Cub Cadet SC 100 H Operation Manual - Page 10

Service 4 Maintenance General Recommendations • Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. • The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here. • Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty. • All adjustments should be checked at least once each season. • Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight. WARNING: Always stop engine, allow engine to cool, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before performing any type of maintenance on your machine. Lubrication 1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 4-1. Figure 4-1 2. Follow the Engine Operator's Manual for lubrication schedule and instruction for engine lubrication. Deck Care Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for proper cleaning. 1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual. 2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly. WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem. 3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. 4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. Engine Care A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower are listed below. Follow the Engine Operator's Manual for a detailed list and instructions. • Maintain oil level as instructed in Engine Operator's Manual. • Service air cleaner every 25 hours of use 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 Engine Operator's Manual. • Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season. Check Engine Operator's Manual for correct plug type and gap specifications. • Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation. Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler area. • Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts. Deck Wash (If Equipped) Your mower's deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its 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. CAUTION: 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. See Figure 4-2. Figure 4-2 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. After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine and blade running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of cutting deck to thoroughly dry. 10