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Section 5: Maintenance 13
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to come to
a 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
10. Reattach the idler arm spring (R,
Figure 5-6) in the hole in the idler arm (T).
11. A new belt may need to be adjusted
by following the “Adjusting Trimmer
Head Engagement” instructions in this
Section.
TRIMMER/MOWER CLEANING
AND DEBRIS REMOVAL
Thorough and regular cleaning of debris
from the engine and the machine is re-
quired for maximum efficiency and good
overall performance. Inspect and clean
the following areas regularly, making
sure the engine is stopped, and cool, be-
fore proceeding:
• Brush and wipe off all engine surfaces,
especially before checking oil or adding
fuel. Do not let debris, oil or grease ac-
cumulate. 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 accu-
mulated 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 be-
hind the muffler free of any combustible
debris. See “Cleaning Debris” in the
engine manual for complete cleaning in-
structions. 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 manual.
LUBRICATION
Applying light oil or a silicone-based lu-
bricant to your machine allows parts to
work more smoothly and protects them
from the elements. Use Silicone-base
Spray Lubricant (or light oil) to lubricate
the following parts:
• 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 of the unit, remove
the two screws and locknuts securing 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 manual:
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.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of op-
eration and even sooner when operating
in extremely dirty or dusty conditions.
Air Cleaner Service
Operating the engine with a dirty, clogged
air filter can cause poor performance and
damage to the engine. Inspect and ser-
vice the air cleaner after every 25 operat-
ing hours, more often if operating in very
dusty or dirty conditions. Never operate
the engine without the air cleaner
installed.
Figure 5-6A
Figure 5-7
Engine parts must be kept clean to re-
duce the risk of overheating and ignition
of accumulated debris. This is espe-
cially 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