644.362201
Owner's Manual
CRRFrSMRH°
TARY LAW
160cc Honda Engine
Power-Propelled
22" Multi-Cut
Model No.
944.362201
OWE
CAUTION'.
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears Canada, Inc., Toronto, Ontario M5B 2B8
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-3
Warranty ................................................ 4-5
Product Specifications ........................... 5
Assembly/Pre-Operation .......................... 6
Operation ............................................ 7-12
Maintenance Schedule .......................... 13
Maintenance ...................................... 13-16
Service and Adjustments ....................... 17
Storage .............................................. 18-19
Troubleshooting ................................ 20-21
Repair Parts ....................................... 22-29
Sears Service ........................... Back Cover
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.
_i, Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
A WARNING: In order to prevent acciden-
tal starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always discon-
nect spark plug wire and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
A 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,WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped
with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unim-
proved 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. A spark arrester for the muffler is
available through your nearest Sears Parts
& Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS
section of this manual).
I. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read, understand, and follow all instruc-
tions on the machine and in the manual(s)
before starting. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the
machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions, to operate
the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could
be picked up and thrown by blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when barefoot
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 a wall or obstruction. Material may
richochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without proper
guards, plates, grass catcher or other
safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructionsfor proper
operation and installation of accessories.
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.
• Mowonlyin daylightorgood artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Al-
ways be sure of your footing: keep a firm
hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the self-propetled mechanism
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 im mediately for the cause. Vibration
2
is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glass-
es 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. Red uced footing
could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is
not aterttothe presence of children. Children
are often attracted to the machine and the
mowing activity. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of 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 machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
&WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE INJURED
BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The American Acad-
emy of Pediatrics recommends that children
be a minimum of 12 year of age before op-
erating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower
and a minimum of 16 years of age before
operating a riding lawn mower.
• When loading or unloading this machine,
do not exceed the maximum recom-
mended operation angle of 15°.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip-
ment (PPE) while operating this machine,
including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear,
eye protection, and hearing protection. Do
not mowin short and/or, open toed footwear.
Always let someone know you are outside
mowing.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.
Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. 3
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot
light such as a water heater or on other
appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipmentfrom the
truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground.
If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment with a portable container, rather
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim
of the fuel tank or container opening at
all times until fueling is complete. Do not
use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change cloth-
ing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap
and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Never run machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with
the engine (motor) running. Disconnectthe
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade at-
tachment bolts, tight and keep equipment
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 spill-
age. Allow machineto coo! before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, ifnecessary, before
restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height ad-
justments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow objects
to be thrown. Frequently check compo-
nents and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts, when necessary.
• 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 setting
or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
GENERAL: Craftsman products are warranted to be free from defects in materials
or workmanship for a specific time period as set-out below (the "Warranty Period").
Warranties extend to the original purchaser of a Craftsman product only. Purchases
made through an online auction or through any website other than www.sears.ca are
excluded. The relevant Warranty Period commences on the original date of purchase.
Within this period, Sears Canada, Inc. will, at its sole option, repair or replace any
products or components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be
made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be
responsible for any transportation cost.
EXCLUSIONS: This warranty does not cover failures due to normal wear, abuse, misuse,
neglect (including but not limited to the use of stale fuel, dirt, abrasives, moisture, rust,
corrosion, or any adverse reaction due to improper storage or use habits), improper
maintenance or failure to follow maintenance guidelines and/or instructions, failure to
operate the product in accordance with the owner's manual or any additional instructions
or information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent communications with
the original purchaser, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs made or attempted
by others. Also excluded from warranty coverage - except as provided below - are
the following: maintenance, adjustments, components subject to wear including but
not limited to: cosmetic components, belts, blades, blade adapters, bulbs, tires, filters,
guide bars, lubricants, seats, grips, recoil assy's, saw chains and bars, trimmer lines and
spools, spark plugs, starter ropers and tines, and discoloration resulting from ultraviolet
light. Any product missing the model and/or serial number identification label will be
disqualified from coverage under this warranty.
REPAIRS: Repairs have a 90 day warranty. If the defective product is still within the
Warranty Period, then the new warranty is 90 days from the date of repair or to the end of
the original Warranty Period, whichever period is longer.
DISCLAIMERS: THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE
EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR
WRITTEN (OTHER THAN AS STATED HEREIN), AND WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED
OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM PROVINCE TO PROVINCE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL SEARS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE
OR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. THE
EXCLUSIONS IN THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT APPLY IN JURISDICATIONS WHERE
APPLICABLE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW FOR THE EXCLUSION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS, THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL
NOT APPLY, BUT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT SHALL REMAIN
VALI D.
Sears retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the product or offer a full refund of
the purchase price at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES: In additional to complying with all suggested
maintenance guidelines and instructions, customers' obligations shall include but shall
not be limited to: operating the product in accordance with the owner's manual or any
additional instructions or information provided at the time of purchase or in subsequent
communications to the purchaser from time to time, exhibit reasonable care in the use,
operation, maintenance, general upkeep and storage of the product. Failure to comply
with these requirements will void any applicable warranty.
4
LISTOFAPPLICABLE WARRANTYPERIODS:Thefollowing listcontainsthe applicable
WarrantyPeriodfor your Craftsmanproduct and is based on a combination of the type
of product or component andthe intended andactual use ofthe product or component:
1. 90 DAYS: Craftsman products intended for use or actually used for commercial,
institutional,professionalor income-producing purposes
.
2 YEARS: Craftsman riding lawn mowers, yard and garden tractors, walk behind
mowers, tillers, brush cutters, snow blowers, handheld blowers, backpack blowers,
hedge trimmers and electrical products for noncommercial, nonprofessional, non-
institutional, or non-income-producing use, except for those components which are
part of engine systems manufactured by third party engine manufacturers for which
the purchase has received an separate warranty with product information supplied
at the time of purchase.
3. 1 YEAR: Craftsman power cutters, stump grinders, pole pruners, gas chain saws,
electric chain saws, trimmer attachments, baggers and pole saws for noncommercial,
nonprofessional, non-institutional, or non-income-producing use.
4. 90DAYS:AIIdefectivebatteries,whichwillbereplaced duringthis90-dayWarrantyPeriod.
.
60 DAYS: Additional Warranty Period of 60 days will apply to adjustments and worn
products or components BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE WEAR OR ADJUSTMENTS
for products used for commercial, institutional, professional or income-producing
purposes. Wear items include but are not limited to: belts, blades, tires, spark plugs,
air filters, chains, shear bolts, skid plates, scraper bars, drift cutters, ropes, tines,
collection bags and pulleys.
As the Warranty Period runs from the date of purchase and NOT from the date that a
product is delivered, opened, assembled or first used, plea se ensure during this time
period that your product or component has been assembled and tested for correction
operation regardless of when you intend to actually use it. Claims made after the
Warranty Period has expired will not be honored.
PROOF OF PURCHASE/DOCUMENTATION: Warranty coverage is conditioned upon
the original purchaser furnishing Sears Canada or its authorized third party service
provider if applicable, with the original sales receipt or other adequate written proof
of the original purchase date and identification of the product. In the event that the
original purchaser is unable to provide a company of the original sales receipt, Sears
Canada Inc. reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion what other written
proof of the original purchase date and identification of the product is acceptable.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1,14 Litres (Unleaded Regular)
Oil Capacity: 0,66 Litres
Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C/32°F) or SAE 10W-30
Spark Plug (Gap: 0,76 mm) NGK BPR6ES
Valve Clearance (_+ 0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm
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.
5
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 assembled at the factory with the exception of those
parts left unassembled for shipping 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, wash-
ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
Bolt
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
bracket
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and
check carton thoroughly for additional
loose parts.
NOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise lower handle section to operating
position and align hole in handle with
one of three height positioning holes.
2. Insert handle bolt through handle and
bracket and secure with knob.
3. Repeat for opposite side of handle. ;3 _.
4. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower ._
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
5. Remove any packing material from
around control bar. ,
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted '---_
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust- x-
ments section of this manual, i -_'
Operator
control bar
/
/
///
////
MOWING
POSITION
"\,!\\
TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold
them in warm water for a few minutes. If
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.
Frame
handle
/'-_,
Vinyl Frame
opening
ill
/I
Upper
handle
Handle
knob
Lower handle
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert mower
to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual.
6
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Com pare 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 C)FF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Drive control levers
Blade
Brake
control
Starter
handle
Grass
catcher
Wheel Adjuster
(on each
Engine oil cap
with diF
Muffler
Mulcher
I-hrottle / Engine control
Handle knobs
Gasoline filler cap
Fuel valve lever
Air filter
g
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
Spark plug
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine,
NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (El 0) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El 0) will void the product warranty.
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 Commission.
Operator presence control bar = must
be held down to the handle to start the
blade. Release to stop the blade.
Throttle/engine control - used for start-
ing & stopping the engine; and allows
you to select either FAST or SLOW engine
speed.
Starter handle = used for starting engine.
Blade/brake control - used to engage
the blade after the engine is started.
Drive control levers - used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of mower.
Muicher door = allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation.
7
Theoperation of any
SAFETYGLASSESlawn mower can result
in foreign objects thrown
into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye dam-
age. Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields while operating your lawn mower
or performing any adjustments or repairs.
We recommend a standard safety glasses
or wide vision safety mask worn over
spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN
MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
THROTTLE/ENGINE CONTROL
The engine is controlled by a throttle
control located on the side of the upper
handle. CHOKE position is for starting a
cold engine; FAST position is for starting
a warm engine, normal cutting, trimming
and better grass bagging; SLOW posi-
tion is for light cutting, trimming and fuel
economy, and STOP position is for stop-
ping the engine.
Allow a cold engine to warm up in high
idle position for one minute before engag-
ing the blade.
NOTE: It is normal to hear the belt slip as
the blade is engaged and comes up to
speed.
• Do not start the blade in uncut grass.
Move the mower out of uncut grass
before starting the blade.
_I_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
this blade/brake control to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of this control.
\ \
\\
\
\
\\
\\\
\\\\
Blade/brake
control lever
Operator
presence
control bar
FAST SLOW
IX
CHOKE_ ,''_\ _..
/ _ / _ I_"I'-iI s "
I .,_-_ !" i/t/ st.-
," ,,,, - -, STOP
\ ,,,, ,,
BLADE CONTROL
_I:;ILCAUTION: When the blade control is
engaged, the blade turns.
• To start the blade, push the blade/brake
control lever forward (1) and hold the
operator presence control bar down
to the handle (2). To stop the blade,
release the operator presence control
bar.
'\\\i
\\
\\x
TO ENGAGE BLADE
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by pulling
either drive control lever rearward to the
handle. The further toward the handle
a lever is pulled, the faster the unit will
travel.
• To stop forward motion without stop-
ping blade, release a drive control lever.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control
the mower will not roll backwards, push
the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.
Operator presence control bar
rive
control levers
TO ENGAGE
DRIVE CONTROL
8
DRIVE CONTROL
DISENGAGED
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There is aturnbuckle on the drive
control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark
plug wire from spark plug.
2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to
increase drive speed.
3. Operate mower to test drive speed.
Readjust as required.
4. If condition fails to improve after the
above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and
should be replaced.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-
ging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks
onto the grass bag brackets.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
bag
bracket Grass
catcher
handle
Grass Full bac
catcher indicator
frame hook window
Adjustment
turnbuckle
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, pull up on
adjuster lever, move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements and release
adjuster lever. Be sure all wheels are in
the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned
when lever inserts into hole in plate.
LEVER BACKWARD TO
LOWER MOWER
LEVER
FORWARD
TO RAISE MOWER
Lever
/
Plate
NOTE: Rear door will remain open until
operator presence control bar is held
down to the handle.
AOAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to
close. Serious damage to your mower
could result.
9
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed and locked.
Unlock
latch
Open
mulcher door
Discharge
deflector
\
SIMPLE STEPS TO
REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
_ Discharge deflector installed
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow-
er without rear door closed or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear door
removed or propped open.
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
Empty the grass catcher when clippings
are visible in the full bag indicator window.
1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
\
MOWER IS NOW READY
FOR DISCHARGING
OPERATION
Bag
handle
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.
_IbCAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick from oil fill
spout.
3. You recieve a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
4. Insert and tighten oil fill cap/dipstick.
10
Upper Lowe
mark mark
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 OIE' in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean,
regular unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with
gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities
that can be used within 30 days to as-
sure fuel freshness.
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fue!. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or meth-
anol) 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 fue! 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 START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the prod-
uct and should be considered normal.
1. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON posi-
tion.
2. To start a cold engine, move handle
mounted throttle/choke control lever to
CHOKE position.
3. To start engine, pull starter handle
quickly. Do not allow starter rope to
snap back.
4. Slowly move throttle control lever to
FAST position after engine starts.
• To start a warm engine, move throttle
control lever to FAST position, then fol-
low steps above.
NOTE: Allow a cold engine to warm up
for one minute before starting the blade.
See "BLADE CONTROl" in this section of
this manual.
ON
%
TO STOP ENGINE
* To stop engine, move throttle control
lever to STOP position. Wait until blade
and all moving parts have stopped and
turn fue! valve to OFF position if you do
not intend to restart the engine soon.
Fuel valve lever
11
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