Lubricating the Pivot Arms
Self-propel Model only
After every 25 operating hours or when the season ends, lubricate the pivot arms.
1.Move the rear wheel cutting height levers to the center setting.
2.Wipe the grease fittings with a clean rag (Fig. 22).
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Figure 22
1. Grease fitting
3.Install a grease gun onto the fitting and gently apply two or three pumps of #2
Note: Applying grease with excessive pressure may damage the seals.
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive
Self-propel Model only
If the lawn mower does not
1
Figure 23
1. Control knob
1.Close the door in the lawn mower housing and remove the grass bag.
2.Rotate the control knob clockwise / turn if the lawn mower does not
3.Slowly pull the lawn mower rearward while you gradually move the control bar toward the handle.
Note: The adjustment is correct when the rear wheels stop turning and the control bar is about one inch (2.5 cm) from the handle (Fig. 24).
1
Figure 24
1. One inch (2.5 cm)
Changing the Engine Oil
Change the oil after the first 5 operating hours (or the first month); and then after every 50 operating hours (or every 6 months).
1.Run the engine to warm the engine oil.
Note: Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.
Warning
Oil may be hot after engine has been run, and contact with hot oil can cause severe personal injury.
Avoid contacting the hot engine oil when you drain it.
2.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
3.Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 6).
4.Place a suitable drain pan under the dipstick/oil drain (Fig. 6).
5.Clean around the dipstick.
6.Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap counterclockwise and pulling it out.
7.Raise the left side of the lawn mower to drain the oil from the dipstick fill tube into the drain pan.
8.After draining the oil, return the lawn mower to the operating position.
9.Fill the crankcase with fresh oil to the upper limit mark on the dipstick. Refer to the Filling the Crankcase with Oil on page 7.
10.Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the cap clockwise until it is tight.
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