Craftsman 917.377120 User Manual [en, es]

Owner’s Manual

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

875 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine Power-Propelled Electric Start 21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.377120

Espanoi, p. 22

CAUTION:

Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

ÍABLE OF CGNTÉNTS

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

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

Product Specifications................................4

Assembly / Pre-Operation Operation

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

..............................................

.......................

6-7

8-12

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

Service and Adjustments

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

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

Repair Parts

Sears Service

........................................

............................

....................

Back Cover

WARRANTY

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.

16-18

40-52

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

SAFETY RULES

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.

ALook 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 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. AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State ofCalifornia to cause cancerand birth defects or other reproductive harm.

AWARNING: 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. 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. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow ail 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.

• Onlyallow responsible individuals, familiar

withtheinstructions,tooperatethemachine.

• 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 ab

solutely necessary. Always look down and

behind before and while movingbackwards.

» 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 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 / 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 gogglesorsafety glass

es with side shields when operating mower.

If. 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. 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 mower.

• 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 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 fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing 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. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from 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 otherdebris build-up. Clean oilorfuel spill age. 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).

liiîiliaiiii*

Serial Number: Date of Purchase: Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32T); SAE 5W-30 (below 32T) Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC (Gap: .030") Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs.

• 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.

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 tod ay I 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

ASSEWIBLY /PRE-OPERATION

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 assem

bled 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 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 lawn 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.

HOW 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 hole in handle

with one of the height positioning holes

in handle bracket.

2. Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and secure with knob.

3. Repeat for opposite side of handle.

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 ments section of this manual.

Knob

Handle bracket

TO PREPARE BATTERY NOTE: Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower.

Bolt 1. Connect battery charger connector

(male) to harness connector (female).

2. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.

outlet.

3. Leave battery charger connected for

24 hours before starting your engine for the first time.

4. After charging, disconnect harness connector (female) from battery char

ger connector (male). Connect your battery charger to charge battery after each use. IMPORTANT: The engine will not re charge your battery.

At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to protect the battery during winter storage.

AcAUTION: Always disconnect the

engine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental

starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

Battery charger

Charger

Harness connector connector (male) (female)

Engine connector (male)

Battery

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.

OPÉRATION

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.

A © Ô ^

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE

OR WARNING ON OFF

FAST SLOW CHOKE DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

Key start switch

Auxiliary starter handle

Grass catcher

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

Operator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Primer

Muffler

Dual point

height

adjuster

lever

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine

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. The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar - must

be held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine. Primer- pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

starting a cold engine.

Drive control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Key start switch - used for starting the engine.

Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation. Auxiliary starter handle - used for start

ing the engine.

Dual point height adjuster - used to

8 adjust cutting height of lawn mower.

Spark plug

Housing

The operation of any lawn mower 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

AcAUTION: 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 hold

ing the operator presence control bar down to the handle and pulling the drive control lever rearward to the handle. The farther toward the handle the lever

is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine,

release only the drive control lever. 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 roil backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.

Operator presence control bar Drive control

lever

ENGAGE

DRIVE

CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may

become “loose”, resulting in decreased

DRIVE

CONTROL

DISENGAGED

speed. There is a turnbuckle on the underside of the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable. Pro ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Turn nut on underside of 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

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

Both front wheels are adjusted by a single lever on the left front wheel. Likewise, both rear wheels are adjusted by a single lever on the left rear wheel.

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

desired position. To lower mower, move the lever backward to desired position.

Be sure to adjust both front and rear wheels

to the same height. Height adjuster lever

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 rear bagging or side discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Remove knob securing mulcher door to lawn mower housing.

• Open mulcher door and insert tabs

of discharge chute into hinge bracket opening and position rear of chute over

9 threaded stud.

• Secure rear of discharge chute to lawn mower housing with knob.

• Place rear handle of grass catcher on

the crossbar of the lawn mower's lower

handle as shown.

• Lift the round door of the discharge

chute and place the grass catcher into

place on the discharge chute. NOTE: Be sure round door of discharge chute rests on grass catcher as shown.

• Mower is now ready for rear bagging

operation.

• To convert to mulching operation,

remove grass catcher and discharge

chute. Secure mulcher door to mower

housing with knob.

• To convert to side discharging opera

tion, remove grass catcher and dis

charge chute. Install side discharge

deflector and secure it to lawn mower

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Grass catcher and discharge chute must be removed.

• Open mulcher door and install front of

side discharge deflector beneath door

and position rear over threaded stud.

• Secure rear of side discharge deflector

to lawn mower housing with knob.

• Mower is now ready for side discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching operation, side

discharge deflector must be removed

and mulcher door secured to mower housing with knob.

• To convert to rear bagging opera

tion, side discharge deflector must be

removed; discharge chute and grass catcher installed and discharge chute

secured to mower housing with knob.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN

CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Grass catcher, discharge chute and

side discharge deflector removed.

2. Mulcher door secured to mower hous ing with knob.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Side discharge deflector removed.

2. Grass catcher and discharge chute installed with discharge chute secured

to lawn mower housing with knob.

3. Round door of discharge chute resting on top of grass catcher.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Grass catcher and discharge chute

removed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed and secured to mower housing with knob.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher door closed; side dis

charge deflector installed, or discharge chute and approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with mulcher door or round door removed or propped open.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Open round door of discharge chute to move starter rope out and away from grass catcher.

Round

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from lawn mower using both front and rear handles.

3. Empty clippings from grass catcher using both rear handle and strap. The weight of the grass will open the door.

4. Snap door shut over frame before installing grass catcher on mower.

NOTE: Do not drag the grass catcher when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Strap

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 minimum of 87

octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur

chase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. A 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 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.

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

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.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer

three (3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

2. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and turn the start key.

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continous seconds between each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds

between each attempt.

• To start engine using the rope starter, follow the steps above. Exchange the

use of the starter rope for start key. Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow

starter rope to snap back.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces sary to repeat priming steps. In warmer

weather over priming may cause flooding

and engine wiil not start. If you do flood engine wait a few minutes before at

tempting to start and do not repeat priming

steps.

MOWING TIPS

A 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 clip

pings. It may also be necessary to re

duce 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 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.

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 resuits, 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 wiil 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 yourwidth of cut by overlap

ping previously cut path and mow slowly.

Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may require that an area be mulched a sec ond time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second 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

SCHEDULE

Check for Loose Fasteners

Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires

Check Drive Wheels

Clean Lawn Mower **** Clean under Drive Cover ***

M O

Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***

Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level

Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

Replace Spark Plug

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

BEFORE

EACH

USE

AFTER

EACH

USE

EVERY

HOURS

EVERY

25 HOURS

OR SEASON

EVERY

100

HOURS

BEFORE

STORAGE

✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

✓ ✓

✓

1^5

^,2

✓

✓ 1/2

✓

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.

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

0 Spray lubricant 0 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

mustbelubricated, useonlyadry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

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 you

mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the drive wheel and dust cover area and must

be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

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).

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

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

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft,

4. 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. lbs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts

section of this manual.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade

is balanced. Care should be taken to keep

the blade balanced. 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, drive a nail into

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail. 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.

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

LUBRICATIOM 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

■ I I I I I I t

C -30

_______

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30

etc.) improve starting in cold weather, and you should check your engine oil level fre quently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of opera tion or at least once a year if the lawn mower

is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level.

-20 -10

SO 32 40

______0______10______20______

30 40

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 using a dirty air filter. Replace paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty condi tions.

1. Loosen screws and remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

ACAUTION: 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.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on 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.

mower or side of engine. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle. 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 muf fler on startup. 15

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 SPECIFIC

ATIONS” 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.

AcAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come in contact with plug.

• Ciean 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 donot recommend usingagarden hose

to ciean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water

in engine can result in shortened 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 under

side 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.

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.

SERVIGE AND ADJUSTMENTS

A WARNING: To avoid serious injury, before performing any service and adjustments:

1. Release control bar and stop engine.

2. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See “TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT” in

the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to

minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mowing position. If deflector

becomes damaged, it should be replaced.

TO REMOVE DRIVE BELT

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Remove screws retaining drive cover and remove drive cover from lawn mower housing (See Figure A).

Remove drive cable from anchor, then detach it and return spring from idler arm assembly (See Fig. B).

Drive cable Housing

anchor hole/

7. 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.

8. Remove blade bolt.

9. Remove blade, attaching hardware

(bolt, lock washer and hardened wash er), blade adapter and debris shield as

one assembly.

10. Remove drive belt from blade adapter

and debris shield; discard old belt.

TO REPLACE DRIVE BELT

1. Place new drive belt in the belt retainer

of the debris shield. Be sure to route

belt between belt keepers and through

slot (See Figure D).

Belt retainer

Belt keepers

Drive belt

Tab

■ Idler arm Drive pulley

Drive belt

Return

spring

assembly

PIVOT

Figure

4. Pivot idler arm assembly to slacken drive belt, then remove drive belt from drive pulley, belt keepers and idler arm.

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

6. Remove screw securing debris shield. Note that the debris shield has a tab which fits into a gap in the housing (See Figure C).

Crankshaft

Housing

hole '

Screw Trailing edge •

Lock-washer

Blade

adapter

(pulley

Figure C

end)

Figure D

Route the other end of the new drive belt through hole in housing.

Reattach debris shield to housing with screw previously removed. Be sure tab of debris shield is in gap of housing.

Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op

posite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine (See Figure C).

6. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

7. 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. lbs. IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts

section of this manual.

8. Return mower to upright position.

Debris

shield

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