General Engine Maintenance; Mower Blades - HUSTLER FasTrak SmoothTrak Steering User Manual

cleaning or servicing in any manner because the condition of
the filter after servicing is completely out of the filter manufac-
turer's control. Therefore, on a dust ingested engine failure,
CZ
there will be no warranty consideration if the air filter element
has been cleaned or serviced in any manner.
A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new
element. A dirty filter element is not bad for the engine
unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and engine
performance is affected. The media in the filter must be
DA
porous to allow air to pass through it. When dirty air passes
through the filter, the dirt plugs some of the holes in the
media and actually acts as part of the filter media. When the
next round of dirt enters, the first dirt helps filter out even
smaller particles making the filter more efficient at stopping
dirt from entering the engine. At some point the filter media
DE
becomes too clogged to allow air to pass.
The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of air
filter element changing.

General Engine Maintenance

EN
Detailed instructions and recommendations for break-in
and regular maintenance are specified in the Engine Owner's
Manual. Please refer to the Engine Owner's Manual for engine
servicing, lubricating oil levels with quality and viscosity rec-
ommendations, bolt torques, etc.
ES
Belts
Inspect belts frequently for wear and serviceability.
Replace a belt that shows signs of:
• severe cuts
FR
• tears
• separation
• weather checking
• cracking
• burns caused by slipping.
IT
Slight raveling of belt covering does not indicate failure,
trim ravelings with a sharp knife.
If the pump belt fails, loss of control will occur
especially when operating on a slope. If you lose
steering control while operating the machine, place
NL
the steering control levers in the park brake position
immediately. Inspect the machine and involve your
Hustler Dealer to resolve the problem before con-
®
tinuing to operate.
Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A new
PT
belt, or one in good condition, should never run against the
SV
REV A
bottom of the groove. Replace the pulley when this is the
case, otherwise the belt will lose power and slip excessively.
Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or dam-
age the fibers of the belt covering.
Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt
dressings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a
very short time.

Mower Blades

Mower Blade Maintenance
IMPORTANT: Refer to the Safety section of this manual for
blade handling safety information.
Refer to the Mower Blade Replacement section for blade
removal and installation.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution
when servicing them.
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power
efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep the blades sharp. A
dull blade will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown
ragged top on the grass within a few hours. A dull blade also
requires more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
Always check for blade damage:
• if mower strikes a rock, branch or other for-
eign object during mowing!
• or if an abnormal vibration occurs while oper-
ating.
Make all necessary repairs before resuming opera-
tion.
Sharpen the blades following the pattern shown. Touch-up
sharpening can be done with a file. Figure 4-2
After grinding the blades, check for balance. Blade balanc-
ing can be done by placing the blade on an inverted line
punch or 5/8" bolt. A commercial balancing tool is also avail-
able through most hardware supply stores.
The blade should not lean or tilt. When spinning the blade
slowly it should not wobble. Balance the blade before rein-
stalling.
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