Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts
have come to a complete stop. Allow the engine to cool. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
General Recommendations
• Always observe safety rules on the mower and in the
manual(s) when performing any maintenance.
• The warranty on this mower does not cover items that have
been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from warranty, operator must maintain the mower
as instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine
warranty.
• Check that all hardware is in place & secure and tight before
each use and before off season storage.
Lubrication
BLADE CONTROL
Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season
and before storage with light oil. This control must operate freely
in both directions (Figure 22).
WHEELS
Lubricate all wheel hubs/axles at least once a season and before
storage with light oil (Figure 22).
Figure 22
Engine Maintenance
Annually check the engine mounting bolts torque: Min. 29.2
ft-lbs (39.6 N-m), Max. 41.7 ft-lbs (56.3 N-m).
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with your
mower for a detailed description of all engine-related service
specifications and storage.
If engine runs erratic, overheats, skips (hesitates) or idles poorly
refer to the Engine Operator's Manual.
IMPORTANT: Check engine oil level before each use. Refer to
Engine Operator's Manual.
CLEAN ENGINE
• Before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated debris
from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean. Keep
area around and behind muffler free of any combustible
debris.
• Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.
• Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of
overheating and ignition of accumulated debris.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Do not use water to clean engine parts. Water could
contaminate fuel system. Use a brush or dry cloth.
Mower Maintenance
DECK WASH (IF EQUIPPED)
Your mower's deck may be equipped with a deck wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck's
underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals.
Complete the following steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1. Push the mower to a level, clear location on your lawn. Ensure
your garden hose can reach your mower.
Make certain the mower's discharge chute is directed
AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
2. Remove the fast attach deck wash nozzle from the mower
deck and thread it onto the end of your garden hose.
3. Attach garden hose with the deck wash nozzle to the water
port on your deck's surface (Figure 23).
4. Turn the water ON.
5. Start the engine as described in the Engine Operator's
Manual.
6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
8. Turn the water OFF and detach the deck wash nozzle from the
water port on your deck's surface.
9. After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine
and blade running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing
the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.
14
CAUTION
CAUTION
Figure 23