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Maintenance Instructions
CHECKING/SERVICING/
REPLACING/REPAIRING
Mower Deck Gearbox Oil Seals
The mower deck gearbox seals should be inspected
every 25 hours for evidence of oil leaking; particu-
larly the lower oil seal on the blade drive gearbox.
This seal is protected by the trash guard on the blade
hub and seal protector plate on the housing, but is
still vulnerable to seal damage due to operating in an
adverse environment. The mower blade must be re-
moved for inspection of the seal, so it is recommend-
ed to inspect the gearbox seals when blades are
removed for sharpening. If an oil leak is noted, the
seal should be replaced and the gearbox assembly
relubricated. Refer to LUBRICATION for Mower
Deck Gearbox Lubrication in this section.
Spark Plugs
Every 200 hours of operation, remove the spark
plugs, inspect, clean, and reset the gap (or replace
with new plugs). Before removing the spark plugs,
clean the area around the base of the plugs to keep
dirt and debris out of the engine. Clean spark plugs
with a wire brush. DO NOT use an abrasive grit type
cleaner. If the electrodes are burned short or pitted,
replace plugs with Champion
®
type RC12YC (or
equivalent). Check spark plug gap with a wire-type
feeler gauge and set the gap at 0.030 in. (.76 mm).
Reinstall and tighten to between 18 and 22 ft-lb
(24.4 to 29.8 N
·m).
Fuel Lines and Clamps
Every year, inspect the fuel supply line from the tank
to engine for deterioration or damage. Also, inspect
the fuel line clamps for tightness. Good preventive
maintenance calls for complete replacement of fuel
lines and clamps every two (2) years.
Blade Brake Action
Check the function of the cutter blade brake (and
blower brake on GHS models) by engaging the
blade clutch (PTO), operating the engine at full throt-
tle, then disengaging the clutch and measuring how
quickly the blades stop. Watch the rotation of the
blade drive shaft and blower pulley as a visual indi-
cation that movement has stopped. If the brake is
working properly, all rotation will stop five (5)
seconds after disengagement of the clutch. If the
brake system malfunctions - blades do not stop in
five (5) seconds - adjust or repair the brake before
operating the mower.
REPLACING/REPAIRING
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS use genuine factory re-
placement parts. Substitute parts CAN result in
product malfunction and possible injury to the oper-
ator and/or others.
Drive Belts
There are four (4) individual belts on GHS models
or three (3) belts on SD models:
• Engine PTO Drive Belt (3 Groove Power Band)
• Jackshaft Drive Belt
• GHS Blower Drive Belt (GHS Model Only)
• Hydrostatic Ground Drive Belt
The belts may be removed and replaced using the
procedures described on the following pages.
WARNING
It is important to check and maintain blade
brake action for safe operation of the ma-
chine.
DANGER
To prevent accidental starting of the en-
gine when replacing parts or repairing the
machine, remove the key from the ignition
switch and disconnect the spark plug
wires.