Craftsman 917377291 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
®
6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377291
- Safety
• Assembly
o Operation
,, Maintenance
, Espa5oi
Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
For answers to your
questions about this product:
Call 7 am-,-7 pm, Mon--Sat;
Sun, 10 am--7 pm
1-800-235-5878
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting t6
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 33
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
LIMITED "TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, b}ade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con..
tained in the owner's manual.
Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest
sears service center/department in the united states. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the united states.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/8!7 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
• Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
propedyo Learn how to quickly stop
mower.
• Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of aH
persons, especially small children and
pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this manual.
• Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner:
Always have damage repaired before
using your mower,
° Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer` Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
, The blade turns when the engine is
running,
PREPARATION:
° Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects will be thrown by the blade
and can cause severe injury.
• Always wear safety g_asses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower..
• Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals_
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing_
° Check fuei tank before starting engine_
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engineisrunningorwhentile engineis
hot.Allowthe enginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
, Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempttodo this while the engine is
running.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area being cut Do not let other
interests distract you.
. Do not mow wet or slippery grass_ Never
run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under
rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
• Always stop the engine whenever you
leave or are not using your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.
• Never direct discharge of material toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near tile
mower while you are operating it,
° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped. Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• De not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and pperating you
mower.
• Do. not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine_ Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
o Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally.. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required,
• Do not mn the engine indoors, Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
- Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your fooling. Do not mow exces-
sively steep slopes_ Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain
or when changing directions .-- maintain
good footing.
• Never operate your mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety devices in place.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
• Check the blade and the engine mount-
ing bolts often to be sure they are
tightened properly.
• Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
° Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deteriora...
tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower.
• Always keep a sharp blade on your
mowen
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, spac e heater,
clothes dryer, etc,
CAUTION: Always disconnecl_ spark plug
wire and plac e wire where it cannot contaci
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or malting repairs.
WARNING: The engine exhaust from this
product contains chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer , birth
defects, or other reproductive harm.
Theseaccessorieswereavailable when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available
at most Sears retail outlets and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for
you, when you provide the model number of your fawn mower: Some of these accessories may
not apply to your lawn mower:
,LAWN MOWER PE,RFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MULCHER KITS
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
mSTASIJZER
FOR
GAS CANS
MUFFLERS
BLADE AOAP,'T',ERs ,
BELTS ,[ BLADES
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.
Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your unit is equipped with such controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the function of the
operator presence controls under any
circumstances.
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower. Your new
lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes, All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag. Tb ensure
............A!R,,FILTERS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
safe and proper operation of your lawn
mower, all parts and hardware you as-
semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
O
Remove loose parts included with mower,
Cut down two end cornei's of carton and
lay end panel down flat.
Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.
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 handles carefully
so as not to pinch or damage control
cables.
° Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower
handles and tighten both handle knobs.
° Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
• Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort° Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and
Adjustment section o[ this manual,
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher, To convert to bagging
or discharging:
, Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug, Store muicher plug in a safe place.
• You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector,
• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulchar plug L_"_
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
Lower
handle
Mowing
position
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself wilh the location
of various co_t_'ols and a.djustments, save this manual for future reference,
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
producL Learn and understand their meaning.,
CAUTtON ENGINE 8NG_NE t:AST SLOW CHOKE
OR WARNING ON OFF
FUEL OIL 0ANGER, KEEP HANDS
Engine zone control cabl_ Operator presence control bar
Drive control lever
Starter handle ._
Grass
Engine oil cap
witl_ dipstick
Mulcher plug
AND FEET AWAY
Ddve cover
Gasoline filler cap
Engine speed control
Primer
Lawn mower housing
Wheel adjuster
,,11 ¸ i i
(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 Commission. The blade
tums 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
calburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine.
Sarter Handle - used for starting the engine.
Drive Control Lever-- used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower
Engine Speed Control - located on the
side of the engine which allows you to
select either fast or slow engine speed.
Mutcher Plug - located at the discharge
opentng must be removed when convert-
ing to bagging or discharging operation.
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operating
your lawn mower or performing any adjust-
ments or repairs We recommend a wide
vision safety mask ever the spectacles er
standard safety glasses_
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The engine speed is controlled by a lever
located on the side of the engine. Fast position
is for starting the engine, normal cutting, and
better grass bagging° Slow position is tor light
cutting, trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require an
engine control to be installed en 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 tums when the engine is
running..
= Your lawn mower is equipped with an
Ol_erator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower..
Engine speed control lever
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
o Close the flip lid, Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
• Lift the rear door en the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs en the rear door hinge bracket.
• The grass catcher is secured to the lav_n
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame. :
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped
Hinge
bracket
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.
Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass catcher
Primer
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel Move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels
are in the same setting
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
Lower Wheels for High Cut P_
Raise Wheels ._-_.._ _ Lever
forLowCu,
DRIVE CONTROL
• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drive control lever
forward until it clicks; then release the drive
control lever,
• Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released. Te stop
forward motion without stepping engine,
release the operator presence control bar
slightly until the drive control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
. To keep drive control engaged when turning
corners, push down on handle and lift front
wheels off ground while turning lawn
mower.
Operatorpresence Drive
controlbar"___._.4_:_,\_,...-. #ontrol
\% " \% Drivecontrol
.. = o olsengagea
anve centre
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in tile
engine°
• Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean,
, Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the fuli line on the dipstick,.
" Use 27 ozs, of oil. For type and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
° Pour oil slowly. Do not overfill.
. Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
, To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each timer
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
Change the oil after every 25 llours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more o_ten under dusty,
dirty conditions.
GAS
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline w_h 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 freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasoholor using
ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage
the fue! system of an engine while in storage.
To avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before storage of 30 days
or longer. Diain the fuel tank, start {he engine
and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty° Use flesh fuel next season. See
Storage Instruclions for additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in fuel tank or permanent damage
may occur.
TO START ENGINE
,, To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
times before trying to start. Use a fin-n push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starling an engine which has already run for
a few minutes.
° Push engine speed control lever to fast
position.
• Hold operator presence contro_ bar down to
the handle and pu{l starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar°
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces-
sary to repeat priming steps, In warmer
weather' over priming may cause flooding and
engine wilt not start. If you do flood engine,
wait a few minutes before attempting to start
and do not repeat priming steps.
Gasoline Engine oil cap
_ler cap w/dipstick
MOWING TIPS
• 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 dumps of grass clippings.
, For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn
mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster
setting higher than the front for better
discharge of grass,
, For better grass bagging and most cutting
conditions, the engine speed should be set
in the fast position.
• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce
ground speed (,pushing speed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time,
• If a trail of grass clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
in a clockwise direction with a small overlap
to collect the clippings on the next pass.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will
help engine air flow and extend engine tife:
o Pores in cloth grass catchers can become
filled with dirt and dust wih use and
catchers will collect less grass_ To prevent
this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and let dry before using.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER
HOUSING after each use. See "Cleaning" in
CUS'fOMER RESPONSIBILITIES section of
this manual
• 'The special mulching blade will recur 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 wii!
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 and the newly cut
area will not be exposed to the d_rect sun.
• 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 mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and
raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.
• 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 second cut, mow
across or 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.
MAX 1/3
,, i _ V#
Replace A_rFiller Paper Cadridge _ 2
1 ,. Chango mot0 orion when opo_flng u_dot _ hoary load ot in Mgh _mb_on_ lampen!lures
2 .', 8ew_e more ofl_n when opos_l]ng _n <_t,dyo_ dully conditions
3. R_p!_rco blades more o_t_n when mowing in _._r,dy _o1{
4 - Charge 48 hoursa_end of _e_sor_
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this Iawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence.To receive full
value from the warranty, operator must maintain
mower as instructed in this manual.
Some a_ustments will need to be made
periodically to propedy maintain your uniL
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season.
• Once ayear, replace the spark plug, replace
air filter element and check blade for wear, A
new spark plug and clean/new air _ter
element assures proper air-fuel mixture and
helps your engine run better and last longer.
° Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual°
BEFORE EACH USE
. Check engine oil teveL
• Check for loose fasteners°
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LIJBRICATION
CHART"),
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel
adjusters...
Engine oil
(T_ Rear
door (_ Handle bracket
hinge mounting pin
!_) SPRAY LUBRICANT
i_ SAE 30 MOTOR OIL REFER'irO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SEC'I'ION.
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 feet they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
10
PRODUCT SPECmFmCATJONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.37729I
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 6,5
DISPLACEMENT: 12_56 CU, IN,
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 270ZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19L
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: _004 - .008
EXHAUST_ _004 - .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN,
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS,
The model and serial numbers wilt be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing Record both serial number and date of purchase in space
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing
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 ether hazards that may cause
tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept
sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE
o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in
contact with spark plugo
• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up.
o Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt,
o Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth_
, Remove blade bolt by turning counter--
clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end
wrench,
• Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened washer),
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.
Blade Crank shaft
Blade
Bolt Crank
Lockwasher Hardened Blade shaft
washer Trailing adaptor
edge
TO REPLACE BLADE
o Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and
keyway in crankshaft are aligned.
o Position blade on the btade adapter aligning
the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised
lugs on the adapter
11
o Besurethetrailingedgeieuptowardthe
engine,
- Installthebladeboltwiththelockwasher"
andhardenedwasherintoMadeadapter
andcrankshaft°
• Useblockofwoodbetweenbladeandlawn
mowerhousingandtightenthebladebolt,
turningclockwise.
. Therecommendedtighteningtorqueis35-
40it.Ibs.
IMPORTANT."Bladeboltisgrade8heat
treated.
NOTE: Wedonotrecommendsharpening
blade-butifyoudo,besurethebladeis
balanced.
TO SHARPENBLADE
Careshouldbetakentokeeptheblade
balanced.Anunbalancedbladewillcause
eventualdamagetolawnmowerorengine.
• Thebladecan 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 Made 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
o The grass catcher may be hosed with water,
but musf be dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for damage
or deterioration. Through normal use it will
wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace
only with a manufacturer,approved replace-
ment catcher. Give the lawn mower model
number when ordering,
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, e_,c. are in the drive whee|
area and must be cleaned to free drive
wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels,
check both front wheels.
• Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and
washers.
• Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
, Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/or
drive wheel gear teeth.
• Put wheels back in p_ace.
o If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest
authorized service center,
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,
• tf lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium i Grease, Part No.
750355. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality delergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
[ SAE VISOOSITY GRADES
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 opera_
!ion 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,
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain
oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until
fuel tank is empty.
, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.,
t2
• 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
remove any oil trapped inside of engine.
• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
and on side of engine.
• Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL"
line on the dipstick., DO NOT OVER
FILL.
• Replace engine oil cap°
, Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Container
AIR FILTER
Yourengine will not run properly and may be
damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more often
ifyou mowin verydusty, dirty conditions. Do
not wash air filter.
T'OCHANGE AIR FILTER
o Loosen cover screw°
• Swing cover down and remove from hinge,
° Pull paper filter out of air cleaner body.
• Clean air cleanercover and body.
. Install a new paper filter.
• Reinstall cover to air cleaner body. Be sure
hinge is assembled properly_
, Swing cover up and tighten cover screw.
(Do not overtighten).
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a
fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Change your spark plug each year to make
your engine start easier and run better. Set
spark plug gap at ,030 inch.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built--up grass and
trash, Clean underside of mower housing after
each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with the spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side, Make sure air
tilter and carburetor are up. 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.
o 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 shortened
engine life..
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.
filter cover
Hinge Cover
Paper filter knob
!3
CAUTION: Beforeperformingany
serviceoradjustments:
• Releasecontrolbar.
o Makesurethebladeandall moving
padshavecompletelystopped.
, Disconnectsparkplugwirefrom
sparkplugandplacewhereit cannot
comeincontactwithplug.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUSTCUTTINGHEIGHT
See"TOADJUSTCUFFINGHEIGI4T"in
the Operationsectionofthismanual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The reardeflector,attachedbetweenthe
rearwheelsofyourlawnmower,is
providedto minimizethepossibilitythat
objectswillbethrownoutthe rearof the
lawnmowerintotheoperator'smowing
position.
Ifthe reardeflectorbecomesdamaged,it
shouldbe replaced.
TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT
• Remove drive cover. Remove belt by
pushing down on gear case pulley and
rol[ing belt off it,
, Turn lawn mower on its side with
carburetor and fuel cap up.
• Remove blade,
° Remove debris shield
• RemoVe belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft.
° Install new belt by reversing above
steps.
• Always use factory approved belt to
assure fit and long life..
Drive
cover
', Remove the cable clips.
. Remove the controls and operator
presence control bar from the upper
handle.
Remove hairpin cotters.
,, Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets.
,, Turn the handle over and reassemble
the hairpin cotters that have been
removed..
o Route cable(s) below crossbar of lower
handle and reassemble the controls and
the operator presence control bar to the
upper handler
CAUTION: The operator presence
control bar must pivot freely to permit
blade brake engagement when control bar
is released., Do not over tighten the
fasteners holding the controls to the upper
handle.
• To change from medium low to high
position only the upper handle section
will have to be turned over.
• To change from medium low to low
position, only the lower handle section
will have to be turned over
Medium Low
),
Shipping Position
Medium High
Low
Belt
TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your lawn mower handle can be raised or
lowered for your mowing comfort. Four
(4) positions are available: high, medium
high, medium low and low.. Handles are
shipped mounted in the medium low
position.
• To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower
handle sections will have to be turned
over
Push
down
High
Lower Handle
Squeeze to
remove
Handle
Bracket
Hairpin Clip
14
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