Maintenance

BEFORE EACH USE

•Always ensure that the mower is in a safe working condition. Inspect the cutter blade for damage; check safety devices and guards; check that all nuts, bolts and screws are secure.

• Check the oil level as follows:	Figure 6

a)Remove the oil filler cap and wipe the dipstick clean (Figure 6).

b)Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and tighten down again. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level; oil should be at the FULL mark. The oil tank capacity is about 0.6 litre or 20 fluid oz.

c)If the oil level is low add Mountfield oil part number MX855 or a SAE 10W-30 oil, to the upper limit on the dipstick. Do not overfill; the oil level should not be above the FULL mark.

•Fill the fuel tank with unleaded petrol. Do not overfill; the level should be below the bottom of the fuel tank neck.

Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug lead before working on the machine. DO NOT TIP THE MOWER ONTO ITS SIDE AS THIS WILL FLOOD THE AIR FILTER WITH OIL. To access the underside of the machine, lift the front wheels by lowering the handle until it rests on the ground.

CUTTER BLADE

Examine the cutter blade regularly for wear or damage.

•A slightly worn blade can be re-sharpened by your local dealer.

•If the blade is damaged it should be replaced. Replacement blade kits are available from your Mountfield stockist. The part number for the blade kit is MS1196. If in doubt refer to your dealer, or telephone 0845 600 2912.

CLUTCH CABLE ADJUSTMENT (Self Propelled model only)

• Make sure that the clutch lever is fully released.

• Lengthen the cable adjuster by unscrewing it a couple of turns.

(Figure 7)

Figure 7

•Engage the clutch lever and check that the rear wheels lock when the mower is pulled backwards.

•Start the mower and ensure it does not drive when the lever is disen- gaged.

ENGINE

An engine manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual is supplied with your mower. Please read this, it provides detailed information on engine operation and maintenance. Repair work other than routine maintenance, should be carried out by an authorised dealer.

Cable

Adjuster

STORAGE

A little time spent on your mower after use will ensure many years of reliable mowing. To access the underside of the cutter deck, ensure the spark plug lead is disconnected, then lift the front wheels by lowering the handle until it rests on the ground. Do not tip the mower onto its side, as this will flood the air filter with oil.

AFTER EACH USE

•Remove any grass pulp from the underside of the cutter deck using a non-metallic instrument such as a piece of wood. Take care not to damage the paintwork.

•Examine the cutter blade for any damage. A damaged blade may upset the balance of your mower and cause excessive vibration, if in doubt refer to your dealer.

•Inspect the grass collector and clean it if necessary. If the mesh becomes clogged airflow will be reduced and impair grass collection.

•The handle can be folded down to reduce the amount of storage space required. Take care not to trap any of the operating cables when folding or unfolding the handle.

•Store the mower in a clean, dry area well away from any naked flames, sparks or heat source.

LONG TERM - If you are not using your mower for more than 28 days.

•Give the machine a thorough clean, paying particular attention to the underside.

•Lubricate all moving parts.

•At the end of the season, empty the fuel tank either by running the mower out of fuel or tip the machine backwards and onto the back right wheel to drain the fuel into a suitable container. Drain the carburettor by loosening the drain screw, retighten the drain screw.