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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, bearings, or the
engine. The use of water
will result in shortened life
and reduce serviceability.
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 engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
• 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 on your
machine.
Lubrication
• Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least
once a season with light oil. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions, Figure 5-1.
• 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 5-1.
• Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on the
rear discharge door and side mulch plug periodically
with light oil to prevent rust, Figure 5-1.
• Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrica-
tion schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.
Deck Care
Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to
prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris.
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.
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.
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
A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and
instructions.
1. Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
2. Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should
be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
engine manual.
3. Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start
of each mowing season. Check engine manual for
correct plug type and gap specifications.
4. 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.
Figure 5-1: Areas of lubrication (model 435 shown)