Ariens 96146000500, A173K22 (96146000500) Owner’s Manual
A1 73K22
(96146500)
Owner's Manual
431588 Rev. 1 03.31.10 BY
• EspaSol, p. t 8
Pdnted in U.S.A.
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 5
Operation ............................................... 6-9
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10
Maintenance ...................................... 10-13
Service and Adjustments ................... 13-14
Storage .............................................. 14-15
Troubleshooting ................................. 16-17
Repair Parts....................................... 34-43
Warranty ................................................. 44
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.
=°=Lookfor this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!
• 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-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble,
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating
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: never
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 accidentscan occur ifthe operator
is notalert tothe presence of children.
Children are oftenattracted to the machine
and the mowing activity,Never assume
that childrenwillremain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimmingarea
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult,
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking bacl_wards,
look behind and down for small children.
• 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
Useextreme 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 contain-
er 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 isnot 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 containeropening at
all times until fueling iscomplete+ 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. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
° Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-
ment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly,
° 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 necessary,
before restarting.
° Never attempt to make wheel height
adjustments while the engine isrunning.
3
° Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,
which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently
check components and replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,
when necessary.
_,WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered 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.
tn the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar taws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them,
° Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine,
• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.
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 RC12YC (Gap: .030")
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.
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 3urchase in space provided above.
4
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 assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassemblad for shipping
purposes. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assembIe must be tight-
ened securely. Use the correct tools as
necessary to ensure proper tightness. All
par_ssuch as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag.
Operator MOWING
control bar
UP handle
POSITION
Upper
Handle
knob
Lower handle
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 between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out ofcarton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle sec-
tion locks into place in mowing posi-
tion.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence 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 Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1. Put grass catcherframe into grass bag
with rigidpart of bag onthe bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
ofthe bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindingsoverframe.
NOTE: If vinylbindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wetl let it dry before using.
-_ _-' Frame
_._/_..
., × handle
Vinyl
bindings
Frame
opening
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mowerwas shipped ready to be
usedas a mulcher.To convertmower to
bagging or discharging,see 'q'O CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual,
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THiS OWNER'S MANUALAND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
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.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Drive
control
Starter
handle
Operator presence control bar
Handle knob
Gasoline filler cap
G rass
Engine oil
with dipstick
Muffler
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
i Jtt tl t
plug
Air filter
cover
eel adjuster
(on each wheel)
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-
mission. _,WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
t / t t I ttttllt t II
Operator presence control bar - must Starter handle - used for starting engine.
be held down to the handle to start the Drive control bar - used to engage
engine. Release to stop the engine, power-propelled forward motion of mower.
6
Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objectsthrownintotheeyes,
which can result in severe
safety glasses or eye shields while oper-
ating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a
standard safety glasses orwide vision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance.Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine controlto be installedon this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk ofblade contactinjury.Donot under
any circumstancesattemptto defeat the
function of the operator control The blade
turnswhen the engine isrunning,
• Your lawnmower isequipped with an
operator presence controlbar which
requires the operatorto be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle tostart
and operate the lawn mower,
TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM
• To start forward motion, lift drive con-
trolbar up to handle.
• To stopforward motion, release drive
controlbar.
IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
fully engaged against handlewhen in use.
eye damage. Always wear
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheelsfor low cut and lower wheels
for highcut,adjust cuttingheightto suit
your requirements.Medium positionis
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
upor down to suit your requirements. Be
sure all wheets 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.
LEVERBACKWARD Platetab
TO LOWERMOWER
LEVERFORWARDTO RAISEMOWER Lever
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
1. Lift the rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame side
hooksontothe doorpivotpins,
2. The grass catcher issecured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear
door is lowered onto the grass catcher
frame.
_I_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without mulcher plate or plug, clip-
ping deflector or approved grass catcher
in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
Rear
Grass
catcher
handie
Operator
presence
control bar
DRIVE CONTROLENGAGED
DRIVE CONTROLDISENGAGED
Catcher frame hook
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
1, Lift upon grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grasscatcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippingsfrom bag,
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emp-
7 tying; it will cause unnecessarywear.
TOCONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mowerwas shippedreadyto 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 ciipping deflector.
• To convert to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into rear discharge open-
ing of mower.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug, clipping deflector or
approved grass catcher in place. Never at-
tempt to operate the lawn mower with the
rear door removed or propped open.
Muicher plug
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual
_, CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler
on startup.
I. 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,
NOTE: Initial oilfitl 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 oilafter every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See 'q'O
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" inthe Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
Engine
oil cap
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 quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
ness.
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
aran open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasoholor usingethanol or metha-
nol) can attract moisture which leads to
separationandformation of acids during
storage, Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system ofan engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuet system
should be emptied before storage 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 Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
8
filler cap
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control 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 fs equipped with an
automatic choke system. No pdming or
choking is required before starting.
• To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the handle 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, willdamage
your mower and could void your warranty.
- Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass clip-
pings. It may also be necessary to re-
duce ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and most cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set in the FAST position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be-
come filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippingsand chaff,
This will help engine air flow and extend
engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the
Maintenancesectionofthis manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they willdisperse into
the grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade)
speed as this will provide the best recut-
ting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn fs 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 overgrown it
wil[ be necessary to raise the height of
cutto reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of out
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow siow[y.
I
t
MAXI_
(
J
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. 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.
9
MAINTENANCE '"
SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS ORSEASON HOURS STORAGE
Check for Loose Fasteners I/ V'
C!ean / Inspect Grass Catcher* V'" I/ 1/
Check Tires tl/' '
NWi Check Drive Wheels "*"
Clean Lawn Mower .... V' I/
M Clean under Drive Cover "*" I/
O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys *** ..... 1i/
_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
R Lubrication ...... V' ........
cIe_ andRechargeBa.ery" V' v_
Check Engine Oil level .....t_
i_ Change Engine Oil I,_,2 .........
Clean Air Filter !1_
Inspect Muffler V'
N Replace Spark Plug !_
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cart+idge t_
Empty |uel system or add Stabilizer
* (if SOequipped)
** Electric*Start mowers
*** Power-Propelled mowers
**** Use a scraper
to clean under deck
t - Change more often if operating under a heavy lead or in high outdoor temperatures,
2 - Service mare often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions,
3 * Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil,
4 - Charge 48 hoers at end of season.
S - And after each 5 hours of use.
BEFOREAFTEREVERY EVERY EVERYBEFORE
EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100
i i
V'3
. _ V #
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
cover itemsthat have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive
fu, value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as instructed inthis 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 Adjustments
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 mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.
• Folrow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
adjuster (on
each wheel)
(_ Rear door
(_ Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
attract dust and dirtthat will shorten the lifeof
the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feelthey
must belubricated, useonlya dry, powdered
0graphite type lubricantsparingly.
1
Wheel
ine oil
hinge
LAWN MOWER
Alwaysobserve safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals 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 before
you mow to be sure they move freely,
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grasscuttings, etc.arein 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, Iocknuts & washers.
2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
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: Ifafter cleaning, the drive wheels
do not turn freely, contact a qualified
service center.
BLADE CARE
For best results, blade must be kept sharp.
Replace a bent or damaged blade.
_CAUTION: Useonly a replacement blade
approved bythe manufacturerof your mower.
Using a blade not approved by the manu-
facturer of your mower is hazardous, could
damage yourmowerand voidyourwarranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where itcannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make
sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing 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 hardware
(bolt, lock washer & hardened washer).
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position biade 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 (oppo-
sitesharp edge) is uptoward the engine.
3. Install the blade bolt with the look
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.
Recommendedtighteningtorque:35-40ft.lbs.
IMPORTANT: Blade boit is heat treated.
Ifbolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
Bladeadapter Key
Crankshaft
_"__.. keyway
Lockwasher _ J!
Blade Hardenec
bolt washer
Trailingedge"
Crankshaft retainer
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
is balanced. Care should be taken to keep
the blade balanced.An unbalanced bladewill
cause eventual damage tomower or engine.
• The blade can be sharpened 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 exposed. 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 maybe hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
° Check your grass catcher often for dam-
age or deterioration. Through normal
use it willwear. If catcher needs replac-
ing, replace only with approved replace-
ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual. Give the lawn
mower model number when ordering.
GEAR CASE
• To keep your drivesystem working
properly,the gear case and area around
the ddve 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 levelat the factory. The only time
the lubricant needs attention is if service
has been performed on the gear case.
• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
11
750369. Do not substitute,
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SJ-SL.
Select theoil's SAEviscosity gradeaccording
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
""
.H-_. _ _0 _ 40 _ _,0 i 1o0
TEMPERATURE RANGE EXPECTED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
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 re-
move any oil trapped inside of engine.
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. Reconnect 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 I00 hours of
operation or every season, whichever oc-
curs 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 fiat sur-
_ face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.
CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such
as kerosene, are not to be used to clean
cartridge. They may cause deterioration
ofthe cartridge, Do not oil cartridge. Do
not use pressurized air to clean or dry
cartddge.
4, Install cartridge, then replace cover,
Cartridgex_ \ Slot
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 tosettle.
Back plate
IN-LINE FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter should be replaced once
each season. If fuel filter becomes
clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carbu-
retor, replacement is required.
1. With engine cool, remove filter and
plug fuel line sections.
2. Place new fuel filter in position infuel
line with arrow pointing towards carbu-
retor.
3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks
and clamps are properly positioned.
4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gaso-
line,
12
Fuel \
Filter
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
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 "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-
ATIONS" 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
electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetorare covered to keep water
out. Water in engine can result in short-
ened engine life.
CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER
Clean under drive cover at least twicea
season. Scrape undersideof cover with
puttyknifeor similar toolto remove any
build-up of trash or grass on underside of
drive cover.
A 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 section 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 damaged, it should be
replaced.
TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT
1. Remove drive cover.
2. Remove belt from gearcase pulleyby
pushingdown on arm and rollingbelt
off pulley.
3. Turn lawn mower on its side with air
filter and carburetordown.
4. Remove blade and blade adapter,
PUSH
DOWN...
Drive
cover
Pulle_
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 position.
9. Pushdown 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.
Bladeadapter Key
_ Crankshaft
_ keyway
Lockwasher
bolt Hardened
13 washer Trailin
edge retainer
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 mounting 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 mounting pins on handle
bracket.
6. Reassemble upper handle and all parts
removed from lower handle.
SQUEEZE
TO ADJUST
Hair
Mowing r_._ Mowing _-_
position _ position / /
t ; //
I K 1 /
ootte, trbra°ket 1!
Mounting_
p_n
LOWPOSITION HIGHPOSITION
Lower
ROTATE
ENGINE
ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set.
Do not attempt to increaseenginespeed
or it may result in personal injury. Ifyou
believe that engine is runningtoofast or
tooslow, take your mower to aqualified
service center for repair and adjustment,
CARBURETOR
Your carburetor isnot adjustable, Ifyour
enginedoes not operate properlydue to
suspectedcarburetor problems,take your
lawnmower to a qualifiedservice center
for repair and!or adjustment.
IMPORTANT: Never tamper withthe
enginegovernor,whichis factory set for
properengine speed, Overspeeding
the engine above the factory highspeed
setting can be dangerous, If you think
the engine-governed highspeed needs
adjusting, contact a qualified service
center,which has properequipment and
experienceto make any necessaryadjust-
ments.
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.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a
period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove
all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry area.
1. Clean entire lawn mower (See
"CLEANING" in the Maintenance sec-
tion of this manual).
2. Lubricateas shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
3. Be sure that all nuts, botts, screws, and
pins are securely fastened. Inspect
moving parts for damage, breakage
and wear. Replace if necessary.
4. Touch up all rusted or chippedpaint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting,
I4
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