Operator`s manual

SECTION7: MAINTAININGYOURLAWNMOWER
GeneralRecommendations
• 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 the
warranty, the operator must maintain the lawn
mower as instructed in this manual.
• Some adjustments will have to be made
periodically to maintain your unit properly. Refer to
the earlier section for details.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure
these are tight.
_ WARNING" Always stop engine anddisconnect spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating, or doing any kind of service work on
the lawn mower.
Lubrication
Blade Control Handle: Lubricate the pivot points on
the blade control handle and the drive clutch control at
least once a season with light oil. These handles must
operate freely in both directions.
Wheels: Lubricate the wheels at least once a season
with light oil (or motor oil). If the wheels are removed for
any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and
inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
Rear Discharge Door: Lubricate the torsion spring and
pivot point periodically with light oil to prevent any rust
or binding.
Engine: Follow the engine manual for instructions.
Engine
Refer to the engine manual for all engine maintenance
instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the engine
manual. Fill up with correct grade and amount of oil.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicate that the air cleaner should be
serviced. For details, refer to the engine manual.
• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season.
• Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush.
Keep the cooling system (blower housing area)
clean to permit proper air circulation which is
essential to engine performance and life. Be certain
to remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris
from muffler area.
CleaningtheDeck
IMPORTANT:We do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
Clean the underside of the mower deck after each
use to prevent a build-up of grass clippings, leaves,
dirt etc. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will
invite rust and corrosion, and may affect the
mower's performance. Tilt the equipment and
scrape it clean with a suitable tool.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and
keep the air cleaner side of engine up. Never tip the
mower more than 90 degrees 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.
ServicingtheBlade
• Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace
when necessary.
_ WARNING: When handling the blade,
protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves
or use a heavy rag.
• Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 15.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell
_ort
Bolt
Figure 15
Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
NOTE: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause
damage to the mower, and could break, causing
personal injury.
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