Maintenance
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and keep the spark plug side of engine up. Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees 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.
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
•Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
•Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
•The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler area.
Deck
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt, or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching, discharge, or bagging. The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
IMPORTANT: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. The use of water will result in shorten life and reduce serviceability.
Cutting Blade Removal, Replacement, and Sharpening
•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.
•Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 18.
•Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 18
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter when testing for balance. Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
•Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
•Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
•Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.
•Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with small holes in the blade.
•Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque.
15
