16
MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.
General Recommendations
1. The owner’s responsibility is to maintain this
product. This will extend the life of the
product and is also necessary to maintain
warranty coverage.
2. Check the spark plug, drive brake, lubricate
the unit, and clean the air filter once a year.
3. Check the fasteners. Make sure all
fasteners are tight.
4. Follow the Maintenance section to keep the
unit in good operating condition.
WARNING: Before you make an
inspection, adjustment, or repair to
the unit, disconnect the wire to the
spark plug. Remove the wire from the spark
plug to prevent the engine from starting by
accident.
NOTE: Torque is measured in metric N-m
(foot pounds). This measurement describes
how tight a nut or bolt must be. The torque is
measured with a torque wrench.
How To Remove The Connector Tube
For good bagging performance, the connector
tube must be clean and free from grass and
debris. Remove and clean the connector tube
as follows.
To Remove
1. Move the blade rotation control to the
DISENGAGE position.
2. Move the shift lever to the neutral (N)
position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Stop the engine.
5. Move the lift lever to the middle cutting
position.
6. (Figure 15 and Figure 16) Disconnect the
rubber strap (1) from the latch pin (2) on
the connector tube (3).
7. (Figure 17) Hold the handles (4). Remove
the grass bag (5).
8. (Figure 18) Pull the connector tube (3)
through hole in rear plate (6).
9. Clean the connector tube (3) with soap
and water.
To Install
1. (Figure 16 and Figure 18) Slide the flange
(7) end of the connector tube (3) through
hole in rear plate (6).
2. (Figure 16) Slide the flange (7) end of the
connector tube (3) over the extension
tube (8).
3. (Figure 15 and Figure 16) Attach the
rubber strap (1) to the latch pin (2) on the
connector tube (3).
4. Install the grass bag.
Inspect Blade (Figure 19)
WARNING: Before you inspect or
remove the blade, disconnect the wire
to the spark plug. If the blade hits an
object, stop the engine. Check the unit for
damage. The blade has sharp edges. When
you hold the blade, use gloves or cloth
material to protect your hands.
If you keep the blade (1) sharp and inspect the
blade for damage, the blade will cut better and
be more safe to operate. Frequently check the
blade for excessive wear, cracks, or other
damage. Frequently check the nut (3) that holds
the blade (1). Keep the nut (3) tight. If the blade
hits an object, stop the engine. Disconnect the
wire to the spark plug. See if the blade is bent or
damaged. Check the blade adapter (5) for
damage. Before you operate the unit, replace
damaged parts with original equipment parts.
See the authorized service center in your area.
Every three years, have an authorized service
person inspect the blade or replace the old
blade with an original equipment part.
How To Remove And Install The Blade
(Figure 19)
1. Remove the mower housing. See the
instructions on “How To Remove The
Mower Housing”.
2. Use a piece of wood to keep the blade from
rotating.
3. Remove the nut (3) that holds the blade
(1).
4. To remove the blade (1) from the air assist
fan (8), remove fasteners (9) and (10).
5. Check the blade (1) and the blade adapter
(5) according to the instructions for “Inspect
Blade”. Check the air assist fan (8) for
damage. Replace badly worn or damaged
parts with original equipment parts. See an
authorized service center in your area.
6. Clean the top and bottom of the mower
housing. Clean the air assist fan (8).
Remove all the grass and debris.
7. Assemble the blade (1) and air assist fan
(8) with fasteners (9) and (10). Tighten the
bolt (9) that holds the blade (1) to a torque
of 6,8 N-m (5 ft-lbs).
8. Mount the blade (1) and blade adapter (5)
on the mandrel (6).
9. Mount the blade (1) so that the hi-lift
edges (7) are up. If the blade is upside
down, the blade will not cut correctly and
can cause an accident.
10. Fasten the blade (1) with the original
washers and nut (3). Make sure the outside
rim of the Belleville washer (2) is against
the blade (1).
WARNING: Always keep the nut (3)
tight that holds the blade (1). A loose
nut or blade can cause an accident.
11. Tighten the nut (3) that holds the blade (1)
to a torque of 41,5 N-m (30 ft-lbs).
12. Install the mower housing. See “How To
Remove The Mower Housing”.
How To Adjust The Blade Rotation
Control
WARNING: To prevent an injury, the
blade rotation control must operate
correctly.
In normal usage, the blade rotation control will
not require an adjustment. However, if the
cutting performance decreases or the quality of
cut is poor, make the following changes.
1. When you mow, make sure the throttle
control in the FAST position.
2. (Figure 20) Move the blade rotation control
to the DISENGAGE position (1).
3. Stop the engine. Disconnect the wire from
the spark plug.
4. Check the blade(s). Keep a sharp edge on
the blade(s). A blade that is not sharp will
cause the tips of the grass to become
brown.
5. (Figure 21) Disconnect the blade drive
spring (2) from the blade control rod (1).
Move the blade drive spring (2) to the
middle hole (4). This will increase the
tension on the mower drive belt.
6. Attach the wire to the spark plug. Mow for a
short distance and again check the quality
of cut. If necessary, move the blade drive
spring (2) to the bottom hole (5)
7. Again check the quality of cut. If the quality
of cut has not improved, replace the mower
drive belt. See “How To Replace The Mower
Drive Belt”. If replacing the belt does not
correct the problem, take the unit to an
authorized service center.
8. Move the blade rotation control to the
DISENGAGE position. Stop the engine.
9. (Figure 22) Check the operation of the
blade brake. Rotate the mandrel pulley (5)
with your hand. Make sure the brake pad
(7) is pressed tightly against the mandrel
pulley (5).
WARNING: If the brake pad (7) does
not press tightly against the mandrel
pulley (5), take the unit to an
authorized service centre.
10. (Figure 20) Move the blade rotation control
to the ENGAGE position (2).
11. (Figure 22) Check the pad for the blade
brake (7). If the pad is excessively worn or
damaged, replace the brake pad assembly.
Correct replacement parts and assistance
are available from an authorized service
center.
12. Attach the wire to the spark plug. Mow for a
short distance and again check the
operation of the blade rotation control.
13. When you move the blade rotation control to
the DISENGAGE position, all movement will
stop within five seconds. If there is
movement of the belt or the blade(s)
continue to rotate, engage and disengage
the blade rotation control five times to
remove any excess rubber from a new
mower drive belt. If you need assistance,
take the unit to an authorized service center.
14. (Figure 21) If you replace the mower drive
belt, move the blade drive spring (2) to the
top hole (3).