• Brush and wipe off all engine surfaces,
especially before checking oil or adding
fuel. Do not let oil or grease accumu-
late. For access to the front of the
engine, the debris shield can be lifted up
and tilted forward.
• Wipe the deck clean, particularly near
the engine muffler.
• Clean the underside of the deck.
• Keep safety and operating decals clean
and legible.
• Keep all control levers clean so they
work properly.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage, remove the two
screws and locknuts securing the handle-
bar and carefully (to avoid kinking the
cables) rotate the handlebar so that the
upper portion rests on the engine and the
handlebar legs face to the rear of the unit.
GENERAL ENGINE MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine maintenance
for your engine according to the engine
maintenance schedule and instructions in
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
Engine Oil Service – Check the engine oil
level before starting the engine and after
each 5 hours of continuous operation.
Running the engine when it is low on oil
will quickly ruin the engine.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation and more often when operating
in extremely dirty or dusty conditions.
Air Cleaner Service – The air cleaner fil-
ters dirt and dust out of the air before it
enters the carburetor. Operating the
engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can
cause poor performance and damage to
the engine. Never operate the engine with-
out the air cleaner installed. Inspect and
service the air cleaner after every 25 oper-
ating hours, more often if operating in
very dusty or dirty conditions. Refer to
the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or
replacement instructions.
Spark Plug – Inspect and clean or replace
the spark plug after every 100 operating
hours or annually. Refer to the Engine
Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replace-
ment instructions.
Spark Arrester Screen – If the engine is
equipped with a spark arrester screen,
remove and clean it according to the time
intervals and instructions in the Engine
Owner’s Manual.
Engine Cleaning – The engine must be
kept clean to assure smooth operation and
to prevent damage from overheating.
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for
specific cleaning instructions.
Carburetor/Governor Control
Adjustments – The carburetor was
adjusted at the factory for best operating
speed. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual
for any adjustment information.
The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine
and other moving parts from damage
caused by overspeeding. Do not tamper
with the governor settings. Seek autho-
rized service if you think an adjustment is
required.
Throttle Control Adjustment – If the
engine does not shut off when the throttle
lever is moved to the stop position, or if
the engine does not respond to various
throttle settings, refer to the Engine
Owner’s Manual for service information.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When storing the machine for extended
periods, follow these procedures to
ensure that the unit will be in good condi-
tion for future use.
• Store machine on a level surface.
• Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
loose, broken or missing parts. Repair
or replace parts as necessary.
• Protect the engine and perform the rec-
ommended engine maintenance by fol-
lowing the engine storage instructions
found in the Engine Owner’s Manual. Be
sure to protect the fuel lines, carburetor
and fuel tank from gum deposits by
removing fuel or by treating fuel with a
fuel stabilizer (follow the engine manu-
facturer’s recommendations).
• Clean any dirt, grass or chaff from the air
cooling system intake area and other
parts of the engine.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug. Prevent wire from touching spark
plug by placing wire away from spark
plug.
• Never perform maintenance when
engine is running or spark plug wire is
connected, except when instructed to
do so.
• Never store mower with fuel in fuel
tank inside a building where fumes can
reach an open flame or spark, or where
ignition sources are present such as
hot water and space heaters, furnaces,
clothes dryers, stoves, electric motors,
etc. Make sure engine is cool before
storing.
• Drain gasoline outdoors into an
approved container.Do not smoke and
keep fuel away from open flame.
Failure to follow these instructions will
result in serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
WARNING
