12
SECTION 6: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
Cleaning the Mower
• Clean the underside of the mower deck after each
use to prevent any build-up of grass clippings. If this
debris is allowed to accumulate, it will result in rust
and corrosion.
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure
washers 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 reduced serviceability.
• Disconnect spark plug wire.
• Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a
piece of plastic under the gas cap.
• Tilt the mower so that the side with the air cleaner is
facing up. Hold the mower firmly.
• Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
• Put the mower back on its wheels. If you had put
plastic under the gas cap, remove it now.
Engine Maintenance
A list of key maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for detailed list and
instructions.
• Change engine oil after the first two operating
hours and every 25 operating hours thereafter.
Check oil level before starting engine every time.
• Service foam filter in the air cleaner every 25 hours
of use and replace the paper filter component every
100 hours. You may have to service the air filter
more frequently if you are operating the mower
under extremely dusty conditions.
• Clean engine periodically with a cloth or brush.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at
least once a season or every 50 hours of operation.
Spark plug replacement is recommended at the
start of each season.
• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if
necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters
can create a fire hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler
and surrounding areas while the mower engine is
hot because temperature of these areas of the
engine may exceed 150
o
F.
Lubrication
(See Figure 12 )
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 axle bolt and the inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
Chute Deflector & Rear Discharge Door
• Lubricate the torsion spring and the pivot point on
each end of the chute deflector and the rear
discharge door using a light oil. This will prevent
rusting and ensure that the deflector, which is a
safety device, can always work properly.
Engine
• Follow the engine manual instructions and
recommended schedule for lubricating engine
components.
Pivot Points
• Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle, lower bail handle, and the cutting height
adjustment lever at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control handle and the lower bail
handle must operate freely in both directions. The
cutting height adjustment levers should be able to
move easily.
Figure 12
WARNING:
Always stop the engine and
disconnect the spark plug wire before
performing any maintenance work or
adjustments on your lawn mower.
WARNING:
Never tip the mower more than
90 degrees 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.
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate
Lubricate