Craftsman 917377292 Owner’s Manual
Owner's ManuaJ
6.5 HORSEPOWER
" DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
OTARY LAWN
Model No.
9!7.377292
®
o Safety
o Assembly
o Operation
Maintenance
Espa_ol
• Repair Parts
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
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 purchaser
This Warranty does not cover:
o Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
o 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, ROEBUCK AND CO, D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING:
o Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly. 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 all
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 tums 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 glasses 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 fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
2
engineisrunningorwhenthe engineis
hot.Allowthe engineto coolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthe gastank.Clean
off anyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attempttodothiswhilethe engineis
running.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
light.
OPERATION:
• Keepyoureyesandmind onyour mower
andthe areabeingcut. Donot letother
interestsdistractyou.
o Do not mowwetorslipperygrass.Never
runwhileoperatingyour mower.Always
be sureofyourfooting-- keepa firm
holdonthe handlesandwalk.
o Do not puthandsor feetnear or under
rotatingparts.Keepclearofthedischarge
openingatalltimes.
. Alwaysstoptheenginewheneveryou
leaveor arenot using yourmower,or
beforecrossingdriveways,walks,roads,
andany gravel--coveredareas.
o Neverdirectdischargeofmaterialtoward
bystandersnorallowanyonenearthe
mowerwhileyouareoperatingit.
• Beforecleaning,inspecting,or repainng
yourmower,stopthe engineandmake
absolutelysurethe bladeand all moving
partshavestopped.Thendisconnectthe
sparkplugwireand keepitawayfromthe
sparkplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.
° Do not continueto runyour mowerifyou
hita foreignobject.Followthe procedure
outlinedabove,then repairanydamage
beforerestartingandoperatingyou
mower.
o Do notchangethe governorsettingsor
overspeedtheengine.Enginedamageor
personalinjurymay result.
o Do not operateyourmowerif it vibrates
abnormally.Excessivevibrationis an
indicationofdamage; stopthe engine,
safelycheckfor the causeof vibration
andrepairasrequired.
• Donot runthe engineindoors. 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 footing. 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.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
• Keep al! safety devices in place and
working.
o 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.
o Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower_
, Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
o 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, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making 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.
Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealsoavailable
atmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsfor
you,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmay
notapplyto yourlawnmower_
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
BELTS
MUFFLERS
BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
AIR FILTERS
FOR
WHEELS
I
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
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. To ensure
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.
o
Cut down two end corners 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.
4
"IOWTO SET UP YOUR LAWN
_OWER
ro UNFOLD HANDLE
MPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully
3o as not to pinch or damage control
;ables.
, 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.
o Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Ser'¢ice and
Adjustment section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
o Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
° You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
o To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
without mulcher plug inplace or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher inplace.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
Lower
handle
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'SMANUALAND SAFETYRULES BEFOREOPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself _,_qthe location
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
Engine zone control Operator presence control bar
control lever
Starter handle
knob
Grass catct
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Drive cover
Gasoline filler cap
Engine speed control
Primer Lawn mower 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 Commission. The blade
tums when the engine is running,, .............................,
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Drive Control Lever-- used to engage
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.
Sarter Handle- used for starting the engine.
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°
Mulcher Plug located at the discharge
opening must be removed when convert-
ing to bagging or discharging operation.
6
7heoperationof anylawnmowercan resultin
oreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
esuitinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswear
;afety glasses or eye shields while operating
/our lawn mower or performing any adjust-
"nentsor repairs° We recommend a wide
,4sionsafety mask over the spectacles or
standard safety glasses_
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
]he engine speed is controlled by a lever
located onthe side of the engine. Fastposition
isfor starting the engine, normal cutting,and
better grass bagging. Slow position isfor light
cutting,trimming and fuel economy.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require an
engine control to be installed on this lawn
mower inorder 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.
o 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.
Engine speed control lever
TO A"rrACH GRASS CATCHER
o Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
o Lift the rear door on the mower housing and
place the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.
o The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clippingdeflector or approved grass
catcher inplace. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped
Hinge door
bracket Grass catcher
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
- To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence controt bar to stop engine.
o Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle°
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
itwill cause unnecessary wear.
Primer
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
° Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments. Medium position isbest for most
lawns.
o 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
for Low Cut
DRIVE CONTROL
o Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drive control lever
forward until itclicks; then release the drive
control lever.
, Forward motion will stop when the operator
presence control bar is released° To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release the operator presence control bar
slightly until the dnve control disengages.
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
o To keep drive control engaged when tuming
comers, push down on handle and lift front
wheels off ground while turning lawn
mower°
7
Operator presence Drive
control bar\_\._,-- ,,
\'_ "_ Drive control
To engage _' "_\ disengaged
drive control
jcontro!
BEFORESTARTING ENGINE
OIL
"{our lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe
engine.
o Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill isclean.
o Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the ful! 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.
o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fil!o
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.
° To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
° Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
° 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.
GAS
o Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline_
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using
ethanol or methanol) 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. Drain the fuel tank start the engine
and let it run until fuel linesand carburetor are
empty° Use fresh fuel next season. See
Storage instructions for additional information,
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products infuel tank or permanent damage
mayoccur.
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
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.
o Push engine speed control lever to fast
position.
• Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pull starter handle quickty.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
o 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 will not start. Ifyou do flood engine,
walt a few minutes before attempting to start
and do not repeat priming steps.
Gasoline Engine oil cap
filler cap wldipstick
MOWING TIPS
° Under certain conditions, such as very tall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the
height of cut to reduce pushingeffort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps 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 life.
8
, Poresinclothgrasscatcherscanbecome
filledwithdirtanddustwithuseand
catcherswiltcollectlessgrass.Toprevent
this,regularlyhosecatchersoffwithwater
andletdrybeforeusing.
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
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES section of
this manual
o The special mulching blade wilt 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 will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn, Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades.
, Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action. The best time to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this
time the grass has dried and the newly cLrt
area will not be exposed to the direct sun.
° For best results, adjust the lawn mower
crating 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 heawj mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and
raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front_
o 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.
o Change your cutting pattem 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
9
AS YOU COMPLETE ICE DATES
REGULAR SERVICE ICE D
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher
!(If Equipped) _
M Ciea,LawnMower _... =............
Ctean under Dn',,'e'Cover .............
l'Check ddve 'belt/pulleys
W (Power-Propelled Mowers) _/ .....
(Power_PropetledMowers)
R Check/Sharpen!Replace Blade .......... _/3
Lubrication Chart ,b/
Clean Battery/Recharge .......
........(Ele=rtc Start Mowers) ............
E Check EngineOil Level .V'_
a Change Engtr_e Oil ......... _/'1,2
G Clean Air Filter
I Inspect Muffler
a _iean or Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge _1'2
t - Chonge more o,_enwhen operating under Qhe,ivy load or_nhigh embfen! femperaturss
2, Service more often when operating in didy or dusty conditions,
3 - Replete b_des more often when mowing In sandy sog.
4 - Charge 4B hours _t end of sm_son_
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warrantyon this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive full
"valuefrom the warranty, operator must maintain
mower as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments inthe Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season.
o Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace
air filterelement and check blade for wear. A
new spark plug and clean/new air filter
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 level
° Check for loosefasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keepunitwell lubricated(See"LUBRICATION
CHAR'£').
_4
!
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel
(_) Engine oil
Rear
door (_ Handle bracket
hinge mounting pin
(]_) SPRAYLUBRICANT
(_) SAE30 MOTOROIL. REFERTO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION,
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt that wilt shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
10
PRODUCT SPECIFRCATIONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.377292
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 6,5
DISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU, IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1_5QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (APt-SF/SG/SH: SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS.
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: °004" - °008"
EXHAUST: .004" - .008"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN,
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 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
o Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber°
o Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp
objects and other 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,
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heaW cloth.
o Remove blade bolt by tuming 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 insidehub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly, Replace adapter if damaged,
Blade Crank 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.
• Position blade on the blade adapter aligning
the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised
lugs on the adapter.
!1
o Besurethetrailingedgeisuptowardthe
engine.
o Installthebladeboltwiththe lockwasher
andhardenedwasherintobladeadapter
andcrankshaft.
° Useblockofwoodbetweenbladeandlawn
mowerhousingandtightenthebladebolt,
tumingclockwise.
° Therecommendedtighteningtorqueis35-
40ft. tbs.
IMPORTANT:Bladeboltisgrade8heat
treated+
NOTE" We donotrecommendsharpening
blade-butifyoudo,besurethe bladeis
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to lawn mower or engine+
o The blade can be sharpened with a file or on
a grinding wheel° Do not attempt to sharpen
while on the mower.
o To check blade balance, drive a nail into a
beam or wall. Leave about one inchof the
straight nail exposed. Place center hole of
blade over the head of the nail. Ifblade 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.
° Put wheels back in place.
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.
o 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 Nor
750355. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF, SG or
SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature+
$AE VISCOSITY GRADES
" ...... I + .......
+F -20 _ O" _0 32" _0_ 60" e0_ tOa; I
=c'"._'o-+' _o" .,_,- ' _" ;_" '";o- ' _++,"',=o"
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANT+CIPATED mEFORE N_ OiL CP,AHG_
!
GRASS CATCHER
o The grass catcher may be hosed with water,
but must be dry'when used+
o Checkyour grass;catcher often for damage
or deterioration. Through normal use itwill
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, etc. are in the drive wheel
area and must be cleaned to free drive
wheels.
If necessary' to clean the drive wheels,
check both front wheels.
o Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and
washers.
o Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
= Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/or
drive wheel gear teeth.
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-
tion or at least once a year ifthe 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.
12
o Removeengineoil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface.
o Tip lawn moweron itssideas shown
and drain oil into a suitablecontainer.
Rock lawn mowerbackandforth to
removeany oil trappedinside of engine.
o Wipe off anyspilledoilon lawn mower
and on side of engine.
o Fill enginewith oil. Fillonlyto the "FULL"
line on the dipstick.DONOTOVER
FILL.
° Replaceengineoil cap.
o Reconnectsparkplugwireto spark
plug.
Container
AIR FILTER
Yourenginewill not run properly and may be
damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filterevery year, more often
ifyou mow invery dusty, dirty conditions. Do
not ,washair filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
o Loosen cover screw.
o Swing cover down and remove from hinge.
° Pull paper filter out of air cleaner body.
° Clean air cleaner cover and body.
° Install a new paper filter.
= Reinstall cover to air cleaner body. Be sure
hinge isassembled properly.
o Swing cover up and tighten cover screw.
(Do not overtighten)r
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 bestperformance, keep
mower housingfree 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.
° Tum lawn mower on its side_Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up. 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 nJns hotter
and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheets 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
knifeor similar toolto remove any build--up of
trash or grass on underside of drive cover.
A filter cover
Hinge Cover
Paper filter knob
13
CAUTION: Beforeperformingany
service or adjustments:
o Releasecontrol bar°
o Makesure the bladeandall moving
partshave completelystopped.
o Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug and place 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 lawn mower, is
provided to minimize the possibility that
objects will be thrown ou_ the rear of the
lawn mower into the operator's mowing
position,
If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it
should be replaced.
TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT
° Remove drive cover. Remove belt by
pushing down on gear case pulley and
rolling belt off it.
o Turn lawn mower on its side with
carburetor and fuel cap up.
o Remove blade.
o 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
o Remove the cable clips.
o Remove the controls and operator
presence control bar from the upper
handle.
° Remove hairpin cotters.
= Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle bracket&
o 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 handle.
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.
o To change from medium low to low
position, only the lower handle section
will have to be turned over.
Medium Low
Shipping Position
Low
Belt Push
down
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.
o To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower
handle sections will have to be turned
over.
High
Lower Handle
rSqueeze t°ve_._,__, \\''\
Hairpin Clip
14
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