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Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the unit, shut off engine, wait for all parts to come to a
complete stop, disconnect spark plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key on elec-
tric start models. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or
property damage.
ENGINE OIL SERVICE
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.
It is recommended that you change the
motor oil after every 10 hours of opera-
tion and even sooner when operating in
extremely dirty or dusty conditions. Refer
to the separate Engine Owner’s Manual
for detailed service instructions.
A. To Check the Engine Oil Level:
1. Move the tiller to a level area and shut
off the engine.
2. Level the engine by moving the Depth
Regulator Lever up or down as needed.
3. Clean the area around the oil dipstick
or oil fill tube to prevent dirt from falling
into the crankcase.
4. On engines with an oil fill tube,
remove the filler cap, add oil (if required)
until it reaches the top of the tube and
reinstall the filler cap.
5. On engines with a dipstick, remove it,
wipe it clean, and reinstall it finger-tight.
Remove the dipstick and check the
reading. Add oil (if required) to bring the
level to the FULL mark. Do not overfill.
B. To Change the Engine Oil:
Change the engine oil as instructed in the
separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
AIR CLEANER SERVICE
The engine air cleaner filters dirt and dust
out of the air before it enters the carbure-
tor. Operating the engine with a dirty,
clogged air filter can cause poor perfor-
mance and damage to the engine. Never
operate the engine without the air cleaner
installed. Inspect and service the air
cleaner more often if operating in very
dusty or dirty conditions.
Service the air cleaner as instructed in
the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
SPARK PLUG SERVICE
Inspect and clean or replace the spark
plug after every 100 operating hours or
annually. Clean the plug and set the gap
as described in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual.
In some areas, local law requires using
resistor spark plugs to suppress ignition
signals. If the engine was originally
equipped with a resistor spark plug, use
the same type for replacement.
SPARK ARRESTER SCREEN
SERVICE
If the engine muffler is equipped with a
spark arrester screen, remove and clean
it according to the time intervals and
instructions in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual.
ENGINE CLEANING
The engine must be kept clean to assure
smooth operation and to prevent damage
from overheating. Refer to the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual for specific repair
and cleaning instructions. All inspections
and services must be done with the engine
shut off and cool to the touch.
CARBURETOR/GOVERNOR CONTROL
ADJUSTMENTS
The carburetor was adjusted at the factory
for best operating speed. Refer to the sep-
arate Engine Owner’s Manual for any
adjustment information or see your autho-
rized engine service dealer.
The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed and protects the engine
and all moving parts from damage caused
by overspeeding. Do not tamper with the
engine governor settings. Seek authorized
service if a problem exists.
THROTTLE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
If the engine does not respond to various
throttle lever settings, refer to the separate
Engine Owner’s Manual for service infor-
mation or contact your local authorized
engine service dealer.
Figure 5-3: Remove drain plug to drain
transmission gear oil (also remove oil fill
plug and oil level check plug).
Operators shall not tamper with the
engine governor settings on the
machine; the governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed to
protect the engine and all moving parts
from damage caused by overspeed.
Authorized service shall be sought if a
problem exists.
WARNING