Product Care; General Recommendations; Engine Maintenance; Clean Engine - DeWalt DW12A-O1T9739 Instruction Manual

PRODUCT CARE

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules on the mower and in the
manual(s) when performing any maintenance.
• The warranty on this mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator
abuse or negligence. To receive full value from
warranty, operator must maintain the mower as
instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
• Check that all hardware is in place & secure and tight
before each use and before off season storage.
Lubrication
Blade Control
Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once
a season and before storage with light oil. This control
must operate freely in both directions (Figure 15).
Wheels
Lubricate all wheel hubs/axles at least once a season
and before storage with light oil (Figure 15).
Figure 15

Engine Maintenance

Annually check the engine mounting bolts torque: Min.
29.2 ft-lbs (39.6 N-m), Max. 41.7 ft-lbs (56.3 N-m).
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual packed with your
mower for a detailed description of all engine-related
service specifications and storage.
If engine fails to start, runs erratic, overheats,
skips (hesitates) or idles poorly refer to the Engine
Operator's Manual.
IMPORTANT: Check engine oil level before each use. Refer
to Engine Operator's Manual.

Clean Engine

• Before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated
debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and
controls clean. Keep area around and behind muffler
free of any combustible debris.
• Keeping engine clean allows air movement
around engine.
• Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk
of overheating and ignition of accumulated debris.
CAUTION: Do not use water to clean engine
parts. Water could contaminate fuel system.
Use a brush or dry cloth.
Mower Maintenance
Deck Cleaning
At least once a season and before storage, clean the
underside of the mower deck to prevent build-up of
grass clippings or other debris.
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. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side
down and making sure that the air filter and the
carburetor are facing up. Hold mower firmly.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden
hose to clean your mower. These may cause damage
to bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result
in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.
Blade Care
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop
completely before performing any work on
the mower or to remove the grass catcher.
Check blade stopping time is within 3 seconds. If blade does
not stop within 3 seconds contact your Service Center.
WARNING: When removing the cutting blade
for sharpening or replacement, protect your
hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a
heavy rag to hold the blade.
Annually check the mower blade mounting bolt torque:
Min. 37.5 ft-lbs (50.8 N-m), Max. 50.0 ft-lbs (67.8 N-m).
Periodically inspect the blade and blade adapter for
bends or cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object
or experience excessive vibration. Replace when
necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine
Operator's Manual.
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