SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower.
Cleaning Mower
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent any
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
•Disconnect spark plug wire.
•Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
•Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the mower firmly.
•Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
•Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you had put plastic under the gas cap, make sure to remove it now.
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees in any directions and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.
Engine Care
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed list and instructions.
•Change engine oil regularly, as instructed in the engine manual. Check oil level before starting engine every time. Change oil while the engine is warm, not hot or cold.
•Service foam filter in the air cleaner every 25 hours of use and replace the paper filter component every 100 hours. You may have to service the air filter more frequently if you are operating the mower under extremely dusty conditions.
•Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush.
•Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to .030” at least once a season. Refer to the engine manual for correct spark plug type.
•Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters can create a fire hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150o F.
Lubrication
Refer to the lubrication chart in Figure 15.
Blade Control Handle
•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.
Rear Discharge Door
•Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent rusting of the discharge door.
Wheels
•Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, at least once a season with light oil or engine oil. Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
Engine
•Follow the engine manual instructions and recommended schedule for lubricating engine components.
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate
Figure 15: Lubrication Chart
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