Service Manual

2 - 2 Service Dealer’s Guide to Great Quality of Cut
Elements of Great Quality of Cut
11. Check the transmission fluid level. (See owner’s
manual; some models have a sealed
transmission.)
12. Check the tire pressure, where applicable.
Note: Some models require installing the mower
attachment. If the mower is factory-installed, check the
blade pitch and deck level. These two factors are
critical to a great quality of cut.
Operator Instruction
Even experienced operators should review the
operation instructions for an unfamiliar machine. Every
operator’s manual contains safety and operation
information the operator should review before
operating the mower. Refer the operator to the
operator’s manual for details on operating the mower
safely and effectively.
Mower Preparation
When reviewing mower operation procedures with an
operator, do the following:
• Identify the location of the air filter and explain
how to check it.
• Describe how often the blade should be checked
and sharpened. Explain that tipping a walk behind
mower the wrong way to check the blade could
cause gasoline to spill or oil to soak the air filter.
• For a mower with a 4 cycle engine, explain how
often the oil should be checked and what type of
oil should be used. For a mower with a 2 cycle
engine, explain the method for mixing fuel and oil
properly. Remind the operator that the instructions
for either of these procedures are in the operator’s
manual.
• Identify the machine’s safety features and explain
how they work and how to use them. Remind the
operator that safety instructions are in the
operator’s manual.
• Demonstrate for the operator the sound of the
engine operating under a normal load and then
operating in an overloaded condition in which it is
starting to bog down.
• Show the operator how to clean clippings out of
the cutting chamber. Explain that this is important
because clippings can harden and stick to the
cutting chamber. Clippings adhering to the cutting
deck change the airflow under the cutting deck
and affect the quality of cut. They also generally
bond to the deck paint and cannot be removed
without also removing the paint.
Lawn Preparation
Explain to the operator that the operator’s manual
contains information for proper lawn preparation.
Remind the operator of the following:
• The grass must be dry. Cut late in the day, after
the sun has had a chance to dry the grass.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
Safety
Explain to the operator that the operator’s manual
contains safety information about the mower, lawn
preparation, operator dress and condition, and mowing
procedures. When followed, this safety information
contributes to a great quality of cut by ensuring that the
operator and bystanders are safe, the mower operates
properly, and the lawn is not damaged during mowing.
The operator should be completely familiar with all
aspects of operating the mower safely.