The Mower Shop, Inc. - Grasshopper Lawn Mower Parts

In-Season Maintenance

Daily Maintenance

Weekly Maintenance

Periodic Maintenance

Winterization

Winter Storage

Spring Maintenance

Practicing regular maintenance will extend the life of your Grasshopper and keep it in optimal working order. Simply follow these simple steps:

Always check engine oil before starting the mower. Change the oil at recommended intervals using the proper grade of oil, and always use OEM filters.

Check transmission fluid level before each mowing, and engine coolant level if so equipped. Change at recommended intervals.

Keep engine, mower deck and all other parts of the mower free from dirt and debris. The mower should be cleaned after each mowing using compressed air.

Sharpen blades often ⚊ at least after every eight hours of use.

Check belt tensions and adjust as needed before each mowing. When replacements are needed, always use OEM belts.

Lubricate mower and change air filters at the intervals recommended in your Operator's Manual. Periodically check filter between intervals in harsh or dusty operating environments.

NOTE: Do not over-service air filter. Service pre-filter more frequently. Always use OEM filters.

Perform all other maintenance as recommended in operator's manual.

Protect mower from harsh elements by storing in a shelter or under a cover.

Check tire air pressure before each mowing, using a low-pressure tire gauge. Do not over-inflate.

Check battery terminals and wiring connections to make sure they are clean and fastened well.

Regular maintenance helps keep your mowing equipment out in the field and out of the shop. These general maintenance guidelines are intended to help you get peak performance and endurance from your mowing equipment throughout mowing season.

Always keep a log of all regular maintenance. Note when service was performed and replacement part numbers. An accurate log will help ensure proper timing of routine maintenance procedures and reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and downtime.

Consult all equipment service manuals for specific procedures, schedules and replacement parts lists. Use only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts, as OEM parts are designed to work in conjunction with specific systems.

Before Use

Visually inspect all parts and components for proper working condition and replace worn or damaged parts before operating. Adjust loose bolts, nuts and other components. Confirm all safety features are installed and functioning properly.

Check engine oil level, and add oil as necessary. Inspect engine for oil leaks, and replace seals or gaskets, if necessary.

Check radiator coolant level, and add pre-mixed coolant (50% coolant/50% water) as necessary. Inspect cooling system for leaks, and replace seals or hoses, if necessary.

Remove debris from around engine and transmission.

Check hydraulic hoses for leaks or signs of wear. Use extra caution when servicing systems that utilize separate pumps and wheel motors and high-pressure lines to avoid injury.

Fill fuel tank with fresh fuel. Stale fuel can damage the engine.

Clear debris from air filter housing. Do not clean pre-filter or pre-cleaner every day; a dirty filter is more efficient than a clean filter. Change air filter only if worn, engine loses power or at specified maintenance intervals as determined by the engine manufacturer.

NOTE: Do not use compressed air to clean the pre-filter or pre-cleaner. Compressed air can tear the filter paper, increasing the potential for larger particles pass through the engine intake and cause major engine damage.

For air-cooled engines, remove debris from air intake screen and from around cooling fins. For liquid-cooled engines, remove debris from air intake screen, and thoroughly clean radiator fins using Grasshopper's low-pressure Radiator Cleaning Wand.

Inspect all belts for wear (knicks, fraying, warping), and adjust spring tension, if necessary. Consult operator's manual for tension adjustment procedures.

After Use

Blow away all debris from around mower deck, engine and transmission.

Clean out underside of mower deck. Remove built up debris from around baffles and spindles.

NOTE: Pressurized water can infiltrate bearings and fittings, leading to increased wear and premature component failure.

Visually inspect the mower. Adjust or replace worn parts, if necessary.

Check transmission fluid level, and add fluid as necessary. Only change transmission fluid and filter at specified intervals as outlined in the equipment service manual.

Inspect for engine oil, transmission fluid and radiator coolant leaks. If leaks are found, tighten fittings, and replace seals, gaskets and/or hoses ⚊ if necessary ⚊ before operating. Fluid leaks can cause catastrophic system failure and can also damage turfgrass.

Ensure tires are properly inflated. Over- or under-inflated tires can have a significant impact on traction, maneuvering and cut quality. Remember that tire pressure can change significantly from the cool morning to the heat of the day.

Sharpen blades. Dull blades reduce quality of cut, increase fuel consumption and cause turf damage. Do not straighten bent blades or add weight to blade tips; this can affect airflow and diminish cut quality. Discard and replace with OEM-specified replacement blades.

Balance blades after sharpening to prevent vibration damage to mower deck.

Clean spark plugs (if a spark ignition engine) and replace, if necessary.

Change the engine oil and transmission fluid at prescribed service intervals.

Replace inner air filter and pre-filter/pre-cleaner at prescribed service intervals.

Lubricate all grease fittings. Do not over-grease. Excess grease can damage seals and attract particles that can increase friction and cause overheating, premature wear and component failure. Use a disposable shop towel to wipe off any excess grease before use.

Check wiring harnesses and visible wiring for damaged casings and repair or replace if needed. Inspect fuse panel and replace fuses as necessary.

Every Grasshopper mower is designed to make routine maintenance and winterization simple. Here are some great tips to help you prepare your mower for the cold winter months ahead.

Winter Prep

Battery ⚊ Prior to the onset of cold temperatures, clean and inspect the battery, cables, terminals, tray and hold-downs as well as check the battery case for leaks and cracks. Keep your battery fully charged through the winter with a Battery MINDer®, available from Grasshopper (PN 102050), which prevents damage due to self-discharging without risking overcharging when left on the battery for indefinite periods of time. Keep the battery charged to keep your Grasshopper ready all year long.

Block Heater ⚊ If the ambient temperature drops below 20°F, it may be necessary to add supplemental heat to the engine. Block heaters are available for most Kubota engines used in Grasshopper power units.

Glow Plugs (Diesel Engines) ⚊ Check that all glow plugs are in good condition. One bad glow plug will prevent the engine from starting. Caution: Activate glow plugs for 5 to 10 seconds only. NEVER preheat for more than 20 seconds.

Engine Oil ⚊ It is critical that the correct oil for cold weather operation is used in all engines. The use of 30W oil in winter, for example, will often cause starting problems. Follow the engine manufacturer's oil recommendation for cold weather operation.

Starting Fluids ⚊ Do not use any type of starting fluid on any Kubota, Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engine. Starting fluids will cause severe piston ring or ring land damage on all engines.

Cold Weather Warm-Up ⚊ Never run a cold engine at full throttle. Run at low to medium throttle for several minutes until warm. This varies from the advice provided by modern automobile engine manufacturers. A working Grasshopper engine runs at much faster speeds than automobile engines and thus should be given a few minutes of warm-up time to ensure lubricant is flowing freely throughout the engine.

Fuel ⚊ Different grades of fuel are used for warm and cold weather operation. Be certain to use a good quality, fresh winter-grade fuel, as summer-grade fuel creates a hard starting situation in cold weather. A fuel stabilizer such as STA-BIL™ should be added to all of your bulk fuel purchases throughout the year, and it becomes even more critical during winter months when the unit may sit for many weeks at a time without being used. If fuel stabilizer was not added to the bulk fuel, then it is a good idea to add the proper amount directly into the fuel tank. When stabilizer is added to the fuel tank, allow the engine to run in an open, ventilated area for about 10 minutes to ensure the treated fuel is circulated throughout the fuel system.

NOTE: According to Kubota Engineering Bulletin KEI-144, use of biodiesel fuel in cold weather can lead to fuel system plugging, hard starting and other possible unknown failures. Plugging can include both fuel filters and fuel lines.

Deck ⚊ Always clean the underside of the mower deck frequently during the mowing season, and give it a thorough cleaning before winter storage to prevent rust. Spray the underside of the deck with water to clear any clippings or residue, then use a bristled brush to remove any stubborn deposits. Allow deck to thoroughly air dry before storage.

Spark plugs ⚊ Spark plugs typically require replacement every 100 hours of operation. If a plug is corroded, replace it before storing the mower for the winter. For plugs that are still in good condition, adding an ounce of motor oil to the cylinders and cranking the engine a few times will help keep cylinders lubricated during winter storage.

Blades ⚊ Sharpen your blades in preparation for the following spring, and replace any blades that are worn or damaged with new Grasshopper GrassMax™ replacement blades. Blades should always be sharpened when they become dull and no longer provide a clean cut.

Belts ⚊ It's a good idea to check all of your Grasshopper's drive belts and deck drive belts before winter storage. Replace any that are nicked, frayed, warped or have started to slip with genuine Grasshopper MaxLife™ OEM belts.

Air filter ⚊ A good rule of thumb is to replace the air filter either every year before winter storage or every spring before cutting commences. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions on the proper care and replacement of the filter. If a replacement is needed, always choose a genuine Grasshopper air filter to keep your mower running at peak efficiency.

Fuel filter ⚊ Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding the proper care and replacement of the filter. If a replacement is needed, always choose a genuine Grasshopper fuel filter to keep your mower running at peak efficiency.

Tires ⚊ Tire pressure can greatly affect the quality of cut your mower provides. Be sure to check the tires for leaks and extreme wear at the end of every mowing season, and repair or replace them as necessary, to prevent sidewall damage from sitting flat over the winter. Tire chains are available for 20-inch diameter and smaller turf tires to increase traction for winter usage.

Exterior Cleaning ⚊ Give your mower a good cleaning before winter storage, removing any dried grass and dirt from crevices, and use a solvent such as WD-40® to remove any oil or gas stains. If the mower is washed, blow standing water off with compressed air and allow it to dry completely before placing in storage.

Storage ⚊ Finally, Grasshopper recommends storing your mower indoors and out of the elements to prevent undue wear and tear and to ensure it's ready for its next use whether that's snow removal, debris cleanup or mowing. If you spend the winter in a warmer climate, look for storage units in your area that provide extra security and protection. A mower cover is available for all Grasshopper models (PN 420085) if the mower is stored in an area exposed to the elements.

Following these simple winterization tips will ensure that you'll be ready to make the most of your Grasshopper season after season, year after year.

Warmer and longer days are a signal that the spring mowing season is just around the corner. These general maintenance guidelines are intended to help you get peak performance and endurance from your mowing equipment throughout mowing season.

Always keep a log of all regular maintenance. Note when service was performed and replacement part numbers. An accurate log will help ensure proper timing of routine maintenance procedures and reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and downtime.

Consult all equipment service manuals for specific procedures, schedules and replacement parts lists. Use only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts, as OEM parts are designed to work in conjunction with specific systems.

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean all accessible points and remove dried grass and dirt from crevices; a lightly oiled shop towel will help remove stubborn deposits. Use low-pressure air to blow debris from the engine and transmission areas, and remove clippings and debris from electrical components. If the mower is washed, use low-pressure water only. Blow off standing water with low-pressure air and allow the mower to dry completely before use. Apply wax to help keep dirt and debris from sticking to the exterior while mowing.

Plugs

Clean spark plugs and replace, if necessary.

Engine Oil

Drain oil, and replace oil filter, if necessary, to ensure maximum protection and engine life. Use only an OEM-approved filter. Wipe oil filter seat clean for a tight seal. Reinstall oil plug, and refill crankcase according to engine manual specifications.

Hoses

Check hydraulic hoses for leaks or signs of wear. Use extra caution when servicing systems that utilize separate pumps and wheel motors and high-pressure lines to avoid injury.

Air Filter

Remove and clean the pre-filter or pre-cleaner. Gently tap the filter by hand to remove dust and debris. For oiled-foam pre-cleaners, wash thoroughly and apply a light coating of oil. Clear debris from the inside of the filter housing and wipe out with a clean, damp cloth. Check that all fittings and clamps seal tightly, and replace if necessary.

DO NOT remove inner air filter except to replace with a new filter according to engine manufacturer specifications. Never reinsert a previously used inner filter as it could compromise the seal between the filter and engine intake.

NOTE: Do not use compressed air to clean the pre-filter or pre-cleaner. Compressed air can tear the filter paper, increasing the potential for larger particles pass through the engine intake and cause major engine damage.

Fuel

Replace fuel filter, drain leftover fuel and refill with fresh fuel. Use a fuel stabilizer like STA-BIL® all year to preserve fuel freshness and prevent gumming in the carburetor.

Electrical

Check wiring harnesses and visible wiring for damaged casings and repair or replace if needed. Inspect fuse panel and replace fuses as necessary.

Cooling System

For air-cooled engines, remove debris from air intake screen and from around cooling fins. For liquid-cooled engines, remove debris from air intake screen and clean radiator fins using Grasshopper's low-pressure Radiator Cleaning Wand. Test coolant to assess freezing point, and flush if necessary. Refill radiator with a premixed 50/50 solution of anti-freeze and water (freezing point -34° F ).

NOTE: Contact an authorized Grasshopper servicing dealer for coolant testing. Since 2000, Grasshopper has used extended-life coolant on liquid-cooled Kubota engine models, which does not require as frequent flushing and replacing. Refer to the owner's manual for engine manufacturer recommendations for coolant replacement.

Transmission

Refer to the owner's manual before servicing the transmission or changing filters and fluid. Inspect cooling fans for mobility, and remove any "baked on" obstructions. Inspect nuts, bolts and linkage for snug fits. Wipe off entire filter area before servicing filters and fluid. Replace with OEM-specified filter, and refill with OEM-specified fluid only. Transmission fluid change intervals for Grasshopper mowers range from 300 to 1,000 hours with specially formulated CoolTemp Hydro-Max™ fluid.

Lubrication

Thoroughly clean all grease fittings and lubricate with SAE multi-purpose grease. Apply only the appropriate amount of grease as specified in the owner's manual, as too little or too much grease can damage to fittings, seals and bearings. Do not over-grease. Excess grease attracts particles that can increase friction and cause overheating, premature wear and component failure. Use a disposable shop towel to wipe off any excess grease before use.

Mowing Deck

Check that all baffles and shields are installed properly. Make sure pulleys and idlers are clean, and check for any loose or noisy bearings. Adjust deck belt tension springs as needed. On a level surface, measure the height and angle on all sides, and adjust if necessary. Consult owner's manual for proper deck angle to ensure optimal mowing quality.

Belts

Check drive belts, mule belts and deck belts for wear, and replace any worn, torn or warped belts. Kevlar®-type cord belts are designed to perform throughout multiple seasons in flat-plane deck designs, such as with Grasshopper mower decks.

Blades

Sharpen blades regularly, and check for balance and levelness. Do not straighten bent blades or add weight to blade tips; bent or altered blades will affect airflow and diminish cut quality. Discard and replace with OEM-specified replacement blades.

Tires

Over- or under-inflated tires can have a substantial effect on traction and quality of cut, including levelness of cut and longevity of blades. Never inflate to the pressure embossed on the tire. Instead, consult your owner's manual for recommended tire pressure. Check tire pressure with a low-pressure gauge.