MAINTENANCE
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing any main- tenance.
TIRES
•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chem- icals which can harm rubber.
•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the drive wheel and dust cover area and must be cleaned out to free drive wheels.
If necessary to clean drive wheels, check both rear wheels.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not ap- proved by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig. 14)
1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2.Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air fi lter and carburetor are up.
3.Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4.Remove blade bolt by turning
5.Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).
TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 14)
1.Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two
(2)holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.
2.Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
3.Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
4.Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower hous- ing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.
•The recommended tightening torque is
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS HEAT TREATED. IFBOLT NEEDS REPLACING, REPLACE ONLYWITHAPPROVED BOLT SHOWN IN THE REPAIR PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.
TRAILING EDGE |
| |
BLADE ADAPTER |
|
|
|
| LOCK |
|
| WASHER |
| HARDENED | BLADE |
BLADE | WASHER | BOLT |
FIG. 14
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced.
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.
•The blade can be sharpened with a fi le or on a grind- ing wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
•The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.
•Check your grass catcher often for damage or dete- rioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.
GEAR CASE
•To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash
•The gear case is fi lled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs at- tention is if service has been performed on the gear case.
•If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Pre- mium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369. Do not substitute.
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