Ariens 961460005, 961465 User Manual
961465
(961460005)
Owner’s Manual
• Español, p. 18
2
Safe ty Rules ...........................................2-4
Prod uct Spec i fi ca tions ..............................4
Assembly / Pre-Operation .........................5
Op er a tion ...............................................6-9
Maintenance Sched ule ...........................10
Maintenance .......................................10-13
Ser vice and Ad just ments ...................13-14
Stor age ...............................................14-15
Trou ble shoot ing .................................16-17
Re pair Parts ........................................34-37
Warranty .............................................38-41
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
Look for this symbol to point out im por tant safety precautions. It means
CAU TION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFE TY IS INVOLVED.
WARNING: In order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, ad just ing or making repairs, always
dis con nect spark plug wire and place wire
where it can not come in contact with plug.
WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals known to
the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine
has stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all
in struc tions on the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly
familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis charge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the in struc tions, to
operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by
blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop ma chine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when bare foot or wearing open sandals. Al ways
wear substantial foot wear.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely nec es sary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving
backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
oth er safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer’s instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing grav el
drives, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equip ment, before clean ing
the mower or unclogging the chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
3
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a
firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mech a nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vi brate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safe ty
glasses with side shields when op er at ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe
injury. All slopes require extra caution. If
you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: nev er
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the op er a tor is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the ma chine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you
last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of an oth er
re spon si ble adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if chil dren
enter the area.
• Before and while walking back wards,
look behind and down for small chil dren.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to
cool before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or
on other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the
ground. If this is not possible, then
refuel such equipment with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline
dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change
clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas
cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Dis con nect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent ac ci den tal starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation reg u lar ly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if nec es sary,
before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine is running.
4
• Grass catcher components are sub ject
to wear, dam age, and de te ri o ra tion,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check com po nents and replace with
man u fac tur er’s recommended parts,
when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when ser vic ing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and
should not be used on or near any un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-cov ered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.5 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces
Oil Type (API SG–SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 10W-30 (below 32°F)
Spark Plug: Champion 2513213 (Gap: .030")
Blade Bolt Torque: 35–40 ft. lbs.
• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
5
ASSEMBLY / PRE-OPERATION
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCH ER
1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert mower
to bagging or discharging, see “TO CON VERT MOWER” in the Operation section
of this manual.
Frame
handle
Frame
opening
Vinyl
bindings
MOWING
POSITION
Lower handle
LIFT
UP
Operator
presence
control bar
Upper
handle
LIFT
UP
Handle
knob
Read these instructions and this manual
in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as sem bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled for shipping
pur pos es. To ensure safe and proper op er a tion of your lawn mower, all parts and
hard ware you assemble must be tight ened securely. Use the correct tools as
nec es sary to ensure proper tightness. All
parts such as nuts, wash ers, bolts, etc.,
nec es sary to complete the as sem bly have
been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials except
padding be tween upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thor ough ly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOW ER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage con trol cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec tion into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator pres ence control bar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to “AD JUST HANDLE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
6
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OP ER AT ING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
Operator presence control bar
Starter
handle
Handle knob
Air filter
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com mis sion.
WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar – must
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Starter handle – used for starting engine.
Drive control bar – used to engage pow-
er-pro pelled forward mo tion of mower.
Gasoline filler cap
Muffler
Grass
catcher
Housing
Drive
control
bar
OPERATION
Spark plug
Drive cover
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
7
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Me di um position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to ward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your re quire ments. Be
sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when plate tab inserts into hole in lever.
Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped)
allow lever to be positioned between the
plate tabs.
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye
damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields while operating your
lawn mower or performing any ad just ments
or repairs. We recommend a standard safety
glasses or wide vision safety mask worn
over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations re quire
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not un der
any circumstances attempt to de feat the
func tion of the operator con trol. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator pres ence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
• To start forward motion, lift drive con-
trol bar up to handle.
• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
fully engaged against handle when in use.
LEVER BACKWARD TO
LOWER MOWER
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
Plate tab
Lever
DRIVE CONTROL ENGAGED
Operator
pres ence
con trol bar
DRIVE CONTROL DIS EN GAGED
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCH ER
1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame side
hooks onto the door pivot pins.
2. The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catch er
frame.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower with out mulcher plate or plug, clipping de flec tor or approved grass catch er
in place. Never at tempt to op er ate the
lawn mower with the rear door re moved
or propped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCH ER
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame han dle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clip pings
from under lawn mower han dle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emp ty ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Pivot pins Rear
door
Grass
catcher
handle
Catcher frame hook
8
Mulcher plug
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see “EN GINE” in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
Engine
oil cap
Gasoline
filler cap
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:
• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe
place.
• You can now install grass catcher or
optional clipping deflector.
• To convert to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug, clipping de flec tor
or ap proved grass catch er in place. Nev er
at tempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with
gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties
that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to
separation and for ma tion of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before stor age of 30
days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage In struc tions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
9
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See “CLEANING” in the
Maintenance section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clip pings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into
the grass and not be noticed. Also,
the mulched grass will bio de grade
quick ly to provide nu tri ents for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
in ter feres with the mulch ing action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dried, yet the newly cut area will not be
exposed to direct sunlight.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If the lawn is over grown
it will be nec es sary to raise the height
of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from over load ing the engine and
leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
ex tremely heavy grass, reduce your
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass
con di tions may re quire that an area be
mulched a second time to com pletely
hide the clip pings. When doing a sec ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to
the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting
and graining of the lawn.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator presence con trol bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an
automatic choke system. No priming or
choking is required before starting.
• To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the han dle and
pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.
• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be nec es sary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass
clippings. It may also be necessary to
re duce ground speed and/or run the
lawn mower over the area a sec ond
time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, re duce the
width of cut by over lap ping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and most
cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the FAST po si tion.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, reg u lar ly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
MAX 1/3
10
Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *
Check Tires
Check Drive Wheels ***
Clean Lawn Mower ****
Clean under Drive Cover ***
Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
Check Engine Oil level
Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer
BEFORE
EACH
USE
AFTER
EACH
USE
EVERY
10
HOURS
EVERY
25 HOURS
OR SEASON
EVERY
100
HOURS
BEFORE
STORAGE
1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures.
2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.
5 - And after each 5 hours of use.
(if so equipped)
Electric-Start mowers
Power-Propelled mowers
Use a scraper
to clean under deck
*
**
***
****
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL REC OM MEN DA TIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been sub ject ed to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
full value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as in struct ed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
At least once a season, check to see if
you should make any of the adjustments
described in the Service and Ad just ments
section of this manual.
• At least once a year, replace the spark
plug, clean or replace air filter element
and check blade for wear. A new spark
plug and clean/new air filter element
assure proper air-fuel mix ture and help
your engine run bet ter and last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated
(See “LU BRI CA TION CHART”).
LUBRICATION CHART
➀
Spray lubricant
➁
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lu bri cants will
attract dust and dirt that will short en the life
of the self-lu bri cat ing bearings. If you feel
they must be lu bri cated, use only a dry,
pow dered graphite type lubricant spar ingly.
➀
Wheel
adjuster (on
each wheel)
➁
Engine oil
➀
Rear door
hinge
➀
Handle bracket mounting pins
11
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per form ing any main te nance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemi cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time be fore
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means
trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive
wheel area and must be cleaned to free
drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be
sure to clean both front wheels.
1. Remove hubcaps, locknuts & washers.
2. Remove wheels from wheel ad just ers.
3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/
or drive wheel gear teeth.
4. Put wheels back in place.
NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels
do not turn freely, contact a qualified
service center.
BLADE CARE
For best results, blade must be kept
sharp. Re place a bent or dam aged blade.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is
hazardous, could damage your mower
and void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower hous ing to prevent blade from
turning when re mov ing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5. Remove blade & attaching hard ware
(bolt, lock wash er, hardened wash er).
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.
2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op-
posite sharp edge) is up toward the
engine.
3. Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.
4. Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolt, turning clockwise.
Recommended tightening torque: 35-40
ft. lbs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp en ing
the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced. An un bal anced blade will cause
eventual damage to mower or engine.
• The blade can be sharp ened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into
a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail ex posed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail.
If blade is balanced, it should remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for dam-
age or de te ri o ra tion. Through normal use
it will wear. If catcher needs replacing,
replace only with ap proved replacement
catcher shown in the Repair Parts section
of this manual. Give the lawn mower model
number when ordering.
GEAR CASE
• To keep your drive system work-
ing properly, the gear case and area
around the drive should be kept clean
and free of trash build-up. Clean under
the drive cover twice a season.
• The gear case is filled with lubricant to the
proper level at the factory. The only time
the lubricant needs attention is if service
has been performed on the gear case.
Blade
bolt
Crankshaft
keyway
Hardened
washer
Lockwasher
Blade adapter Key
Blade
Trailing edge
Crankshaft
Belt
retainer
12
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn
mower or side of engine.
5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout,
stopping every few ounces to check
the oil level with the dipstick.
6. Stop adding oil when you reach the
FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SJ–SL.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.
7. Continue adding small amounts of oil,
rechecking the dipstick until oil level
settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or
engine will smoke heavily from the
muffler on startup.
8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick
before starting engine.
9. Re con nect spark plug wire to plug.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every 100 hours of
operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often
under dusty conditions.
TO CLEAN AIR FILTER
1. Remove cover.
2. Carefully remove cartridge.
3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.
CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such
as ker o sene, are not to be used to clean
car tridge. They may cause de te ri o ra tion
of the cartridge. Do not oil car tridge. Do
not use pres sur ized air to clean or dry
car tridge.
4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year if the
lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil, empty fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown
and drain oil into a suitable container.
Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.
Back plate
SlotCartridge
Cover
Container
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter should be replaced once
each season. If fuel filter becomes
clogged, ob struct ing fuel flow to car bu re tor, re place ment is re quired.
1. With engine cool, remove filter and
plug fuel line sec tions.
2. Place new fuel filter in position in fuel
line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.
3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks
and clamps are properly positioned.
4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.
13
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or dam age.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs
first. Spark plug type and gap setting
are shown in the “PROD UCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-grass
and trash. Clean the underside of your
mower after each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
• Clean the underside of your lawn
mower by scraping to remove build-up
of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• We do not recommend using a garden
hose to clean lawn mower unless the
elec tri cal system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water
out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.
CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER
Clean under drive cover at least twice a
season. Scrape underside of cover with
putty knife or similar tool to remove any
build-up of trash or grass on underside of
drive cover.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: To avoid serious injury,
before performing any service and
adjustments:
1. Release control bar and stop engine.
2. Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped.
3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
See “TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT” in
the Operation sec tion of this manual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the
rear wheels of your mower, is provided to
minimize the possibility that objects will
be thrown out of the rear of the mower
into the operator mowing position. If the
deflector becomes dam aged, it should be
replaced.
TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT
1. Remove drive cover.
2. Remove belt from gearcase pulley by
push ing down on arm and rolling belt
off pulley.
3. Turn lawn mower on its side with air
filter and car bu re tor down.
4. Remove blade and blade adapter.
Fuel Filter
Clamp Clamp
Belt
Drive
cover
PUSH
DOWN
Pulley
Blade
bolt
Crankshaft
keyway
Hardened
washer
Lockwasher
Blade adapter Key
Blade
Trailing edge
Belt
retainer
TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT
5. Place new drive belt on blade adapter.
6. Route the other end of the new drive
belt through hole in housing.
7. Reinstall blade and blade adapter.
8. Return mower to upright po si tion.
9. Push down on arm, install new belt on
gearcase pulley. Release arm slowly.
NOTE: Always use factory approved belt
to assure proper fit and long life.
10. Reinstall drive cover.
14
Lower
handle
ROTATE
ENGINE
ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set.
Do not attempt to increase en gine speed
or it may result in personal injury. If you
believe that engine is running too fast or
too slow, take your mower to a qualified
service cen ter for repair and ad just ment.
CARBURETOR
Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your
engine does not operate properly due to
suspected carburetor problems, take your
lawn mower to a qualified service center
for repair and/or ad just ment.
IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the
engine governor, which is factory set for
proper engine speed. Over speed ing the
engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous. If you think the
engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact a qualified service center,
which has proper equip ment and ex pe ri ence to make any nec es sary adjustments.
TO ADJUST HANDLE
The handle can be mounted in a high or
low position. The mounting holes in the
bottom of lower handle are off center for
raising or lowering the handle.
1. Remove upper handle and wire tie(s)
securing cable(s) to lower handle.
2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower
handle bracket mount ing pin.
3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mounting pins.
4. Turn lower handle over to raise or
lower handle.
5. Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mount ing pins on handle
bracket.
6. Reassemble upper handle and all
parts removed from lower handle.
STORAGE
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit
will not be used for 30 days or more.
2. Lubricate as shown in the Main te nance section of this manual.
3. Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws,
and pins are securely fas tened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.
4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a
period of time, clean it thor oughly, remove
all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry area.
1. Clean entire lawn mower (See
“CLEANING” in the Maintenance section of this manual).
Mowing
position
Mowing
position
HIGH POSITIONLOW POSITION
Handle
bracket
Hairpin
cotter
Mounting
pin
Lower handle
Handle
bracket
Hairpin cotter
SQUEEZE
TO ADJUST
Mounting pin
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