Ariens 96146000600, A173K22 (96146000600) Owner’s Manual

A1 73

196146600)

Owner's Manual

431593 Rev. 2 03.31.10 BY

• EspaSol, p. 18 Printed 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....................................... 34-37

Warranty ................................................. 40

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 impor- tant safety precautions, It means

CAUTION!l! BECOME ALERT?!t YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_, WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

_I_WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle components contain oremit chemicals known to the State

ofCalifornia tocause cancerand birthdefects or other reproductive harm.

_,WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive 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 instructionson the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting.Be thoroughly

familiar withthe controlsandthe proper

useof the machine before starting.

• Do notput hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear ofthe dis-

charge openingat all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals,who are familiar with the instructions, to oper-

ate 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 machine if anyone

enters the area,

- Do not operate the mower when bare-

foot or wearing open sandals, Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against awall 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 other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for prop- er operation and installation of accesso- ries. Only use accessories approved by

the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the blade comes to complete stop before

removing grass catcher.

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- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine,

• Ifthe equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra-

tion is generally awarning 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 accidentswhich 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, Exerciseextreme caution

when changingdirection on slopes.

• Remove obstaclessuch as rocks, tree limbs,etc.

• Watch forholes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trimnear 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 couldcause slipping.

IlL CHILDREN Tragicaccidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine

and the mowing activity. Never assume that children wilt remain where you last

saw them. ° Keep children out of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

* Before and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children,

° Never allow children to operate the

machine,

, Use extra care when approaching blind

comers, 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 contain-

er where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

• Never fil! containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner,

Always place containerson the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel iton the

ground, Ifthis 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,

• tf fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothEngimmediately,

• 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 inspectthe equipment if you

strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.

° Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject

towear,damage,anddeterioration, whichcouldexposemovingpartsor allowobjectstobethrown.Frequently checkcomponentsandreplacewith manufacturer'srecommendedparts, whennecessary.

_,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.

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: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces

Oil Type (AP] SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Spark Plug: Champion RJ19LM or JI9LM (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 purchase in space provided above.

• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut. Wraptheblade(s)orweargloves,and useextracautionwhenservicingthem.

• Donotchangetheenginegovernorset- tingoroverspeedtheengine.

• Maintainorreplacesafet_y•and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

Read these instructions and this manual in Operator its entirety before you attempt to assemble I or operate your new lawn mower, controlbar

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower isshipped 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 unassembled for shipping UP

purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts

and hardware you assemble must be tight- _ ened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness. All

parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

MOWING

POSITION

Upper

handle

Handle

knob

Lowerhandle

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 of carton and checkcarton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefullyso

as notto pinch or damage contmtcables.

1. Raise handJes untillower handle sec- tion rocks 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 handte padding holding operator presence contro!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. Putgrass 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.

Frame

'handle

Vinyl

bindings

Frame

opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mowerwas shipped readyto be

used as a muIcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see "3"OCON-

VERT MOWER" inthe Operation section of thismanual,

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

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.

I IIIIIIII IIII I iiiiiiiii II

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 ba_

Operator presence control bar

,HII,,,H ,i,

Handle knob

Starte_

handle

Grass catc

Gasoline filler ca

Air filtel

Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine,

IlUlIIIIIIIIIII]IIIIIIIIIIIIIII [I ill LLI I IIIIIII IIII

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Muffler

Drive cover

(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. AWARNlNG: The blade turns when the engine is running,

i iii iilUl]],li u iw

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.

Theoperationofanylawn mowercanresultinforeign objectsthrownintotheeyes,

whichcanresultinsevere

eyedamage.Alwayswear safetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoper- atingyourlawnmowerorperformingany

adjustmentsorrepairs.Werecommenda

standardsafetyglassesorwidevisionsafety

maskwornoverspectacles. HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimumperformance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL _,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine controlto be installedonthis

lawn mower in orderto minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under

any circumstancesattempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence 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 upto handle.

° To stop forward motion,release drive

control bar.

IMPORTANT: Alwayskeep drive control

fully engaged against handle when in use.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Raise wheels for low cutand lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit

your requirements. Medium positionis bestfor most lawns.

= To change cutting height, squeeze ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel upordownto suit yourrequirements.Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properlypositioned when plate tab inserts intohole in lever. Also, 9-positionadjusters (ifso equipped) allow lever tobe positionedbetween the plate tabs.

LEVERBACKWARD Platetab TO LOWERMOWER

LEVERFORWARDTORAISEMOWER Lever

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Liftthe rear door ofthe lawn mower

and place the grass catcher frame side

hooks onto the door pivotpins.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the

lawnmower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

ACAUTION: Do not runyour lawn

mowerwithout mulcher plate or plug,clip- pingdeflector or approved grass catcher inplace. Never attempt tooperate the

lawn mower withthe rear door removed or

propped open.

Rear

Grass

catcher

handle

Operator presence

control bar

DRIVE CONTROLENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY' GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift upon grass catcher usingthe

frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcherwith clippings

from under fawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag. NOTE: Do not drag the bag when erup-

T tying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

\_/ "_ Grass

i_ _k._k'_ catcher

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 open-

_Ling ef 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.

Mu]cher plug

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade ef oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

• ILCAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

1. Be sure Iawnmower is level.

2. Remove ell dipstick from oil fill spout. & You receive a container of oil with the

unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

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 Mainte- nance section of this manual.

oil cap

Gasoline filler 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.

_1_CAUTION; Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not stere, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) can attract moisture which leads to

separation and formation 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 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.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence controlbar.

TO START ENGINE NOTE: Due to protective coatingson the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be presentduringthe initialuse of the product

and should be considerednormal. NOTE: Your engine is equipped withan

automatic choke system. No primingor chokingis required before starting.

• To start engine, hold operator presence

controlbar downto the handle and pull

starter handlequickly. Do notallow 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 couldvoid your warranty.

• Under certainconditions, such as very

tall grass, itmay 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-

duceground 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 inthe FAST position.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be- come filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers willcollect 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 housingfree of built-up grass and trash. See "CLEANING" inthe

Maintenancesection ofthis manual. , The special mulching blade willrecut

the grass clippingsmany timesand reduce them in size so that as they fall

ontothe lawn they witldisperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the

mulchedgrass willbiodegrade quickly to providenutrientsfor the lawn. Always

mufch withyour highest engine (btade) 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 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 overgrown it

will be necessary to raise the height of

cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep

from overloading the engine and leaving

clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your width ofcut byoverlapping previouslycut path and

mow slowly.

LMAX1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass

conditionsmay 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 firstcut path.

° Change yourcuttingpattern from week

toweek. Mow northto southone week thenchange to east to west the next

week. Thiswill he!ppreventmatting and grainingof the lawn.

MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE

Check for Loose Fasteners Clean /inspect Grass Catcher*

Check Tires

lal

_ Check Drive Wheels ""

C_ean Lawn Mower ....

IM C}ean under Drive Cover "*

'0 Check Drive Belt'/F%]Jeys "*"

_t_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Btade

Lubrication ........

Clean and Recharge Battery **

Check Engine Oil level

E Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter

inspect Muffler

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add S{abilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Etectdc-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

,H,,H,H , ,,

1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high ouldeor 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.

BEFORE AFTER

EACH EACH

USE

USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS

i,,'

,1,4

EVERY EVERY EVERY

10 25HOURS 100

iiiiiinlllliiiii iiiii i ill II

Ik#_,2

BEFORE

STORAGE

J J

it"

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence, To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain unit as instructed 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 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.

° Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit weltlubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

(_ 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 wUlshorten the lifeof

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they must belubricated, useonly adry',powdered

ographite type lubricant sparingly.

Wheel

hinge

LAWN MOWER

Always observe 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, grass cuttings, etc. areinthe drive wheel area

and must be cleaned to free drive wheels. It necessary to clean the drive wheels, be

sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, locknuts &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: If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact aqualified

service center.

BLADE CARE

For best results, blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade

approved bythe manufacturer ofyour mower. Using a blade not approved by the manu-

facturer of your mower is hazardous, could

damage your mowerand void yourwarranty.

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 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 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 ofblade (oppo-

site sharp edge) is uptoward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft. 11

4. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tightenthe

blade bolt, turning clockwise,

Recommendedtighteningtorque:35-40ft.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. Bladeadapter Key Crankshaft

bolt washer _ \ "_ _.6- _ elt

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

theblade balanced. An unbalanced bladewill cause eventual damage tomoweror engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

• Check your grass catcher often for dam-

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working

Trailingedge Crankshaft retainer

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed, Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail.

Ifblade 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.

water, but must be dry when used. age or deterioration. Through normal

use it wilt wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts

section ofthis manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

propedy, 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 gearcase is filled with lubricanttothe

proper level at the factory, The only time the lubricant needs attention is ifservice

has been performed onthe gear case.

If lubricantis required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SG-SL Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

accordingto your expected operating

temperature.

30 _ 40

TEMPERATURE RAkIGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE N_X'T OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, IOW30 etc.)improve starting in

coldweather, these multi-viscosityoilswill resultin increased oilconsumptionwhen used above 32°F. Check yourengine oil level more frequently toavoidpossible

engine damage from runninglow on oil. 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 oit plug securely each time you check the oil bevel

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 itsside as shown and drain oil intoa suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to re- move any oil trapped insideof engine,

6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a

minute to allow oil to settle.

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 cartridge every

100 hours of operation or every season,

whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat 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 of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.

Backplate

Cartridge

Slot

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side ofengine.

5. Slowly pouroil downthe oil fill spout, stopping every few ouncesto check the oil level withthe dipstick.

3over tab

Cover

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 t00 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting

are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-

12 ATIONS" section of this manual.

+ 28 hidden pages