Safety Rules | General Information |
GENERAL REPAIR INFORMATION
In addition to providing specific repair procedures for the equipment listed at the beginning of this section, this manual provides the following additional general instruc- tions for dealing with repairs to various types of compo- nents.
This information is designed to help you deal more effec- tively with these components by providing basic service knowledge and other useful tips.
Bearings & Bushings
Roller bearings, ball bearings, and bushings are used to provide support to rotating shafts and other parts such as gears, pulleys, and sprockets that are used to transmit rotary motion. Over time, bearings and bushings may require additional lubrication to transmit this rotary motion with minimal friction, or may need replacement due to normal operation and wear. Normal service for bearings and bushings includes removal, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, and replacement.
REMOVAL
Most bearings and bushings used on the listed equip- ment can be easily removed by following the appropriate detailed procedures found throughout this manual. Care should always be exercised to avoid scratching or dam- aging the bearing or bushing, the mounting shaft, and surrounding components. Bearing or bushing removal is usually necessary when excessive play or wobble is noticed on the part it supports, when unusual noise or vibration is apparent, or when a burning smell is present at the bearing location.
CLEANING
Sealed bearings and bushings can be cleaned by careful wiping with a cloth. Bearings with
INSPECTION
Once cleaned, bearings can be properly inspected for wear, scratches, visible damage such as corrosion, cracked seals or scorching, and rough, or noisy, opera- tion. Bushings can be visually checked for scratches, uneven wear, or other visual damage.
LUBRICATION
After passing inspection, bearings and bushings should be lubricated in accordance with factory specifications, and reinstalled according to the appropriate installation instructions. New bearings and bushings must also be properly lubricated before use. For optimal performance, and as a practical preventive maintenance measure, bearings and bushings used in pairs or multiple sets should all be replaced at the same time.
Belts & Pulleys
Belts and pulleys transmit rotary motion from power sources to work components, providing the force needed to drive transmissions, operate mower decks, and power various attachments. This continual use eventually causes belts to wear out, and over time may also require the replacement of pulleys and pulley bearings.
Belt wear and various types of damage are easily checked by visual examination, which is covered in greater detail elsewhere in this manual. Pulleys may also be checked visually for wear or apparent damage, but pulley bearings usually require removal, cleaning, and inspection to determine if replacement is required.
Belt and pulley life can be optimized by making sure that proper belt tension and alignment are observed when belts are installed. Proper belt tension and alignment should also be maintained by performing periodic checks and adjustments. In addition, only factory authorized replacement belts will minimize problems caused by size, thermal instability, and variations in quality.
Electrical Parts
The electrical parts used on these units have been specifically engineered for outdoor power equipment, and are designed to provide years of reliable operation. As with all electrical components and systems, electrical contacts must be kept clean and dry, and all terminations must be securely fastened or connected. Also, all elec- trical components, wiring, and connectors should be peri- odically inspected for corrosion, signs of excessive heat
Specific procedures for electrical troubleshooting and most common repairs is covered in separate sections of this manual.