SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower.
Cleaning Mower
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent any
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to bearings or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
•Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
•Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the 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.
•Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
•Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you had put plastic under the gas cap, make sure to remove it now.
Lubrication
Blade Control Handle
•Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions.
Wheels
•Lubricate the wheels and bearings, if so equipped, at least once a season with light oil or engine oil. Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the pivot arm axle and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil.
Rear Discharge Door
•Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on each end of the rear discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent rusting of the discharge door.
Engine Care
Follow the accompanying engine manual for detailed list and instructions.
WARNING: Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150o F.
SECTION 8: SERVICING THE MOWER
Blade Care
WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
Removing the Blade
•Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
•Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.
•Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 14.
•Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Blade |
Adapter |
Blade Bell |
Support |
Hex Bolt |
Figure 14
Sharpening the Blade
•The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.
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