Yard Machines 400 - Manual (Page 18)

18
SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground against the engine before
performing any repairs or maintenance.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer to page 22 of this manual for trouble shooting
information.
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.
Service air cleaner every 10 hours under normal
conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely
dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and
flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should
be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the
separate engine manual packed with your unit.
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.
CUTTING BLADE
A. Removal for Sharpening or Replacement
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and
ground the spark plug wire and remove
ignition key before working on the cutting
blade to prevent accidental engine
starting. Protect hands by using heavy
gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blades.
1. Remove the hex flange nut which secures the
blade to the blade spindle.
2. Remove the blade from the spindle.
B. Sharpening
Remove the cutting blade by following the directions
of the preceding section.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage
to the mower and could break, causing personal
injury.
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.
C. Reassembly
Before reassembling the blade and the blade
adapter (if equipped) to the unit, lubricate the
spindle and the inner surface of the blade adapter
with light oil (or engine oil). Lubricating the bolt
holes, bolts and inner surface of the nuts is also
recommended.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the
blades with the side of the blades marked ‘‘Bottom’’
(or with part number) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
NOTE: Carefully align “star” on blade with “star”
on the spindle.
Blade Mounting Torque
Hex Flange Nut: 840 in. lb. min., 1080 in. lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and
bolts must be checked periodically for correct
tightness.
FUEL FILTER
Your unit is equipped with a replaceable in-line fuel
filter. Replace filter whenever contamination or
discoloration is noticed. Order replacement filter
through your engine authorized service dealer.
BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug
wire and ground it against the engine.
Block the wheels of the unit.
NOTE: When changing the belts, a spring puller
or other suitable tool is required to remove some of
the springs. A spring puller (part number 732-0571)
is available to assist in removal of springs.
NOTE: Figures 21, 24 and 25 are shown with the
unit tipped up for clarity. It is not necessary to tip the
unit to remove the belts.
Removing the Deck Belt
1. Place the lift lever in the disengaged position.
2. Remove the two belt guard pins from the engine
pulley belt guard. See figure 21.
NOTE: Make certain belt guard pins are
reassembled as shown in figure 21.
3. Unhook the deck belt from the engine pulley.
4. Place the lift lever in the engaged (all the way
forward) position.
5. Disconnect the spring from the rear spring
retainer anchor. See figure 22.
6. Disconnect the two front deck links by removing
the hairpin clips and flat washers.