10
5
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark
plug, and ground
against engine before
performing any type
of maintenance on
your machine.
We do not recommend
the use of a pressure
washer 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.
Figure 5-1
General Recommendations
1. Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
2. The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
3. Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
4. All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
5. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug, and ground
against engine before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of
maintenance on your machine.
Lubrication
1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control and drive
control at least once a season with light oil. These
controls must operate freely in both directions. See
Figure 5-1.
2. Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with
light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil. See Figure 5-1.
3. Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on each
end of the side mulching plug/ chute deflector periodi -
cally with light oil to prevent rust. See Figure 5-1.
4. The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
5. Follow the engine maintenance section for lubrication
schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
1. Disconnect spark plug boot. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the
side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
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.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
1. Maintain oil level as instructed in the engine mainte-
nance section.
2. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Refer to the engine maintenance
section.
3. Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Check the engine maintenance section for correct
plug type and gap specifications.
4. Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt and
combustible debris from muffler area.