Craftsman 917.370927 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRRFT MRN°

TARY LAW

OWE

725 Series Briggs & Stratton

Power-Propelled

22" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.370927

Engine

• Espahol, p. 21

CAUTION'.

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears Brands Management Corp., Hoffman Estates, IL 601 79 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.craftsman.com

Warranty .................................................... 2

Safety Rules ........................................... 2-4

Product Specifications .............................. 2

Assembly / Pre-Operation ...................... 6-7

Operation ............................................. 8-12

Maintenance Schedule ........................... 13

Maintenance ....................................... 13-16

Service and Adjustments ................... 17-18

Storage ............................................... 18-19

Troubleshooting ................................. 19-20

Repair Parts ........................................ 40-49

Sears Service ........................... Back Cover

CRAFTSMAN 2=YEAR FULL WARRANTY

For TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, this product is warranted against any

defects in material or workmanship. Defective product will receive free repair or

replacement if repair is unavailable. For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web page:

www.craftsman.com/warranty This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship.

Warranty coverage does NOT include:

• Expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period, such as blades, blade adapters, belts, filters or spark plugs.

• Product damage resulting from user attempts at product modification or repair or caused by product accessories.

• Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain this product according to all supplied instructions.

• Preventative maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture, contaminated or stale fuel.

This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or

if rented to another person.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 18 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .020") Champion RJ2YXLE (or 33459 for MRS)

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.

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. _kLook for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A WARNING: In order to prevent acci- dental starting when setting up, transport-

ing, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire

where it cannot come in contact with plug.

_l, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely _dfb,_, hot during operation and

remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid

severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

AI:I,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

_I,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.

&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 re-

quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor-

nia 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 RE-

PAIR PARTS section of this manual).

. CHILDREN

WARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR

KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. Carefully read and follow all of the safety instructions below.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recom-

mends that children be aminimum of 12year

of age before operating a pedestrian con- trolled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years

of age before operating a riding lawn mower. Tragic accidents can occur ifthe operator is

not aterttothe presence ofchildren. 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 mowing area and under the watchful care of a re-

sponsible adult other than the operator.

• 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.

II. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions 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 dis-

charge 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. Stay behind the handle when the

engine (motor) is running.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate machine barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear with good ankle support while mowing.

• 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 opera-

tor. Stop 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 proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

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

• Never leave a running machine unat- tended.

• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing

the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute.

• 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 drive system, if so equipped, before starting the engine

(motor).

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

and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

• Always wear eye protection when oper- ating machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

• When loading or unloading this ma- chine, do not exceed the maximum

recommended operation angle of 15°.

• Wear proper Personal Protective Equip- ment (PPE) while operating this ma-

chine, including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. Do not mow in shorts or

open toed footwear.

Always let someone know you are outside

mowing.

ill. 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, bumps or hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can

hide obstacles.

DO NO_

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.

• Do not mow on wet grass or exces- sively steep slopes. Poor footing could

cause a slip and fall accident.

iV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

To avoid personal injury or property dam- age, use extreme care in handling gaso-

line. 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 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 fue! is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

V.oGENERAL SERVICE

Never run 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 acciden-

tal starting.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Never do anything to interfere with the

intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spill-

age. Allow machineto cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

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 components 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 set-

ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. Your new Craftsman® product is

designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod-

ucts, it may require repair from time to

time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement now and protect yourself from unexpected hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists.

• Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs.

• Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 25% from regular price of service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 25% off regular price of preventive mainte-

nance check.

• Fast help by phone- phone sup- port from a Sears representative on

products requiring in-home repair, plus convenient repair scheduling.

Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you

to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online.

Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5 mil-

lion quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to

help prolong the life of your new purchase

for years to come. Purchase your Repair

Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information

call 1=800=827=6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional instaflation of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in

the U.S.A. call 1=800=4=MY-HOME®.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and service

centers. SOME OFTHESE ACCESSORIES MAY NOTAPPLYTO YOUR LAWN MOWER.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

__]]_GAS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

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

semble 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 unassembled for shipping

purposes. To ensure safe and proper op-

eration 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.

TO REMOVE LAWN 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 check carton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

NOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise lower handle section to operat- ing position and align holes in lower

handle with holes in handle brackets.

2. Insert handle bolts through lower handles and handle brackets; secure

with lower ("standard") knobs.

3. Remove protective padding, raise up- per handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both upper ("star") knobs.

4. 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-

ments section of this manual.

Operator MOWING

F POSITION

control bar

//// ) /

LIFT UP

////

Upper

handle

Lower handle

Lower handle knob

("standard")

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

INSTALL STARTER ROPE (MODELS EQUIPPED WITH ]'-KNOB)

1. Loosen T-knob.

2. Hold control bar against upper handle.

3. Slowly pull engine starter rope out until rope will slip into loop of rope guide.

4. Tighten T-knob.

Control bar

)er handle

Vinyl

binding

Frame

opening

Rope guide T-Knob

rop_

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.

KNOW YOURLAWN MOWER READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDALLSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWNMOWER.Comparethe illustrationswithyourlawnmowertofamiliarizeyourselfwith

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.

FASTSLOWoROAUT'ONwARN,NOCHOKEENG,NEoNOFFFUELO,L

_ DANGER, KEEP

READ OWNER'S MANUAL BEWARE OF THROWN OBJECTS KEEP BYSTANDERS AWAY FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Drive control levers

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Single point height adjuster

handle

Handle knobs

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Spark plug

HANDS AND

Muffler

Gasoline filler ca

Air filter

Mulcher

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is

shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. NOTE: Gasoline containing up to Housing

10% ethanol (El 0) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) 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.

A&WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar = must Starter handle = used for starting engine.

be held down to the handle to start the Mulcher door = allows conversion to

engine. Release to stop the engine, discharging or bagging operation. Single point height adjuster- used to Drive control levers - used to engage

adjust cutting height of lawn mower. 8 power-propelled forward motion of mower.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects Use ear thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage, protec-

Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tots to

lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recom- a v o i d

mend standard safety glasses or awide vision safety mask over spectacles, damage to hearing.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

Engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. It is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt 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.

DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pulling either drive control lever rearward to the handle.

The further toward the handle a lever is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or

a drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release a drive control lever

only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage

drive wheels.

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a turnbuckle 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.

Adjustment turnbuckle

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

All four wheels are adjusted by a single

lever.

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

desired position. To lower mower, move

the lever toward the rear.

Height

adjuster lever

Operator presence control bar

TO ENGAGE

DRIVE CONTROL

prlve

control levers

DISENGAGED

LEVER BACKWARD

TO LOWER

MOWER

LEVER FORWARD

TO RAISE

MOWER

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.

door

Grass bag

///'

,/\\ 9

catcher indicator

frame hook window

bracket

"_. catcher

\\. handle

Full bac

Grass

Open

mulcher door I

Discharge

deflector

NOTE: Rear door will remain open until

operator presence control bar is held down to the handle.

&CAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to close, Serious damage to your mower

could result.

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.

MOWER IS NOW READY FOR DISCHARGING

OPERATION

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,

_lb 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.

Grass

catcher

frame

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

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the

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

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.

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.

& CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A 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.

Engine

oil cap

Gasoline 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 prod- uct and should be considered normal.

NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.

• To start engine, hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and

pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

MOWING TiPS

_I, CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower and could void your warranty.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise

the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to

reduce 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 cutting conditions, the engine speed

should be set in the FAST position.

• For side discharge operation, cut in a counterclockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut, in

order to spread grass clippings more evenly and to put less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of walk-

ways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

,1[

MULCHING MOWING TiPS

iMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and

reduce them in size so that as they fall

onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade

quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine

(blade) speed as this will provide the

best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and

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 of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

(

. .)

• Ifa trail of grass clipping is left on the right side of the lawn mower during rear

discharge operation, mow in a clock- wise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• 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 clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

i MAX 1/3

• 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.

MAINTENANCE BEFOREAFTEREVERY

EACH EACH 10

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS

Check for Loose Fasteners if

_ lean /Inspect Grass Catcher * If

Check Tires I/'

_ Check Drive Wheels 1t_

Clean Lawn Mower ....

M Clean under Drive Cover ***

O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***

W Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

_ Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery **

-- Check Engine Oil level I_ Change Engine Oil

N Clean Air Filter

_ Inspect Muffler

N Replace Spark Plug I1=Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Electric-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures. 2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions. 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil. 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season. 5 - And after each 5 hours of use.

i,/

EVERY EVERY

25HOURS 100 STORAGE

OR SEASON HOURS

BEFORE

i/ i,/ t/

_,2

14 i/

t/ 14

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 well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

(_) Engine oil

Mulcher

door hinge

(_ 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 dirt that will shorten the life

of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry,

powdered graphitetype lubricant sparingly.

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 rear drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely.

The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area

and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be sure to clean both rear wheels.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged

blade. A CAUTION: Use only a replacement

blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved

by the manufacturer of your mower is

hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower 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 and attaching hardware

(bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).

6. Remove debris shield.

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check

the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key

must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in

adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned; and that the drive belt is

inside the tab of the belt retainer.

2. Install debris shield.

3. Position blade on the blade adapter. IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly,

center hole in blade must align with star on blade adapter.

4. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

5. Install the blade bolt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

6. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

z z_1

Belt

adapter

shield edge

washer

Lockwasher

Blade bolt

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is

balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause

eventual damage to lawn mower 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, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone

balancer. (When using a cone balanc- er, follow the instructions supplied with balancer.)

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may

appear to be centered, but are not.

• Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the

bolt or pin parallel with the ground. 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.

Center hole

5/8" bolt or pin

Blade

Crank-

keyway

shaft

Trailing

GRASS CATCHER

• 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 it will wear. Ifcatcher needs replacing, replace only with approved

replacement catcher shown in the Re- pair Parts section of this manual. Give

the lawn mower model number when ordering.

G EAR CAS E

• To keep your drive system work- ing properly, the gear case and area

around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under

the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time

the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.

ENGINE LUBRiCATiON

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API service classification SG-SL Selectthe oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your

expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

c -_0 -2; -1; ; 10 _0 _0 4;

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will

result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°R Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible

engine damage from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of op-

eration orat least once a year if the 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 en- gine 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.

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.

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

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check

the oil level with the dipstick.

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

minute to allow oil to settle.

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 spark 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.

Lip

J/ j/ /

Cart_

L,over tab

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 SPECIFICA-

TIONS" section of this manual.

Back plate

Slot

Cover

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.

• With the exception of the water washout port (if equipped), we do not recom- mend using a garden hose to clean the outside of your lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and

carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in short- ened engine life.

WATER WASHOUT FEATURE Your lawn mower is equipped with a fitting

that allows quick and easy cleaning of the underside of the housing. To use this feature, proceed as follows:

1. Move lawn mower to an area of cut grass or another hard surface.

NOTE: Water, grass and other debris will drain from beneath the mower housing

during the washout process.

2. Remove grass catcher and discharge chute assembly from lawn mower.

3. Close mulcher door (if equipped).

4. Connect a garden hose to the fitting where shown.

IMPORTANT: Be sure the garden hose is not routed under the lawn mower housing or entangled in the wheels.

5. Turn on water supply and check for leaks at the fitting.

If no leaks are present, start engine (as described in the Operation section of

this manual) and let engine run until the

underside of the lawn mower is clean.

A WARNING: Do not engage the drive

system during the washout process.

6. Shut off the engine.

7. Shut off water supply and remove hose from fitting.

CAUTION: Do not remove hose from

fitting while engine is running. Water in

engine can result in shortened engine life.

8. Start engine (as described in the Op- eration section of this manual) and let engine run for a full minute to remove

excess water from mower.

Hose

Fitting

CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Clean under drive cover at least twice a

season. Scrape underside of cover with putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of

drive cover.

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