18
• The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it
on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from
the heavy side until it balances evenly.
Reassembly
• Before reassembling the blade to the unit, lubricate
the spindle with light oil (or engine oil).
• Be sure to properly align “star” fitting on blade with
“star” on spindle.
• When replacing the blade, be sure to install the
blade with the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or
with part number) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
• Blade Mounting Torque: 70/90 foot-pounds
maximum.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation, all nuts and bolts
must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
Oil Drain Sleeve
Your rider mower has a plastic oil drain sleeve, packed
with the loose parts, for draining oil from the crankcase.
• To drain the oil, snap small end of the oil drain
sleeve onto oil sump. See Figure 19.
• Remove drain plug and drain oil into a suitable
container.
Figure 19
Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine
maintenance instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit. Read and
follow instructions carefully.
• Poor engine performance and flooding usually
indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.
Service air cleaner as per the engine manual.
Clean frequently under extremely dusty conditions.
• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap
reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season.
Check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
Lubrication
See Figure 20 for an illustration of the lube points
described below.
Figure 20: Lubrication Chart
Blade Assembly
• Lubricate blade assembly and deck spindle only
while reassembling the blade either after
sharpening or replacement.
Pivot Points
• Lubricate pivot points with light oil once a season.
Steering Shaft and Gear
• Lubricate steering shaft and spline at least once a
season with light oil.
Oil Drain
Sleeve
Lube
Lube
L
u
b
e
Lube
(before
reassemby)
Lube
Viewed from the bottom
Lube
