Walker MC (20 HP) - Manual (Page 60)

Maintenance Instructions
CLEANING
56
DANGER
Do not operate the mower with deck in tilt-
up position. Do not move the tractor with
the deck in the tilt-up position.
3. Clean grass buildup underneath the deck using
a pressure washer (and scraper if required).
NOTE: While some degree of material buildup
in the mower deck housing can be tolerated, a
point is finally reached where cutting quality
deteriorates and clogging begins to occur
because of too much buildup on the baffling and
housing.
4. Lower the deck to the normal operating position
and re-engage the deck lock levers.
CAUTION
Do not operate machine with deck tilt-up
pivot joint unlocked.
GHS Blower
Normally, the GHS blower operates with no mainte-
nance or cleaning. However, when mowing grass
that is dirty and damp (especially springtime mow-
ing), a deposit of dirt may accumulate inside the
blower housing, causing wear and binding of the
blower wheel. When operating in these conditions,
inspect the blower frequently for dirt buildup.
NOTE: A visual clue of binding of the blower wheel
is the blower blade tips are polished from rubbing
on dirt.
When a dirt deposit is found, use a high pressure
washer or water spray to clean the inside of the
housing as follows:
DANGER
Before attempting to wash the blower, stop
the engine, remove the ignition key, and
disconnect the spark plug wires. Wear
goggles or face shield.
1. Remove the GHS blower drive belt tension by
depressing the idler pulley on the tightener arm.
Roll the belt off the blower pulley. The belt
should be clear of the blower pulley, allowing
free 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 avoid
abrasive wear of the blower blades, ex cessive
power 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 against
the blower blades. Water pressure will cause
the blower wheel to begin to spin and the com-
bination of spinning action and water will effec-
tively wash the inside of the housing. Spray
may be directed against the blower blades ver-
tically and horizontally to cause rotation in both
directions for thorough washing action. Wash
blower until the blower wheel spins freely in
both directions.
3. Reinstall the GHS blower drive belt by reversing
the removal procedure.
Depress Idler Pulley
Down to Relax Belt
Blower
Drive Pulley
Blower
Pulley
GHS Blower
Drive Belt
Belt Tightener
Idler Pulley
Collapse Blower Belt Tightener
to Remove GHS Blower Drive Belt