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.
Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bear- ings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
Figure 5-1: Areas to lubricate on mower.
General
Recommendations
•Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
•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.
•Changing of
•All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.
•Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine
before performing any type of maintenance.
Lubrication
•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, Figure
•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, Figure
•Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on each end of the side discharge chute periodically with light oil to prevent rust, Figure
•The transmission is
•Follow the accompanying engine manual for engine lubrication instructions and schedule.
Deck Care
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in any direction 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.
1.Disconnect spark plug wire. 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.
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
Refer to the engine manual for specific instructions.
•Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
•Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.
•Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
•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.
Blade Care
WARNING: When removing cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your
hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold blade.
1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.
2.Remove bolt, bell blade support, and blade from the engine crankshaft, Figure
3.The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grind- ing wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower. When sharpening blade, follow original angle of grind and remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check for balance. Grind cutting edges equally to keep blade balanced.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury.
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