The FM 24-70 is a powerful, hard-working machine built to handle some of the toughest mowing environments around. But like any professional piece of equipment, it will only perform at its best when it is properly maintained. Staying on top of routine servicing not only protects your investment — it keeps the machine running safely and reliably, season after season.
Here's a practical guide to maintaining your FM 24-70, drawn directly from the manufacturer's operating manual.
Always Start with the Power Off
Before carrying out any maintenance task — no matter how minor — always make sure the machine is fully switched off and the power supply is disconnected. This applies to blade replacement, track adjustment, refuelling, and any cleaning or inspection work. The manual is clear: all maintenance must be carried out with the machine switched off, protective gloves worn, and care taken to avoid accidental contact with the blades.
After Every Use — Clean the Machine
One of the simplest but most important habits is cleaning the machine after each job. Grass cuttings and dirt can build up quickly around the blade and machine body, and if left, they can cause corrosion, block moving parts, and become a fire hazard near hot engine components. A thorough clean-down after every use takes only a few minutes and significantly extends the life of the machine.
Engine Oil — Check It, Change It
The FM 24-70 runs on 10W-40 engine oil, with a capacity of 1.1 to 1.2 litres. The manual sets out a clear servicing schedule:
- After the first 20 hours of use, replace the oil completely with fresh oil.
- After every 40 hours of use thereafter, carry out a full oil change.
- Every 20 hours, check the oil level and top up if it has dropped below the normal mark.
If the machine is being used heavily over a prolonged period, the manual recommends changing the oil once a week. Always ensure the machine is powered off before checking or filling the oil.
Blade Maintenance and Replacement
The cutting blade takes the hardest punishment on the machine, so regular inspection is essential. Before each use, check that the blade screws are tight and secure.
When the time comes to replace the blade, the manual outlines the process carefully. Power must be off before disassembly begins. The centre shaft screw, washer, and gasket are loosened first, followed by the four sets of screws, spring washers, and spacers to remove the blade support bracket. The locking nuts are then loosened to release the floating blades. When fitting a new blade, it is important to apply an appropriate amount of 243 grade threadlocker to the screws before reassembly to ensure everything is properly secured.
The FM 24-70's swing-tip blade design means the tips themselves can be replaced individually without removing the entire blade from the engine — a handy feature that saves time and cost.
Track Tension — Keep It Adjusted
The rubber tracks are central to the FM 24-70's ability to handle slopes and rough terrain, so keeping them correctly tensioned is important. The manual provides a clear adjustment procedure: loosen the screws on both sides of the drive wheel, then use the two adjustment screws to move the sprocket either rearward (to increase tension) or forward (to reduce it), before locking everything back down firmly. As always, the machine must be powered off before any track adjustment is carried out.
Battery Care
The FM 24-70 uses a hybrid system with two 24V battery-powered drive motors, so battery health matters. Key points from the manual include:
- Never charge the battery below 0°C or above 45°C, as this risks damaging both the battery and the charger.
- If the machine will be stored for an extended period, recharge the batteries at least once every three months to preserve their capacity.
- A brand new battery should go through approximately five full charge-discharge cycles before it reaches its maximum performance.
- Always use only the manufacturer-recommended charger. Using an incompatible charger is a fire hazard.
- Never disassemble, short-circuit, or expose the battery to fire, water, or direct sunlight.
- Keep batteries away from metal objects such as keys, nails, or screws when not in use, as these can cause short circuits.
Fuelling Up Safely
The petrol engine requires careful fuelling practice. Always turn off the machine before refuelling, use a funnel in an open area, and clean up any spills immediately. Tighten the fuel cap securely after filling, and move at least 10 metres from the refuelling area before starting the engine. Never smoke around fuel and never refuel near heat sources.
For storage, do not keep the machine in areas where residual fuel in the tank could pose a fire risk, and avoid storing fuel drums alongside other miscellaneous items.
Inspect Regularly for Leaks and Wear
The manual advises checking the machine regularly for oil or fuel leaks, which can be both a safety hazard and a sign of a developing mechanical issue. Any parts that appear worn or damaged should be replaced promptly — do not continue to operate the machine in a degraded state.
Remote Control Maintenance
The remote control has its own charging port (Type-C) and battery connector. Keep the remote charged and store it carefully. If the machine is going to be stored for an extended period, disconnect the remote control from its power supply. If a software update is ever required, this is carried out via the dedicated software update connector on the remote unit.
Professional Servicing
For anything beyond routine maintenance, the manual is clear that repairs should be carried out by a professional service provider using approved replacement parts. Battery packs, in particular, should only ever be repaired by the manufacturer or their authorised service agent.
Keeping up with these maintenance tasks will ensure your FM 24-70 delivers consistent, reliable performance across even the most demanding jobs. For full details, always refer to the manufacturer's operating manual, available on the Tracmaster product page.
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