Craftsman 917.377631, 37763 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN+

6.75 HORSEPOWER 21" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED ELECTRIC START

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377631

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

W_rrat_

S_fety_lules

A_ern_ly

Ol_era|on

M_intel_ance Sihelule| M_intelhanle

2 Product Specifications 11 2 Service and Adjustments 14 4 Storage 14

6 Troubleshooting 16 10 Repair Parts 34 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover

purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

according to the operating and maintenance instructions inthe

repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.

the date of purchase.

:3 ;,air cleaners and spark plug.

• operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank- _ shafts arld, the failure to the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while

this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower

properly. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

• Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and

pets.

• Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in this manual.

• Do not operate mower if ithas been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before

using your mower.

ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty

worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufac-

turer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

• Always thoroughly check the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.

These objects will be thrown by the blade and can cause severe injury.

• Always wear safety glasses or eye

shields when starting and while using your mower.

• Dress properly. Do not operate mower

when barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Wear only solid shoes with good trac_tion when mowing.

• Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fillgas tank indoors, when the

engine is running or when the engine is

hot. Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before fillingthe gas tank. Clean

off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine.

• Always make wheel height adjustments

before starting your mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

• Mow only indaylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you. ---

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating your mower. Always

be sure of your footing -- keep a firm hold on the handles and walk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating pads. Keep clear of the discharge

opening at all times.

• Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and any gravel--covered areas.

• Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

• Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your mower, stop the engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving

parts have stopped. Then disconnect the spark plug wire and keep it away from the

spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower if you hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure outlined above, then repair any damage before restarting and operating you

mower.

• Do not change the govemor settings or overspeed the engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if it vibrates abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

• Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are dangerous.

• Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across_e fame_f--

slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow exces-

sively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or

when changing directions -- maintain good footing.

• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

• Check the blade and the engine mounting

bolts often to be sure they are tightened ,.,.

properly.

• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for proper tightness to

be sure mower is in safe working

condition.

• Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine- free of grass, leaves or excessive grease

and oil.

• Check grass catcher often for deteriora- tion and wear and replace wom bags.

Use only replacement bags that are recommended by and comply with

specifications of the manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower.

• Allow engine to cool before storing in any

enclosure.

• Never store mower with fuel in the tank

inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or an-ignition-source such as a hotwater heater, space heater,

clothes dryer, etc. CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot

contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of

C_);fornia to cause cancer, birth defects, or

oth_r reproductive harm.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyar_so

availableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstores can alsooerc_

repair partsfor you,when you providethe model number of yourlawn mower. Some of these accessoriesmay notapply toyourlawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CUPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABlUZER

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS BLADES

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at

the factory with the exception of those

parts left unassembled for s_ipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened 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.

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts included with mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

• Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR "

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS +-

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

presence control bar to upper handle. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check

carton thoroughly for additional loose

pads.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER ......... -.....

TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise lower handle section to operating position and squeeze the bottom ends of

lower handle towards each other until

the pin in handle can be inserted into

one of the three height adjustment holes.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove any packing material from around control bar.

• Your handles may be adjusted for your

mowing comfort. Refer to Service and

Adjustments section of this manual.

Operator presence

control,bar

Upper handle

Lower handle

3-position Handle

adjustment bracket

Mowing position

Handle pin

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convertto4N_jgirlg

or discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe

place.

• You can now install catcher or optional

clipping deflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of mower.

Mulcher Plug

TO PREPARE BATTERY

NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower.

• Disconnect engine battery connector (male) from battery connector (female)

• Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery connector (female).

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.

outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine for the

first time.

• After charging, connect engine connec-

tor (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.

IMPORTANT: The engih-e_alt-ei'fi_f6r-will not charge a discharged battery.

At the end of the mowing season the battery should be charged for 48 hours to

protect the battery during winter storage. CAUTION: Always disconnect the engine

connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

<NOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOU'_,WN

k4OWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the kx_ationof 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

Ddve control

Electric start key_

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Wheel adjuster lever

Operator presencecontrol

Cable clip

Gasoline cap

Primer

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

Housin.c

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-

sion. The blade turns when the engine is running, Operator presence control - must be

held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

Starter handle - used for starting the engine.

Drive control bar - used to engage

power-propelled foward motion of lawn mower.

Mulcher plug - Located at the rear discharge opening must be removed when

converting to bagging operation.

Electric start key - used for starting the

engine.

The ()peration of any lawn mower can result in foreign objectsthrown intothe eyes, which can

resultin severe eye damage. Alwayswear

safety glasses or eye shieldswhile operating your lawn mower orperformingany adjust-

mentsor repairs. We recommend awide visionsafety mask over the spectaclesor

standardsafetyglasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed isnotadjust-

able. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire an engine controlto be installedon this lawn mower inorder to minimize'the riskofblade

contact injury.Do notunder any circu_ attempt to defeat the function of the operator control.The bladetums when the engine is

running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence controlbar which requiresthe operator tobe positioned

behind the lawn mOwer handle tostart and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Allfour wheals are adjusted by a single lever.

• Pull adjuster levertoward wheel. To raise mower, move lever forward to desired

position.To lower mower, move the lever toward the rear.

LowerWheels for high cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Liftthe rear doorof the lawn mower and

place the grasscatcher frame hooksintothe slotsofthe rear door.

• The grasscatcher issecured tothe lawn mower housingwhen the rear door is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

CAUTION: Do not run yourlawn mower

withoutclippingdeflectororapproved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower withthe rear door removed or propped open.

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Liftup on grasscatcher using the frame handle.

• Remove grasscatcher with clippingsfrom under lawn mower handle.

• Empty d'_opingsfrom bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; itwillcause unnecessary wear.

Rear door

slots

Grass

handle

Acluster

Lever

Raise Wheels for low cut

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• To startforward motion, liftdrive controlbar

upto handle.

• To stopforward motion, release drive

control bar.

IMPORTANT: Always keep drive controlbar

fully engaged against handle when in use.

Operatorpresence controlbar

controlbar--

Toengage_'_ Drivecontrol drive control desengaged

Drive

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE__

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped withoutoilinthe engine.

• Be sure mower is leveland area around oil

fillis dean.

• Remove engine oilcap w/dipstick and fill to the full lineon the dipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of oil

to use, see =ENGINE" in Maintenance

sectionof this manual.

• Pour oilslowly. Do notover fill.

• Check oillevelbefore each use. Add oilif needed. Filltofull line on dipstick.

• To read properlevel, tightenengine oilcap

each time.

• Reinstallengine oilcap and tighten.

• Change the oilafter every 25 hoursof operationor each season. You may need

to change the oilmore often underdusty,

dirtyconditions.

GAS

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will

increase carbon and lead oxide deposits

and reduce valve life). Do not mix,oil

with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti-

ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN

TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), use

fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starling.

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) 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. Drain 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.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use

gasoline near an open flame.

Engineoil cap

w/dipstick j cap

Gasolinefiller

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer five

(5) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not U_Jall_ - necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar

down to the handle.

• Tum electric start key clockwise to crank

engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more

than five continuous seconds between

each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.

• To start engine using the auxiliary starter handle, follow the steps above. Exchange the use of the start key for-_

starter handle. Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to

snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be

necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If youdo

flood engine wait a few minutes before

attempting to start and do not repeat

priming steps.

MOWING TIPS

• Under certainconditions, such as very tall grass,it may be necessary to raisethe

heightof cut to reduce pushingeffortand to keep from overloadingthe engine and

leavingclumps of grass clippings.

• For extremely heavy cutting,reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut

path and mow slowly.

• When using a rear discha_ la_WTrnowerin moist, heavy grass, dumps of cut grass

may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce groundspeed (pushing speed) and/or run

the lawn mower over the area a second

time.

• Ifa trailof clippingsislefton the rightside of a reardischarge mower, mow ina clock- wise directionwith a small overlap tocollect

the dippings on the next pass.

• Pores inclothgrass catcherscan become filledwith dirtand dustwith use and

catchers willcollectless grass. To prevent this, regularlyhose catcher offwith water and letdry before using.

• Keep top of engine around starterclearand

clean of grassclippingsand chaff. This will

help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT:Forbestperformance,keep

mowerhousingfree of built-upgrass and

trash.See =Cleaning" in Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulchingblade WIUrecut the grass cr=ppingsmany times and reduce them in size so that as they fagonto the lawn they willdisperse intothe grass and not be noticed. Also,the mulched grass will biodegrade quicklyto providenutrientsfor the lawn. Always mulch withyour highest engine (blade) speed as this wRIprovidethe best recuffingaction ofthe blades.

• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when itis wet. Wet grass tends toform dumps and interferes with the mulchingaction:-The best time to

mow your lawn is the early aftemoon. At this time the grass has driedand the newly cut area willnotbe exposed to the direct

sun.

• For best results,adjustthe lawn mower cuttingheightsott'_t the lawn mower cuts offonlythe top one-third of thegrasFblades. Ifthe lawn is overgrownit willbe,meesSary to raisethe height of cutto reduce pushing effortand to keep from overloadingthe engine and leaving clumps ofmulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce yourwidthof cut by overlapping•

previouslycut path and mow slowly.

• Certaintypes of grass and grass conditions may require thatan area be mulched a second time to completelyhide the clippings. When doing a second cut,mow acrossor perpendiculartothe firstcut path.

• Change yourcuttingpattem from week to week. Mow north to southone weektherr-.

change to east to west the next week. This will help preventmating and grainingofthe

lawn.

Max,/3

. °", i 1 .

ASYOUCOMPLETE

Checkfor LooseFasteners Clean/InspectGrassCatcher

,(IfEquipped)

Clean La_m Mower

Clean Under Drive Cover

Ir _".,'_ -It

v' v'

W, {Power-Propelled Mowers)Check drive belt/pulleys

,(Power-Propelled Mowers)

R Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade

Lu_caUonChart V' V'

Clean Battery/Recharge ....

(Electric Start Mowers) _ Ik/4

RECheck EngineOil Level

Change Engine Oil _1_1._

Clean Air Fdter

Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge If 2

1- Change moreoftenwhen oporaHngunder aheavy loador kl hlghamblemlem_ms. 2 -SeNice more oftenwhen opemlk_ In di_yor dustyconddJons. 3 -Replace bladesmornoftenwhen mowingin sandysoiL

4 -Charge 48 houmat endof season.

v'3

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjectedto operator abuse or negligence. To receivefull value from the warranty,operator must

maintain mower as instructedinthis manual. Some adjustments willneed to be made

periodicallyto propertymaintain yourunit. All adjustmentsin the Service and Adjust-

ments section ofthis manual shouldbe checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replacethe sparkplug, replace air filterelement and check blade for wear. A new spark plugand clean/new air filterelement assures proper air-fuelmixture and helps your engine rail betterand last longer.

• Followthe maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oillevel.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unitwell lubricated(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Engineoil (_ Wheel

adjuster

__0 _Brake....

spring bracket

(_)- Drive pins

(_ Rear

door

(_0 Spray lubricant

hinge

(_ Refer to Maintenance "ENGINE"

section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oilor grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricantswill

attractdust anddirtthat will shorten the lifeof the selflubricatingbearings. Ifyou

feel they mustbe lubricated,use only a

dry,powdered graphitetype lubricant

spa ngly.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377631 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE

HORSEPOWER: 6.75

DISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU. IN. GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.25 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W,,30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS. SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RN4C

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008

EXHAUST: .004 - .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase in space

provided above.

.AWN MOWER

Always observe safetyrules when performing

any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline,oil,or insect controlchemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps,stones, deep ruts,sharp objects and otherhazards that may cause tiredamage.

BLADE CARE Forbest results,mower blade mustbe kept

sharp. Replace bent ordamaged blades. TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plugwire from spark plug and place wire where itcannot come in contactwith spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make sure air filterand carburetor are up.

• Use a wood blockbetween blade and mower housingto preventblade from

tumingwhen removingblade bolt.

• Protectyour hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade boltby turningcounter- clockwise.

• Remove blade and attachinghardware (bolt,lockwasher and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check

the key insidehub of blade adapter. The key

must be in good conditionto work properly.

Replace adapter ifdamaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the engine

crankshaft. Be surekey=in-adapterand crankshaft keyway are aligned.

• Positionblade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holesin the blade withthe raised

lugsonthe adapter.

• Be sure the trailingedge ofblade (opposite sharp edge) is uptoward the engine.

• Installthe bladebolt withthe lockwasher

and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

• Use blockofwood between blade and lawn mower housingand tightenthe blade bolt,

tuming clockwise The recommendedtightening torque is35- 40ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: treated.

Bladebolt is grade_8heat

NOTE: We donotrecommendshaq_ning blade- butifyoudo, besurethebladeis balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade wiUeause

eventual damage to lawn mower orengine.

. The blade can be sharpened .with a fileor

on a grindingwheel. Do not attemptto sharpen while onthe mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nailinto a

beam orwalL Leave about one inchofthe straightnagexposed. Place center holeof

blade over thehead of thenail. If blade is

balanced, itshould remainin a horizontal position, if eitherend of thQblade moves

downward, sharpen the heavy end unblthe

blade isbalanced.

Blade Crank- adaptor shaft

Key

Blade,

Blade bolt

• Lock

washer Crank-

GRASS CATCHER

Hardened Blade

washer Trailing shaft

edge adaptor

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through

normal use itwill wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac-

turer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number

when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS Check rear drive wheels each time you

mow to be sure they move freely. The

wheels not tuming freely means trash,

grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the

drive wheel and dust cover area and must be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both rear wheels.

• Remove hubcaps and Iocknuts. * Remove wheels from wheel adjuster

axles.

• Remove any trash or grass cuttings from

inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive wheel gear teeth.

keyway

• The pinion gear must be installed with the left gear on the left side and with the

right gear on the rightside, from an operator's view.

• The pinion gear is stamped with an "L"

(left) or "R" (right) on the inside. If installed incorrectly, the drive system will

not work.

• Place wheels back on adjuster axles.

• Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps.

NOTE: Pinions and drive pawls should be cleaned and lubricated with grease approximately every 25 hours or once a

year.

LocknutWash_^o"_

Drive pin

Dust cover

Pinion

E-dng

ENGINE _.

LUBRICATION

Use onlyhigh quarrydetergentoil ratedwith AP! service classificationSF, SG orSH. Select the oil'sSAE viscositygrade according to yourexpected operatingtemperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

4 I,

=IF -20" 0" 30" 32" 40" 60" 80° 100"

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Althoughmulti-viscosityoils(5W30,

10W30 etc.) improvestartingincold weather, these multi-viscosityoilswillresultin increased

oilconsumption when used_abo-Ve32°F.. Check your engineoillevel more frequently to

avoidpossibleengine damage from running low ono=1.

Change the oilafterevery 25 hours of operationor at least once ayear ifthe lawn

mower isnot usedfor 25 hoursin one year. Check thecrankcase oillevel beforestarting the engine and aftereach five(5) hours of

continuoususe. Tighten oil plug securely each timeyou check the oillevel.

TOCHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tippinglawn mower to drain oJ, drainfuel tank by runningengine unb'lfuel tank

isempty.

• Disconnect sparkplug wirefrom spark plug

and place wire where itcannot come in

contact sparkplu

• Remove engine oilcap; lay aside on a clean

surface.

• Tip lawn mower on itsside as shown and drainoil intoa suitablecontainer. Rock lawn

mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped insideofengine.

• W'_eeoff any spilledoilon lawn mower and on sideof engine.

• Fill engine with oil. RII only tothe =FULL" line on the dipstick. DO N(_T OVER RLL

• Replace engine oil cap.

• Reconnect spark plugwire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter.

Replace the air filter every year, more

often ifyou mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter by turning clock- wise to the stop and pull away from

collar.

• Remove filter from inside of cover.

• Clean the inside of the cover and the collar to remove any dirt accumulation.

• Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot.

• Push in on cover and tum counterclock- wise to tighten.

Coil

Tum

clockwiseto remove

Clip

Air filter

Tab

Air filter cover

counter- clockwise

to tighten

MUFFLER "; Inspect and replace corrodedmuffleras it

couldcreate afire hazard and/or damage.- SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make

your engine start easier and run better. Set

spark pluggap at .030 inch. CLEANING

IMPORTAN'E For best performance, keep mower housingfree of built-upgrassand trash.

Clean undersideof mower housingafter each

use.

CAUTION: Disconnectspark plug wire from spark plugand place wire where it cannot

come in contactwith the spark plug.

• Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make sureair filter and carburetorare up. Clean the

undersideof your lawn mower by scraping

to remove build-upof grass and trash.

• Clean engine oftento keep trash from accumulating.A dogged engine runshotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of allgasoline, oil,etc.

• We do not recommend using-a'_tdeh hose toclean lawn mower unlessthe electrical

system,muffler,air filterand carburetorare covered to keep water out. Water in engine

can resultin shortened engine life.

CAUTION; BEFOREPERFORMING ANY

SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: = Release €ontrolbar.

° Make surethe blade and all moving

partshavecomp steppecL

• Disconnectsparkplugwirefrom

spark plugand place where itcannot come incontact withplug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST cUTnNG HEIGHT

See "TOADJUSTCUTI'ING HEIGHT"inthe Operationsectionofthis manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR ....

The rear detlector,attached between the rear wheels of yourlawn mower, isprovided to

minimize the possibilitythat objectswillbe thrown out the rear of the lawn mower intothe

operator'smowing position. Ifthe rear deflectorbecomes damaged, it shouldbe

TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle on yourlawn mower has three (3)

height positions- adjustto heightthat suits

you.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other untilthe pinin handle can be insertedintoone of the three height adjustment holes.

High Med.

Low

ENGINE .. ENGINE SPEED

Yourengine speed has been factoryset.- Do not attempt to increase engine speed orit may resultin personal injury. Ifyou believe

thatthe engine is runningtoo fast ortoo slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized

servicecenter/departmentfor repairand

/ 3-position

Handle adjustment

bracket

adjustmenL

CARBURETOR

Yourcarburetorhas a non-adjustablefixed

mainjet for mixturecontrol. Ifyourengine doesnot operate properlydue to suspected

carburetorproblems, take your lawn mower to

an authorized service center/departmentfor repairand adjustment.

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for

storage at the end ofthe season or ifthe unit

will notbe used for 30 days or more.

LAWN MOWER

When lawn mower is to be storedfora period

oftime, clean itthoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

• Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual).

• Lubricate as shown in the Customer Maintenance section of this manual.

• Be sure that all nuts, bolts,screws, and pins

are securely fastened. Inspect moving partsfor damage, breakage and wear.

Replace ifnecessary.

• Touch up all rusted orchipped paint surfaces;sand lightlybefore painting.

HANDLE

• You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage.

• Loosenthe two (2) handle Imobson-sides of

the upper handle and allow handle tofold

downto the rear.

• Squeeze the bottomends oflower handle toward eachother untilpinsin handle clear the brackets and pivot entire handle assemblyforward and allow itto rest on

mower.

• When settingup your handlefrom the

storageposition,the lower handle will

requiremanually lockingintothe mowing position.

IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for storageor transportationbe suretofold the handle as shown oryou may damage the

controlcables.

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