Routine Seasonal Maintenance Is The Best Way To Maximize
The Performance Of Your Outdoor Power Equipment.
| BEFORE OPERATING: |
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All
Power Equipment
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- Disconnect
spark plug wire before cleaning, making repairs, or conducting
routine inspections.
- Clean
all old debris and clippings from mower and tractor decks.
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| FOR REGULAR OPERATION: |
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All
Power Equipment
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- Refer
to the maintenance section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
- Dress
properly for the job, wearing substantial shoes, long pants and
close-fitting clothes (no loose jewelry, unrestrained hair or
anything that could g et caught in a moving part).
- Clear
the working area before you start by picking up anything that
could be thrown by the equipment or would block the equipment's
operation. Then clear the area of people and pets. Watch out for
young children.
- Never
remove or tamper with safety devices and labels -- they're designed
to protect you.
- Handle
gas carefully. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold.
Don't spill when you fill and no smoking when gasoline is being
used.
- Check
safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.
- Regularly
check that engine oil is "Full."
- Regularly
check all nuts, bolts, belts and screws for tightness.
- Check
that engine cooling fins are clean with every operation.
- Regularly
check that air filter is clean.
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Lawn
Tractors
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- Disengage
power to attachments when leaving ope rator's seat, when transporting
or when tractor/rider is in storage.
- Regularly
check that tires are properly inflated.
- Always
remove dirt, grass, and debris from engine cooling fins, engine
covers, and air intake screens.
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Lawn
Mowers
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- Regularly
check belts/chain drives for wear and tightness.
- Check
that pull cords are not frayed and are in working condition.
- Make
sure throttle control is properly adjusted.
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Hand-Held
Leaf Blowers & Edger/Trimmers
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- Use
a high-quality engine oil specifically for two-cycle, hand-held
equip ment (if applicable). Fuel stabilizers can help fuel maintain
a high octane level for longer periods, giving easier starting
and cooler engine performance.
- Make
sure all intake vents are clear.
- Before
using, carefully balance and adjus t the equipment for operator
comfort and safety.
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Walk-Behind
Blower Vacs
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- Check
wheels, intake vents, and other components to make sure they are
free f rom debris and in working order.
- Disengage
power before switching attachments.
- Empty
bag and make sure vacuum is unobstructed.
- Fill
collection bag only to recommended levels and replace with care.
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Walk-Behind
Rotary Tillers
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- Check
all working components to see if they are operating properly.
- Make
sure nuts and bolts are tight.
- Select
forward or reverse (for dual-direction models) and carefully align
handles, controls, operating height, and operator position before
starting.
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Log
Splitters
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- Carefully
position equipment on stable, even ground.
- Make
sure tires are properly inflated and all components operate correctly
before starting.
- Check
that pressure hoses are tight and not leaking.
- Follow
manufacturer's directions fo r operating and standing at a safe
distance.
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Chain
Saws
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- Periodically
rotate the bar for even wear.
- Check
throttle trigger and in terlock system for proper function.
- Check
chain brake for proper function.
- Assure
that the saw chain is properly tensioned, that it is sharp, and
that it is getting sufficient oil.
- Check
that the saw idles properly (the chain should not rotate at idle
speed).
- Inspect
the entire saw for loose parts, cracks, or other problems.
- Use
a high quality bar oil to lubricate the bar and chain.
- Avoid
gasoline containing alcohol, or use a gasoline with less than
10% alcohol with a high quality two-cycle engine oil with additives.
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| FOR REPAIRS: |
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All
Power Equipment
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- Refer
to the repairs section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
- If
you have any questions or are not comfortable repairing your
own equipment , please contact your nearest outdoor power equipment
servicing retailer.
- Before
any repair, be sure to turn off the unit and disconnect the spark
plug wire.
- Keep
hands and feet away from moving parts. Never work on equipment
while it is running.
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