Section 10: Maintenance - Yard-Man 959 Series Owner's Manual

SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Be sure to disconnec and ground the spark plug wire before perform ng any epa'rs or
maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and keep the engine spark
plug
side up. Never tip the mower
more than g0 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate englne manual packed wrth your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normar conditions. Clean every few hour8 under extremely dusty
condition& Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicate that the air ctearler 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 star[ 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,
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buirdup of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may
prevent proper mulching, discharge or bagging.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark
plug wire is disconnected).
ELECTRIC START UNITS ONLY:
BA'r£ERY PACK REPLACEMENT
Remove the battery pack from the handle panel for replacement only. Do not _eparate the batteries for any
reason. Dispose of batteries properly.
WARNING:
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which may cause bums. Do not short circuit or mutilate in
any way. Do not put batteries in fire. They may burst or release toxic materia]s.
When replacing battery pack in handle panel, battery pack must be posrtioned with the positive terminal to the
right hand side and the negative terminal to the left hand side of panel. Replacing the bagery pack incorrectly will
cause sedous damage.
The positive lead on the wire harness has the smaller connector Connect the posrtive lead to the positive side of
the battery pack, then connect the negat]ve aide,
IN-LINE FUSE
The unit is equipped with an in-line fuse, If unit fai]s to start, check the fuse inside the battery cover by turning the
end of the fuse holder and removing from the battery cover. Replace with standard automotive 7-1/2 amp fuse.
STORAGE OFTHE BATTERY
The batlery must be stored with a full charge. A discharged battery will freeze.
IMPORTANT: Air batterles discharge during storage. Recharge battery every two months and before
returning to service. Refer to charging instructions in OPERATJON section.
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