Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Thorough and regular cleaning of de- bris from around the engine and on the machine is required for maximum engine efficiency and good overall performance. Inspect and clean the following areas regularly, making sure the engine is stopped, and cool, before proceeding:
•Brush and wipe off all engine sur- faces, especially before checking oil or adding fuel. Do not let oil or grease accumulate. For access to the front of the engine, the debris shield can be lifted up and tilted forward.
•Wipe the deck clean, particularly near the engine muffler.
•Clean the underside of the deck.
•Keep safety and operating decals clean and legible.
•Keep all operating control levers
CLEANING THE ENGINE
DEBRIS GUARD
It is extremely important to keep the engine debris guard (A, Figure
Brush the debris guard clean before using the unit each time and whenever you see a
NOTE: The separate engine air cleaner must also be serviced according to the instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
A
Figure
WARNING
Never run engine without debris guard properly installed. If debris guard is not properly installed, grass clippings may be drawn into engine, causing heat buildup and, in some cases, a fire.
Failure to comply can cause injury or property damage.
LUBRICATION
Applying light oil or a
Silicone-base Spray Lubricant (or light oil):
•Throttle control cable
•Control bail cable
•Nuts, bolts and other hardware
NOTE: The spindle head is perma- nently lubricated at the factory. There is no need for additional lubrication.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage of the unit, re- move the two screws and locknuts se- curing the handlebar and carefully (to avoid kinking the cables) rotate the handlebar so that the upper portion rests on the engine and the handlebar legs face to the rear of the unit.
GENERAL ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine mainte- nance for your engine according to the engine maintenance schedule and in- structions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
Engine Oil Service
Check the engine oil level before start- ing the engine each day and check it after each 5 hours of continuous oper-
ation. Running the engine when it is low on oil will quickly ruin the engine.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation and even sooner when operating in extremely dirty or dusty conditions.
Air Cleaner Service
The engine air cleaner filters dirt and dust out of the air before it enters the carburetor. Operating the engine with a dirty, clogged air filter can cause poor performance and damage to the en- gine. Never operate the engine without the air cleaner installed. Inspect and service the air cleaner after every 25 operating hours, more often if operat- ing in very dusty or dirty conditions. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replacement instructions.
Spark Plug Service
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug after every 100 operating hours or annually. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for cleaning or replacement instructions.
Spark Arrester Screen Service
If the engine is equipped with a spark arrester screen, remove and clean it according to the time intervals and instructions in the Engine Owner’s Manual.
Engine Cleaning
The engine must be kept clean to as- sure smooth operation and to prevent damage from overheating. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Carburetor/Governor Control
Adjustments
The carburetor was adjusted at the fac- tory for best operating speed. Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for any ad- justment information.
The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed and protects the engine and other moving parts from
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