Maintenance

WARNING

Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance on your machine.

We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electrical components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

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Figure 12

General Recommendations

1.Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

2.The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.

3.Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.

4.All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.

5.Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

Lubrication

1.Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 12.

2.If your mower is equipped with ball bearing wheels, lubricate at least once a season with a light oil, all other types require no lubrication. However, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light automotive oil.

3.Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the rear door periodically with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 12.

4.Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica- tion schedule and instruction.

Engine

1.Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.

2.Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.

3.Under normal conditions service air cleaner as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.

4.The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recom- mended at the start of each mowing season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifica- tions.

NOTE: This spark ignition system meets all require- ments of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

5.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.

Deck

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching.

The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scrap- ing clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).

Blade Care

WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especial- ly if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:

1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2.Tip mower as specified in separate engine manual. If it does not specify turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.

3.Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 13.