Cleaning Underneath Mower Deck

Why is it necessary to clean underneath the deck?

Grass build-up and other debris underneath the mower deck reduces the performance of the mower and prevents it from working correctly. Cleaning the deck after mowing will enable the mower to bag, mulch, or free-discharge with greater efficiency.

Cleaning the Mower Housing

WARNING: The blade will rotate when the engine runs. Before you clean the mower housing, stop the engine and disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

  1. Stop the engine.
  2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
  3. Clean dirt and debris from the top and bottom of the mower housing. Clean with soap and water. Wipe off excess water before storage.

Certain Brute lawn mowers feature a washout port. The washout port allows hands-free cleaning of the bottom of the mower housing. To use the washout port:

WARNING: Use appropriate eye protection.
WARNING: Keep people and pets out of the area.
WARNING: Stay behind the handle while the engine is running.

  1. Be sure the grass bag and side discharge deflector are removed, the mulching plug is installed, and the height of cut is set to the lowest position.
  2. Move the mower to a flat, level, concrete or paved surface, and stop the engine.
  3. Connect the male end of a standard garden hose to the washout port connector.
  4. Turn on the water supply to the garden hose.
  5. Start the engine and run until no more debris emerges from under the mower housing.
  6. Stop the engine.
  7. Turn off the water supply to the garden hose.
  8. Disconnect the garden hose from the washout port connector.
  9. Start the engine and run for 2-3 minutes, to allow the bottom of the mower housing to dry.

WARNING: Do not attempt mowing operations while using the washout port.
WARNING: Do not attempt to look under or reach under the mower housing for any reason while using the washout port. Serious injury can result.