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5
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
Always stop engine,
disconnect spark plug
and ground against
engine before performing
any type of maintenance
on your machine.
Do not use a pressure
washer or garden hose
to clean your unit. These
may cause damage to
electric components,
spindles, pulleys, bear-
ings, or the engine. The
use of water will result in
shortened life and reduce
serviceability.
Blade Care
WARNING: When removing cutting blade
for sharpening or replacement, protect your
hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag
to hold blade.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn
mower on its side making sure that the air filter and
the carburetor are facing up.
2. Remove bolt, bell blade support, and blade from the
engine crankshaft, Figure 5-2.
3. The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grind-
ing wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while
it is still on the mower. When sharpening blade, follow
original angle of grind and remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly. Balance the blade
on a round shaft screwdriver to check for balance.
Grind cutting edges equally to keep blade balanced.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could
break causing personal injury.
General
Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once
each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect
spark plug, and ground against engine
before performing any type of maintenance.
Lubrication
• Lubricate pivot points on the blade control and drive
control at least once a season with light oil. These
controls must operate freely in both directions,
Figure 5-1.
• Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with
light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil, Figure 5-1.
• Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot point on each
end of the side discharge chute periodically with light
oil to prevent rust, Figure 5-1.
• The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the
factory and does not require lubrication.
• Follow the accompanying engine manual for engine
lubrication instructions and schedule.
Deck Care
WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º
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.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn
mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the
side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If
you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make
sure to remove it now.
Engine Care
Refer to the engine manual for specific instructions.
• Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
• Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and
combustible debris from muffler area.
Figure 5-1: Areas to lubricate on mower.