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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.
Remove ignition key on electric start models.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
WARNING
Section 5: Maintenance
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING
AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Thorough and regular cleaning of de-
bris from around the engine and on 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 sur-
faces, especially before checking oil
or adding fuel. Do not let oil or
grease accumulate. For access to the
front of the engine, the debris shield
can be lifted up and tilted 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
DEBRIS GUARD
It is extremely important to keep the
engine debris guard (A, Figure 5-7)
free of dirt and debris so the engine
can run as efficiently and as cool as
possible.
Brush the debris guard clean before
using the unit each time and whenever
you see a build-up of dirt and debris.
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 parts
to work more smoothly and protects
them from the elements. The following
are general guidelines:
Silicone-base Spray Lubricant
(or light oil):
• Throttle control cable
• Control bail cable
• Nuts, bolts and other hardware
NOTE: The spindle head is perma-
nently lubricated at the factory. There
is no need for additional lubrication.
COMPACT STORAGE
For compact storage of the unit, re-
move the two screws and locknuts se-
curing the handlebar 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 of the unit.
GENERAL ENGINE
MAINTENANCE
Perform the following engine mainte-
nance for your engine according to the
engine maintenance schedule and in-
structions in the separate Engine
Owner’s Manual:
Engine Oil Service
Check the engine oil level before start-
ing the engine each day and check it
after each 5 hours of continuous oper-
ation. 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
operating in extremely dirty or dusty
conditions.
Air Cleaner Service
The engine 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 en-
gine. Never operate the engine without
the air cleaner installed. Inspect and
service the air cleaner after every 25
operating hours, more often if operat-
ing in very dusty or dirty conditions.
Refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for
cleaning or replacement instructions.
Spark Plug Service
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 Service
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 kept clean to as-
sure smooth operation and to prevent
damage from overheating. Refer to the
Engine Owner’s Manual for specific
cleaning instructions.
Carburetor/Governor Control
Adjustments
The carburetor was adjusted at the fac-
tory for best operating speed. Refer to
the Engine Owner’s Manual for any ad-
justment information.
The governor controls the maximum
safe operating speed and protects the
engine and other moving parts from
Figure 5-7
A
Never run engine without debris
guard properly installed. If debris
guard is not properly installed, grass
clippings may be drawn into engine,
causing heat buildup and, in some
cases, a fire.
Failure to comply can cause injury or
property damage.
WARNING