Injury, Check Mower Blade, Service-Annually

Section 3- MAINTENANCE

WARNING

DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or servicewith engine and blade running.STOP engine and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficienttime for allcomponents to cool.Wear heavy leathergloves when handling or working around cuttingblades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe

injury.

3.2.3. CHECK MOWER BLADE

1.Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away from plug.

2.Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the blade cap screw. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. See Figure 3.4.

3.Check torque of blade retaining cap screw.

Recommended torque should be 40 ft. Ibs.	See
Figure 3.4.

4.Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. Refer to Section "Blade Wear Limits".

3.2.4. CHECK ENGINE DRIVE BELT

1.Visually check engine drive belt for cracking, fraying, severed or belt strands exposed. If worn or

damaged, replace belt before operating mower. 3.2.5. CHECK TRANSMISSION POLY-V BELT

1.Visually check poly-v belt for cracking, fraying, severed or belt strands exposed. If worn or damaged, replace belt before operating mower.

RECOMMENDED

BLADE RETAINING

CAP SCREW

TORQUE VALUE

SHOULD BE 40 FT.

_ LBS,

FIGURE 3.4

3.3SERVICE-ANNUALLY

Perform all maintenance as described in the "Service Schedule" section of this manual.

3.3.1.Engine

Service engine according to engine owner'smanual. 3.3.2. Air Filter

Refer to engine owner'smanual for service instructions.

3.3.3.Engine Oil

Refer to engine owner'smanual for service instructions.

3.4STORAGE PROCEDURE

Refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for directions regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the mower for "end of season" storage as follows:

1.Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until all fuel is out of the carburetor.

2.Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire away from spark plug before any other preparations are made!

3.Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.

4.Tilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly clean the underside of the deck. Do not tilt mower

with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away

any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or wire brush.

5.Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating of oil to prevent corrosion.

6.On self-propelled models disconnect transfer rod clip and remove ground speed control rod before folding handles.

7.Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles forward, "flexing" the control cables to prevent cable damage.

8.Store the mower in a shed or other dry area, protected from weather.