Cleaning the Mower
Washing Method
Service Interval: Before each use or daily—Clean the
mower.
The mower may dislodge material from under
the mower housing.
• Wear eye protection.
• Stay in the operating position (behind the
handle) when the engine is running.
• Do not allow bystanders in the area.
For best results, clean the mower soon after you have
completed mowing.
1. If the grass bag is on the mower, remove it.
2. Lower the mower to its lowest cutting height setting.
Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.
3. Move the mower onto a flat paved surface.
4. Attach a garden hose that is connected to a water
supply to the washout port on the mower housing
(Figure 29).
Figure 29
1. Washout port
5. Turn the water on.
6. Start the engine and run it until there are no more
clippings that come out from under the mower
housing.
7. Stop the engine.
8. Shut off the water and disconnect the garden hose
from the mower.
9. Start the engine and run it for a few minutes to dry
the housing to prevent it from rusting.
Scraping Method
Tipping the mower may cause the fuel to leak
from the carburetor or the fuel tank. Gasoline
is extremely flammable, highly explosive, and,
under certain conditions, can cause personal
injury or property damage.
Run the engine dry or remove the fuel with a
hand pump; never siphon the fuel.
1. Perform the pre-maintenance procedures; refer to
Preparing for Maintenance.
2. Remove the grass bag.
3. Drain the fuel from the fuel tank.
4. Tip the mower onto its side with the air filter up.
5. Remove the dirt and grass clippings with a hardwood
or plastic scraper. Avoid burrs and sharp edges.
6. Spray the underside of the mower housing with
water.
Important: Move the blade as little as possible
to avoid future starting problems.
7. Turn the mower upright.
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