11
especially heavy cutting in thick grass it may be
necessary to use one of the slowest speeds in order to get
a clean well mowed cut. When mowing long grass you
may have to cut the lawn in two passes, lowering the
blade another 1/3 of the length for the second cut and
perhaps cutting in a different pattern than was used the
first time. Overlapping the cut a little on each pass will
also help to clean up any stray clippings left on the lawn.
The mower should always be operated at full throttle to
get the best cut and allow it to do the most effective job of
mowing. Clean underside of deck. Be certain to clean the
underside of the cutting deck after each use to avoid a
build-up of grass, which would prevent proper mulching.
Mowing leaves. The mowing of leaves can also be
beneficial to your lawn. When mowing leaves make sure
they are dry and are not laying too thick on the lawn. Do
not wait for all the leaves to be off the trees before you
mow.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect
the mower for any damage and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of
the mower during operation is an indication of damage.
The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

10-7 DECK

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after
each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves,
dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate,
it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper
mulching. The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower
and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the
spark plug wire is disconnected).
11.MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
SPARK PLUG
Use only original replacement spark plug. For best
results, replace the spark plug every 100 hours of use.
12.LUBRICATION INSTRUCIONS
CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG
BEFORE SERVICING.
1. WHEELS-Lubricate the ball bearings in each wheel at
least once a season with a light oil.
2. ENGINE-Follow engine manual for lubrication
instructions.
3. BLADE CONTROL-Lubricate the pivot points on the
blade control handle and the brake cable at least once
a season with light oil. The blade control must operate
freely in both directions.
13.CLEANING
CAUTION: Do not hose engine. Water can
damage engine or contaminate the fuel system.
1. Wipe deck with dry cloth.
2. Hose under deck by tilting the mower so that the spark
plug is up.

13-1 ENGINE AIR CLEANER

CAUTION: Do not allow dirt or dust to clog the air
filter foam element. The engine air cleaner element must
be serviced (cleaned) after 25 hours normal mowing. The
foam element must be serviced regularly if the mower is
used in dry dusty conditions. (Refer to ENGINE
OWNER’S MANUAL)
To CLEAN AIR FILTER
1. Remove screw. (Fig.10A, Fig. 10B)
2. Remove cover.
3. Wash filter element in soap water. DO NOT USE
GASOLINE!
4. Air dry filter element.
5. Place a few drops of SAE30 oil on the foam filter and
squeeze tightly to remove any excess oil.
6. Reinstall filter.
NOTE: Replace filter if frayed, torn, damaged or
unable to be cleaned.

13-2 CUTTING BLADE

CAUTION: Be sure to disconnect and ground the
spark plug wire before working on the cutting blade to
prevent accidental engine starting. Protect hands by using
heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blades. Tip
mower as specified in separate engine manual. Remove
the hex bolt and washer which hold the blade and blade
adapter to the engine crankshaft. Remove the blade and
adapter from the crankshaft.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade
adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object.
Replace when necessary.
For best results your blade should be sharp. The blade
may be retargeted by removing it and either grinding or
filing the cutting edge keeping as close to the original
bevel as possible. It is extremely important that each
cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to
prevent an unbalanced blade. Improper blade balance will
result in excessive vibration causing eventual damage to
the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade
after sharpening. The blade can be tested for balance by
balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to
the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Install the blade
adapter on the engine crankshaft. Refer to Fig.11. Place
the blade with the part number facing away from the
adapter. Align the washer over the blade and insert the
hex bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below: