Section 3 - MAINTENANCE
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or service with engine and blade running. STOP engine and blade. Remove key. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.
3.2.4. CHECK MOWER BLADE
1.Disconnect spark plug wire and secure end away from plug.
2.Tilt mower up on its rear wheels for access to the blade cap screw. See Figure 3.2.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT tip machine with carburetor or spark plug down. Oil from crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be replaced.
3.Check torque of blade retaining cap screw. Recommended torque should be 30 to 40 ft. lbs. See Figure 3.2.
4.Check blade for sharpness, wear and damage. Refer to Section “BLADE WEAR LIMITS”.
3.2.5.CHECK ENGINE to TRANSMISSION
DRIVE BELT
1.Visually check belt for cracking, fraying, severed or belt strands exposed. Replace belt before operating mower. Refer to Section ”BELT SERVICE” for replacement instructions.
BLADE
RETAINING CAP
SCREWS
TILT MOWER UP ON ITS BACK WHEELS!
FIGURE 3.2
3.3 SERVICE - ANNUALLY
Perform all maintenance as described in the maintenance schedule.
3.3.1. Engine
Service engine according to engine owner’s manual.
3.3.2. Air Filter
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service instructions.
3.3.3. Engine Oil
Refer to engine owner’s manual for service instructions.
3.4 STORAGE PROCEDURE
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for directions regarding engine storage preparations. Prepare the mower for “end of season” storage as follows:
1.Drain fuel from fuel tank and let engine run until all fuel is out of the carburetor.
2.Disconnect and remove the spark plug wire away from spark plug before any other preparations are made!
3.Tape all openings closed to prevent spraying water into exhaust or air intakes during washing.
4.Tilt mower up on its rear wheels and thoroughly clean the underside of the deck. Do not tilt mower with spark plug or carburetor down. Scrape away any accumulation of grass with a putty knife and or wire brush.
5.Lubricate all exposed metal with a light coating of oil to prevent corrosion.
6.Loosen handle knobs. Carefully fold the handles forward, “flexing” the control cables to prevent cable damage.
7.Store the mower in a shed or other dry area, protected from weather.
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