Maintenance Instructions

CLEANING

Grass Buildup in Mower Housing

DANGER

Before raising or removing the mower deck for cleaning, stop the engine, remove the ignition key, and disconnect the spark plug wire.

1.Raise the deck lock lever handle on each side of the carrier frame and pull out to release carrier frame for tilting action.

2.Using the carrier frame lift handle, raise deck to the TILT-UPposition and insert the deck hook into the tilt-up latch on the tractor body.

Body Bracket

Deck Secured in Tilt-Up Position

3.Clean grass buildup underneath the deck using a pressure washer (and scraper if required).

NOTE: If the buildup is severe, it may be easier to clean the deck by removing the deck assem- bly from the tractor and standing the desk assembly on its “nose”.

NOTE: While some degree of material buildup in the mower deck housing can be tolerated, a point is finally reached where cutting quality deteriorates and clogging begins to occur because of too much buildup on the baffling and housing.

4.Lower the deck to the normal operating position and re-engage the deck lock levers.

CAUTION

Do not operate machine with deck tilt-up pivot joint unlocked.

GHS Blower

Normally, the GHS blower operates with no maintenance or cleaning. However, when mowing grass that is dirty and damp (especially springtime mow- ing), a deposit of dirt may accumulate inside the blower housing, causing wear and binding of the blower wheel. When operating in these conditions, inspect the blower frequently for dirt buildup.

NOTE: A visual clue of binding of the blower wheel is the blower blade tips are polished from rubbing on dirt.

When a dirt deposit is found, use a high pressure washer or water spray to clean the inside of the housing as follows:

DANGER

Before attempting to wash the blower, stop the engine, remove the ignition key, and disconnect the spark plug wire.

1.Remove the PTO drive belt from the GHS blower pulley as follows: Move the blade clutch (in direction of engagement) far enough to relax the belt scrubber brake without tightening the PTO drive belt. Roll the belt off of the blower pul- ley, then move blade clutch to full “engagement” position. Both the drive belt and scrubber brake bar should be clear of blower pulley, allowing free movement of the blower wheel.

IMPORTANT: With the belt removed, the blower wheel must spin freely. Any binding or drag- ging of the wheel is an indication of dirt buildup. This buildup must be cleaned to avoid abra- sive wear of the blower blades, excessive power loss and eventual loss of blower perfor- mance (clogging).

52