Craftsman 917.374350 User Manual

Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN°
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
700 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled
22" Multi-Cut
Model No.
917.374350
CAUTION'.
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates,
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
IL 60179
U.S.A.
Warranty ................................................... 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 6
Operation ............................................. 7-11
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 12
Maintenance ...................................... 12-15
Service and Adjustments ................... 16-17
Storage .............................................. 17-18
Troubleshooting ................................. 18-19
Repair Parts ....................................... 38-47
Sears Service .......................... Back Cover
2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower fails due to manufacturer defects in material or
workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, return it to any Sears store,
Parts & Repair Center or other Craftsman outlet for free repair (or replacement if repair proves impossible).
This warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase if this Lawn Mower is ever used for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty does not cover:
Expendable items that become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent
crackshafts and the failure to assemble, operate or maintain this Lawn Mower according to all supplied product instructions.
This warranty applies only while this product is used 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, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
_i,Look for this symbol to point out impor- tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_I, WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in contact
with plug. &WARNING" Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components 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.
_i, 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.
2
I. 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 oper- ate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks,
toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving
backwards.
Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material
may richochet back toward the opera- tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel
surfaces.
Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.
See manufacturer's instructions for
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.
Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until
the blade comes to complete stop before removing grass catcher.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
Disengage the self-propelled mech-
anism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.
If the equipment should start to vibrate
abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.
. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operating mower.
Ii. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fa!l accidents which can result in severe in-
jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot- ing could cause slipping.
Iii. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children 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 the ma- chine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fue! contain- er where there is an open flame, spark
or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.
3
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 fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
Never run a machine inside a closed area.
Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.
Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine 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.
&WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears
Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
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: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ19HX
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.
The model and serial numbers wil! 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.
4
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 10% from regular price of service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10%
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
million 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 installation 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 of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING
DEFLECTORS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
CANS
GAS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
AIR FILTERS
SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
5
WHEELS
ENGINE OIL
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, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
1. Remove loose parts includedwith 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 MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
iMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle sec- tion locks into place in mowing posi-
tion.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up- per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Handle bracket
Knob ,-_
Bolt
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.
Operator MOWING
I: POSITION
control bar
UP handle
////
/ //
///
Upper
Handle
knob
Lower handle
><-
Vinyl Frame
bindings opening
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. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Drive control levers
Starter
Grass
Gasoline filler ca
Air filter
Mulcher
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
Handle knobs
Engine oil cap with dipstick
_/
Spark plug
Muffler
"Housing
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
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 Com-
mission. _I,WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar - must Mulcher door - allows conversion to
be held down to the handle to start the discharging or bagging operation.
engine. Release to stop the engine. Drive control levers - used to engage Starter handle - used for starting engine, power-propelled forward motion of mower.
7
The operation of any lawn
SAFETVG'ASSESmower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while oper- ating your lawn mower or performing any
adjustments or repairs. We recommend a standard safety glasses orwide vision safety
mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED Engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_I,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 pres-
ence 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.
. To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on the handle to lift the front wheels off the
ground while turning lawn mower.
Operator presence control bar
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
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 4 i
TO LOWER MOWER
Plate
TO ENGAGE
DRIVE CONTROL
Drive control levers
DRIVE CONTROL
DISENGAGED
LEVER FORWARD
8 TO RAISE MOWER
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
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
bag
bracket Grass
catcher
handle
Full bac catcher indicator frame hook window
NOTE: Rear door will remain open until
operator presence control bar is held down to the handle. ,ACAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to
close. Serious damage to your mower could result.
I \
Unlock latch
Open
mulcher door
Discharge
deflector
\
\
I
I
/
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.
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.
2. Discharge deflector installed.
ACAUTION: 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.
9
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. _, 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 oi! 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.
Engine
oil cap
Gasoline filler cap
ADD GASOLINE
. Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.
Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
Bess. A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
i, CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the product
and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine 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.
10
MOWING TIPS
A CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, wil! 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 cut- ting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the FAST position.
Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers wil! 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.
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 recut-
ting action of the blades.
Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it
will be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
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.
11
MAINTENANCE BEFORE AFTER EVERY
EAC H EACH 10
SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS
Check for Loose Fasteners t_
,_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * I/
Check Tires _1_
_ Check Drive Wheels ***
Clean Lawn Mower****
M Clean under Drive Cover ***
O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
W Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
_ ubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level
E 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.
14
i/
i/
EVERY EVERY
25 HOURS 100 BEFORE
OR SEASON HOURS
STO RAGE
t/ t/
I/
i/ i/3
i/ i/
1_,2
14
14 I/
I/ 14
I/
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive ful! value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments wil! 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 thatwill shorten the life of
the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they
must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
12
pin
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 haz- ardous, 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 blade adapter on engine crank- shaft. Be sure key in adapter and crank-
shaft keyway are aligned; and that drive belt is inside tabs of 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 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.
Trailing edge
Blade adapter
Hardened
Debris shield washer
Lockwasher
Blade Blade bolt
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure blade is bal-
anced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to 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, ora cone bal-
ancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow 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
13
Blade
Belt
retainer
GRASS CATCHER
The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.
Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal
use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.
GEAR CASE
To keep your drive system working 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.
If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
750369. Do not substitute.
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SG-SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100 C -30 -20 -10 0 110 20 30 40
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°F. 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 engine until fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
.
Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.
3.
Tip lawn mower on its side as shown
and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to re-
move any oil trapped inside of engine.
Container
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, which-
ever 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.
14
Lip
Cartridge
Cover tab
Back plate
Slot
Cover
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Spark plug type and gap setting are shown
in the "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-grass and
trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use.
,_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass
and trash.
Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter and 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.
ll 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.
15
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