Maintenance Instructions CLEANING61DANGERDo not operate the mower with deck inTILT-UP position. Do not move the tractorwith the deck in the tilt-up position.3. Clean grass buildup underneath the deck usinga pressure washer (and scraper if required).NOTE: If the buildup is severe, it may be easierto clean the deck by removing the deck assem-bly from the tractor and standing the deck as-sembly on its “nose”.NOTE: While some degree of material buildupin the mower deck housing can be tolerated, apoint is finally reached where cutting qualitydeteriorates and clogging begins to occurbecause of too much buildup on the baffling andhousing.4. Lower the deck to the normal operating positionand re-engage the deck lock levers.CAUTIONDo not operate machine with deck tilt-uppivot joint unlocked.GHS BlowerNormally, the GHS blower operates with no mainte-nance or cleaning. However, when mowing grassthat is dirty and damp (especially certain spring-time mowing), a deposit of dirt may accumulate in-side the blower housing, causing wear and bindingof the blower wheel. When operating in these condi-tions, inspect the blower frequently for dirt build-up.NOTE: A visual clue of binding of the blower wheelis the blower blade tips are polished from rubbingon dirt.When a dirt deposit is found, use a high pressurewasher or water spray to clean the inside of thehousing as follows:DANGERBefore attempting to wash the blower,stop the engine, remove the ignition key,and disconnect the spark plug wires. Weargoggles or face shield.1. Remove the GHS blower drive belt tension bydepressing the idler pulley on the tightener arm.Roll the belt off the blower pulley. The beltshould be clear of the blower pulley, allowingfree movement of the blower wheel.IMPORTANT: With the belt removed, the blow-er wheel must spin freely. Any binding or drag-ging of the wheel is an indication of dirt build-up. This buildup must be cleaned to avoidabrasive wear of the blower blades, excessivepower loss and eventual loss of blower perfor-mance (clogging).2. Use a pressure washer or water spray, and di-rect the spray inside the blower housing againstthe blower blades. Water pressure will causethe blower wheel to begin to spin and the com-bination of spinning action and water will effec-tively wash the inside of the housing. Spraymay be directed against the blower blades ver-tically and horizontally to cause rotation in bothdirections for thorough washing action. Washblower until the blower wheel spins freely inboth directions.3. Reinstall the GHS blower drive belt by reversingthe removal procedure.Depress Idler PulleyDown to Relax BeltBlowerDrive PulleyBlowerPulleyGHS BlowerDrive BeltBelt TightenerIdler PulleyCollapse Blower Belt Tightenerto Remove GHS Blower Drive Belt