Section 11 Storage Instructions (Off Season) - Makita PLM4616 Instruction Manual

10-1 ENGINE AIR CLEANER
CAUTION: Do not allow dirt or dust to clog the air
filter foam element. The engine air cleaner element must
be serviced (cleaned) after 25 hours normal mowing. The
foam element must be serviced regularly if the mower is
used in dry dusty conditions.
To CLEAN AIR FILTER
1. Remove the screw.
2. Remove the filter cover.
3. Wash filter element in soap water. DO NOT USE
GASOLINE!
4. Air dry filter element.
5. Place a few drops of SAE30 oil on the foam filter and
squeeze tightly to remove any excess oil.
6. Reinstall filter.
NOTE: Replace filter if frayed, torn, damaged or
unable to be cleaned. (Fig. 12)
10-2 CUTTING BLADE
CAUTION: Be sure to disconnect and ground the
spark plug wire 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. Tip
mower as specified in separate engine manual. Remove
the hex bolt and washer which hold the blade and blade
adapter to the engine crankshaft. Remove the blade and
adapter from the crankshaft.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade
adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object.
Replace when necessary.
For best results your blade should be sharp. The blade
may be resharpened by removing it and either grinding or
filing the cutting edge keeping as close to the original
bevel as possible. It is extremely important that each
cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to
prevent an unbalanced blade. Improper blade balance will
result in excessive vibration causing eventual damage to
the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade
after sharpening. 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.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to
the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Install the blade
adapter on the crankshaft. Refer to Fig. 13. Place the
blade with the part number facing away from the adapter.
Align the washer over the blade and insert the hex bolt.
Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:
10-3 BLADE MOUNTING TORQUE
Center bolt 35 Nm - 45 Nm, to insure safe operation of
your unit. All nuts and bolts must be checked periodically
for correct tightness.
After prolonged use, especially in sandy soil conditions,
the blade will become worn and lose some of the original
shape. Cutting efficiently will be reduced and the blade
should be replaced. Replace with an approved factory
14
replacement blade only. Possible damage resulting from
blade unbalance condition is not the responsibility of the
manufacturer.
When you change the blade, you must use the original
type marked on the blade (Makita 263001451) (to order
the blade, please contact your local dealer or call our
company, see cover page).
10-4 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 as per separate engine manual 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.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the
cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit
proper air circulation which is essential to engine
performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt
and combustible debris from muffler area.
11. STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
(OFF SEASON)
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn
mower for storage.
1. Empty the tank after the last mowing of the season.
a) Empty the petrol tank with a suction pump.
CAUTION: Do not drain the petrol in closed
rooms, in close proximity of open fire, etc. Do not smoke!
Petrol fumes can cause explosion or fire.
b) Start the engine and let it run until it has used up all
remaining petrol and stalls.
c) Remove the spark plug. Use an oilcan to fill approx.
20 ml oil into the combustion chamber. Operate the
starter to evenly distribute the oil in the combustion
chamber. Replace the spark plug.
2. Clean and grease the lawn mower carefully as
described above under "LUBRICATION
INSTRUCIONS".
3. Slightly grease the cutter to avoid corrosion.
4. Store the lawn mower in a dry, clean and frost-
protected place, out of reach of unauthorized persons.
CAUTION: The engine must have completely
cooled down before storing the lawn mower.
NOTE:
- When storing any type of power equipment in an
unventilated or material storage shed: