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14 Section 5: Maintenance
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.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING
AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Thorough and regular cleaning of debris
from the engine and 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 surfaces,
especially before checking oil or
adding fuel. Do not let debris, oil or
grease accumulate. To access the
front of the engine, lift the debris shield
up and tilt it 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
debris-free so they work properly.
CLEANING THE ENGINE
Before each use of the machine and at
each refueling, clean grass, chaff or
accumulated debris from the finger
guard area on top of the engine (see
Figure 5-7), and from the linkage,
springs and controls on the engine.
Keep the area around and behind the
muffler free of any combustible debris.
See “Cleaning Debris” in the Engine
Owner’s Manual for complete cleaning
instructions. Do not use water to clean
engine parts as water could contaminate
the fuel system. Use a brush or dry
cloth. Be sure engine is cool before
cleaning around muffler area.
NOTE: The separate engine air cleaner
must also be serviced according to the
instructions in the Engine Owner’s
Manual.
LUBRICATION
Applying light oil or a silicone-based
lubricant to your machine allows the fol-
lowing parts to work smoothly and pro-
tects them from the elements:
• Throttle control cable
• Control bail cable
• Nuts, bolts and other hardware
NOTE: The spindle head is permanently
lubricated at the factory. There is no
need for additional lubrication.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage, remove the two
screws and locknuts securing the han-
dlebar 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.
GENERAL ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine mainte-
nance according to the engine mainte-
nance schedule and instructions in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual:
Engine Oil – Check the engine oil level
before starting the engine each day and
check it after each 5 hours of continuous
operation. 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 oper-
ating in extremely dirty or dusty condi-
tions.
Air Cleaner – The 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 engine.
Never operate the unit without the air
cleaner installed. Inspect and service the
air cleaner after every 25 operating hours,
more often if operating in very dusty or
dirty conditions. See the Engine Owner’s
Manual for cleaning or replacement
instructions.
Spark Plug – 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 – 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
clean to assure smooth operation and to
reduce the risk of overheating and igni-
tion of accumulated debris. Refer to the
Engine Owner’s Manual for specific
cleaning instructions.
Carburetor/Governor Control
Adjustments – The carburetor was
adjusted at the factory for best operating
speed. See the Engine Owner’s Manual
for any adjustment information.
The governor controls the maximum
safe operating speed and protects the
engine and other moving parts from
damage caused by overspeeding. Do not
tamper with the governor settings. Seek
authorized service if you think an adjust-
ment is required.
Figure 5-7
Engine parts must be kept clean to
reduce the risk of overheating and igni-
tion of accumulated debris. This is
especially important if cutting tall grass.
Clean accumulated debris at each refu-
eling and before each use of machine.
Failure to comply can cause injury or
property damage.
WARNING
Finger Guard