Operator's Manual

14
Maintenance
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Service
Interval
Maintenance Procedure
Each Use
• Check the engine oil level. Refer to Checking the Engine Oil Level on page 15.
• Check the stopping time of the blade brake. The blade must stop within
3 seconds of releasing the bail; if it does not, contact an Authorized Service
Dealer for repair.
• Remove grass clippings and dirt from under the housing. Refer to Cleaning
under the Housing on page 15.
• Clean the discharge tunnel and the recycler plug. Refer to Cleaning the
Discharge Tunnel and the Recycler Plug on page 16.
5 Hours
• Check the blade and the engine mounting fasteners. Tighten them if they are
loose.
25 Hours
• Clean the air filter pre-cleaner, and replace the paper air filter; replace the paper
air filter more frequently in dusty or dirty operating conditions. Refer to Servicing
the Air Filter on page 16.
• Inspect the spark plug and replace it if necessary. Refer to Servicing the Spark
Plug on page 16.
• Adjust the self-propel drive cable and grease the rear axle fittings. Refer to
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive Cable on page 17 and to Lubricating the
Self-propel Drive on page 17.
50 Hours
• Change the engine oil.
1,2
Refer to Changing the Engine Oil on page 17.
• Sharpen or replace the blade; maintain it more frequently if the edge dulls quickly
in rough or in sandy conditions. Refer to Maintaining the Blade on page 18.
• Check for leaks in the fuel system and/or a deteriorating fuel hose. Replace parts
if necessary.
• Remove grass clippings and debris from under the belt cover. Refer to Cleaning
under the Belt Cover on page 20.
100 Hours • Clean the cooling system. Refer to Cleaning the Cooling System on page 20.
Storage
• Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed or before storage. Refer to
Emptying the Fuel Tank on page 20.
• Charge the battery as directed or before storage (electric-start model only).
Charge the battery after extended storage. Replace the battery when necessary.
Refer to Charging the Battery on page 20.
1
Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours.
2
Change the engine oil after every 25 operating hours in dusty conditions or in high temperatures.
Important Refer to your engine operator’s manual for additional maintenance procedures.
Caution
If you leave the wire on the spark plug, someone could accidently start the engine and seriously
injure you or other bystanders.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug before you do any maintenance. Set the wire aside so
that it does not accidentally contact the spark plug.