Filter
Top Products
12
Maintenance
NOTE: When tipping the unit or emptying the fuel tank
keep the air cleaner side of engine up. Never tip the
mower more than 90 degrees 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.
Engine Care
A list of key maintenance jobs, required for good
performance by the mower, is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for details.
• Change the engine oil regularly, as instructed in the
engine manual. Check oil level before starting
engine every time.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding
usually indicate that the air cleaner should be
serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
• Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and
debris with a cloth or brush.
• Keep the cooling system (blower housing area)
clean to permit proper air circulation which is
essential to engine performance and life. Be certain
to remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris
from muffler area.
• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to.030” at
least once a season. Refer to the engine manual for
correct spark plug type.
• Inspect muffler periodically and replace if
necessary.
Deck
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned
after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt, or other matter. If this debris is allowed to
accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may
prevent proper mulching, discharge, or bagging. The
deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping
clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
IMPORTANT:
We do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
Cutting Blade Removal, Replacement, and Sharpening
WARNING: When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement,
protect your hands with a pair of heavy
gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the
blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary.
Removing the Blade
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
• Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter
and the carburetor are up.
• Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 14.
• Remove the blade and the adapter from the
crankshaft.
Figure 14
Sharpening the Blade
• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a
grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the
blade while it is still on the mower.
• Follow the original angle of grind as a guide. Make
sure that each cutting edge receives an equal
amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
Balancing the Blade
• The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy
side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that
the blade always be removed from the adapter
when testing for balance. Before reinstalling the
blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate
the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the
blade adapter with light oil.
• Be sure to install the blade with the end tips facing
up or side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with
part number) facing the ground when the mower is
in the operating position.
• Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
• Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the
blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges.
• Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the
notches on the blade bell support are aligned with
small holes in the blade.
• Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450
in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the
blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct
torque.
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell
Adapter
Support