How to Guide
How do I replace my Ferris mower’s engine oil?
It is highly recommended that you warm the engine for a few minutes before attempting to change the oil – this increases the temperature of the oil and boosts its viscosity, making it easier to flow out of the sump and into the collecting basket. If the engine is cold, turn it on and allow it to run for a minute or two before proceeding.
Remove the oil draining hose from the notch and reroute the hosing by steering it towards the rear end of the machine. Place an appropriate vessel to catch the draining oil underneath the hose drain. Now proceed to take off the cap from the drainage hose and allow the oil to drain out. Ensure that all the oil has drained out before you replace the cap.
Wipe off any oil that has spilled onto the chassis or other components before you reinstall the oil cap as these components can become hot during operation and cause the oil to begin evaporating, resulting in white smoke. When refilling the sump with fresh oil, ensure that you use lubricant as recommended in your engine manual.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here
How do I clean or replace the air filter?
Replacing your mower’s air filter unit regularly is critical to your engine’s performance and fuel efficiency. While you can refer to your engine manual for the ideal life of each filter based on your model, bear in mind that these values can change based on the climate conditions of your current environment and that dusty areas may call for more frequent changes. Always remember to only replace filters with the right type of element, be it paper or foam.
Begin by loosening the filter cover’s screws usually located on the side of the engine block before tilting down the cover. Now proceed to remove and wash the used filter element – take care when removing the element that no dirt or debris fall on the engine housing. If you’re unable to sufficiently wash the element, it means that it has to be replaced. If this is the case, install a new filter cartridge within the housing and close the cover. Fasten the cover with the screws securely in place.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here
How do I sharpen my mower’s blades?
Regular inspection of your mower’s blades is essential to ensuring that you always get a high quality trim. If the blades ever strike an object or do not trim the grass evenly, it’s time to inspect them for damage and replace if required. Even under normal use, blades will wear out from time to time and need to be changed or sharpened. When handling blades, ensure that you have waited for all moving parts to come to a complete stop. It is also advisable that you use heavy gloves to handle the blades.
With the help of a wooden block or similar structure, secure the blades in place while you remove the mounting bolt and dislodge the blade – ensure that you completely remove the mounting pin before attempting to remove the blade. With the help of a file or other sharpening tool, sharpen the blade’s edge to a fine layer and if you’re unable to remove nicks or bent parts, replace it with a new blade. Take care to only use the right blade as recommended for your particular model.
Once the blade has been sharpened on both ends, do not forget to check the blade’s balance with a balancing tool or a lubricated nail – if the blade does not remain level then you will need to work further on the end that’s heavier to achieve a perfect balance. An unbalanced blade can break or cause severe vibrations in your unit.
One the blade has been adequately sharpened and balanced, replace the blade onto the shaft and secure it in blade once more with the blade spacers, washer and bolt – ensure that you replace all these components in the same order that you took them out in. Once this is done, torque the bolts to about 70 ft. lbs.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here
How do I adjust my mower’s deck height?
Finding the right deck height to mow your lawn at is an important step to achieving the perfect trim and Ferris mowers allow multiple stages of height adjustment at each side of the deck. This provides you with maximum flexibility when creating lawn patterns and designs for your mowing area.
Begin by parking the unit on a flat level area and securing the mower in place by engaging the parking brake. Do not attempt to work on the deck with the engine running. Ensure that all the tires have been inflated to their respective levels as recommended by the engine manual before working on manipulating the deck height. Now proceed to switch the position of the height adjustment pin by moving it to the 4’’ position, this will allow you to freely move the 5/8 hexagonal nuts located at each side of the front end’s spring rod pivoting mechanism. Once you have set the desired height, move onto the front lower edge and ensure that the bolts are about 3.5’’ to 4.5’’ from the floor, you can make further adjustments by adjusting the U-bolts to manipulate the cutting height.
You can now adjust the height of the deck lift spring by manipulating its compressed length through loosening the 5/8 hex nuts located close to the spacer at the front end – proceed to tighten both nuts together after adjusting.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here
How do I adjust the governor on my lawn mower?
Based on the conditions around you it may be necessary to manipulate your engine’s governor if you’re unable to maintain a steady engine rpm. In areas with a lot of slopes or cold weather, this might be especially necessary in order to prevent stalling and ensure proper supply of power to the blades.
Begin by disconnecting the spark plug assembly and its corresponding circuitry and check the governor system’s linkages for free, unrestricted movement by gently tugging on the throttle lever unit. If the springs or linkages are not attached, you can proceed to reconnect them if they are in working condition – twist them gently into place with hand, do not use pliers or other such tools. If the linkages are worn out you will need to replace them. Proceed to loosen the main clamping bolt on the governor to ensure that the lever can move freely before moving the linkage until you have completely opened the throttle at the widest setting. Now use a nut driver or wrench to keep turning the governor’s shaft back in the same direction as the arm. You can now hold the linkage and its crank to tighten the governor arm’s clamping bolt in place.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here
How do I adjust the ground speed and steering levers on my mower?
Your mower’s steering levers must be properly adjusted in order to maximize reach at any point while operating the mower – this allows you to have full control over all actions of the unit and minimizes mistakes, allowing you to boost your own productivity and avoid mishaps. The Ferris mower offers a number of adjustable stages for the steering and speed control levers, enabling you to make the most of the unit.
First loosen all the mounting bolts and change the pivot lever’s alignment so that both of them lie in the same place of movement. Once you have done this, proceed to unscrew all the jam nuts and loosen them in order to properly adjust the spacing at the lever end – now you can proceed to manipulate the handle’s height. Take out the mounting hardware and reposition the handle’s levers by pulling them up or down – you can then secure them in place following the same steps described above to unfasten them.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here
How do I adjust my mower’s clutch?
Adjusting your mower’s clutch after every 50 hours of usage or so will ensure that the engine does not slacken or lose efficiency in the long run, this is also beneficial in order to minimize slipping of the clutch and to minimize wear and tear – which can eventually result in a clutch that does not engage.
Ensure that you have turned off the machine and waited for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before you attempt to work on the clutch or any other parts. Carefully insert the 0.016’’ feeler gauge through the adjustment windows – there are three of these adjustment windows available. Once the feeler gauge has been inserted in the right position, proceed to position it between the armature and the rotor face. Now tighten the adjustment nuts alternatively until both the faces of the rotor and armature just about come in contact with the gauge.
Ensure that the tension is evenly distributed by checking the windows as you insert and remove the gauge – if not, keep making the necessary adjustments. Now check the amount of time it takes to bring the mower’s blades to a complete stop.
You can also watch a video showing the above process here