Maintenance - DeWalt 55RI6HN Instruction Manual

PRODUCT CARE, cont'd
nOTE: This Operator's Manual covers several models. Mower features may vary by
model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all mower models and the mower
depicted may differ from yours.
Post-Operation Mower Care
After each operation of the mower, the following procedures should be implemented to
extend the life of your mower and ensure safe operating conditions.
DANGER: Failure to follow these recommendations may result in serious
injury to yourself or others and may cause damage to the mower.
Cleaning the Underside of the Deck
Rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside and prevent the buildup of
corrosive chemicals.
WARNING: Make certain the mower's discharge chute is directed AWAY from
people, your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
1. Disengage the PTO, set the parking brake and stop the engine.
2. Use a hose to spray the underside of the deck.
nOTE: Make sure that the hose is not routed under the deck and is clear of all
moving parts.
3. After cleaning your deck, return to the operator's position and engage the PTO. Keep
the deck running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the deck
to thoroughly dry.
Cleaning the Mower
WARNING: If the mower has been recently run, the engine, muffler, and
surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the skin. Let
the engine cool for at least 5 minutes. Exercise caution to avoid burns.
Your mower should be cleaned after each use and under certain conditions, i.e. dry
conditions and/or mulching situations, additional cleaning may be necessary.
One of the best ways to keep your mower running efficiently and to reduce fire risk is to
regularly remove debris buildup from the mower. Follow the recommendations below
and contact your authorized dealer with any questions.
• Allow the machine to cool in an open area before cleaning.
• Do not use water on any
part of the mower except
the underside of the
cutting deck. Doing so can
cause damage to the
mower's spindle bearings,
electrical system and
engine, leading to
premature failures. The use
of compressed air and/or
leaf blower will help keep
the mower clean.
• Clean around the exhaust
manifold, fuses, all wiring
and harnesses, muffler pipe,
muffler shield, engine intake
screens and cooling fins, etc.
See Figure 7.
• Clean the top of the mower
deck, under the spindle
covers and belt area. See
Figure 8.
• Clean around and near the
transmission, axle and the fan
area. See Figure 9.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Wheel Not Shown For Clarity
Figure 9
• Debris can accumulate anywhere on the mower, especially on horizontal surfaces.
Additional cleaning may be necessary when mowing in dry conditions or
when mulching.
• Fuel leaks/spills, oil leaks/spills and excess lubrication can also become collection
sites for debris. Immediate repair and cleaning up oil or fuel spills can help reduce
fire hazards.
• In addition to cleaning the mower before operating and storing, do not attempt to
mow unusually tall grass (10" or higher), dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower
deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
storing the Mower
• Allow the machine to cool in an open area before storing.
• Do not park the mower near any flammable materials (wood, cloth or chemicals) or
any open flames or other potential source of ignition (furnace, water heater or any
other type of heater).
• Remove all combustible materials from the mower before storing. Empty cargo
boxes, grass catchers or containers.
• Always shut off fuel flow when storing or transporting if mower is equipped with a
fuel shutoff.
• Check the fuel system (lines, tank, cap and fittings) frequently for cracks or leaks.
Repair and clean as necessary.

Maintenance

Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for all engine maintenance intervals, procedures,
specifications and instructions.
Changing the Engine Oil
WARNING: If the engine has been recently run, the engine, muffler, and
surrounding metal surfaces will be hot and can cause burns to the skin.
Exercise caution to avoid burns.
Maintain oil level as instructed in Engine Operator's Manual. Be careful not to spill oil on
any of the belts.
To complete an oil change, proceed as follows:
1. Run the engine for a short
time to warm the engine
oil. The oil will flow more
freely and carry away more
impurities. Use care to avoid
burns from hot oil.
2. Locate the oil drain hose on
the engine. See Figure 10.
3. Route the free end of the
oil drain hose toward an
appropriate oil collection
container with at least a 2.5
quart capacity, to collect the
used oil.
nOTE: Avoid getting oil on the
muffler when draining.
4. While holding the free end of the oil drain hose over the oil collection container,
unscrew the square-head hose plug from the end of the hose. See Figure 10. Drain
the engine oil into the collection container.
5. Remove the oil filter to make sure all the oil is drained.
6. After draining the oil, wipe any residual oil from the oil drain hose. Thread the square
head plug into the drain hose fitting and fully tighten the plug.
7. Replace the oil filter and refill the engine with new oil as instructed in the Engine
Operator's Manual. Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for information regarding
the volume and weight of engine oil.
8. Route the hose back along the frame as it was before removal.
lubrication
Periodically lubricate all pivot points with a quality lubricating oil.
Tires
Check the tire air pressure after every 50 hours of operation, or weekly. Keep the tires
inflated to the recommended pressures. Improper inflation will shorten the tire service
life and produce an uneven cut. The recommended operating rear tire pressure is 12 psi.
Observe the following guidelines:
• Do not inflate a tire above the maximum pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.
• Do not reinflate a tire that has been run flat or seriously under-inflated. Have it
inspected and serviced by a qualified tire mechanic.
English
Figure 10
9