Craftsman 917377521 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
®
5.0 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE
POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.377521
Safety
Assembly
o Operation
o Maintenance
o Espafiol
o 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 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage 15
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 35
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, 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,
o Do not allow children to use your mower.
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions.
o 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 rnanufac-
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 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.
o Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the
engine is running or when the engine is
2
hot, Allow the engine to cool for several
minutes before filling the gas tank. Clean
off any spilled gasoline before starting the
engine.
Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower, Never
attempt to do this while the engine is
running_
Mow only in daylight or good artificial
light.
OPERATION:
• Keep your eyes and mind on your mower
and the area being cut. Do not let other
interests distract you.
o 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 matedal toward
bystanders nor allow anyone near the
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°
• Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object° Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mower°
o Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
, 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 run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
o 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 w maintain
good footing.
o 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.
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°
- Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
o 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.
3
Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealso
availableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorder
repairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower.Someofthese
accessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower:
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
IVtUFFLERS
BELTS
BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
Read these instructions and this manual in its
entiretybefore you attempt to assemble or
operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn
mower has been assembled at thefactory with
the exception ofthose parts left unassembled
for shipping purpose& All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete file
assembly have been placed in the parts bag.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your
lawn mower, all parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
o Remove loose parts included with mower.
o Cut down two end comers of carton and lay
end panel down flat.
o Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper'handle.
MULCHER KfTS
FOR
_1 GRASS CATCHERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
o 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.
o Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into ptace in mowing position.
o Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower handle
arid 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" inthe Service and Adjustment
section of this manual.
4
NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear
wheels on your lawn mower are not
adjusted to the same position as the front
wheels. Before operating mower adjust
allwheels to the same ct_ng height
position.
Operator presence contrq_bar
Uppper handle ....._ _ /_.\
Lift up ,_Y
Liftup y /_¢y
f.. ,?
__o' ,:Z:_y/ position
Lower h_
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.
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mutcher, To convert to bagging or
discharging:
,, Open rear door and remove mulcher plug.
Store mulcher plug in a safe place°
o You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
o To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower. Be sure all tabs are seated
properly.
5
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments, Save this manual for future ..............
reference,
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product.
Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF .........................._........................................................................... AND FEET AWAY ......
Engine zone control cable
)resence control bar'
"_ Drive control lever
Srarter handle
Handle knob
Grass catcher
Mulcher plug
Gasoline cap
primer.,/ Wheel adjuster'
Engine oil cap w/dipstick
Housing
Drive cover
(oneachwheel)
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 tothe handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine,
Primer- pumps additionalfuel fromthe
carburetortothe cylinderfor use when sta_ng
Starter handle - used for startingthe engine,
Drive control lever- used to engage power-
propelled forward motion of lawn mower,
Mulcher plug - must be removed to convert to
bagging or discharging operation,
a coldengine,
6
Theoperationof anylawnmowercan
resultin foreignobjectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcan resultinsevereeye
damage,Alwayswearsafetyglassesor
eye shieldswhileoperatingyourlawn
mowerorperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairs. We recommendawidevision
safetymaskoverthe spectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.
HOWTO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate in place and door
closed or without an approved clipping
deflector or grasscatcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable°
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regula_ons 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.
= "{our lawn mower isequipped 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_
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cuL
= Adjust cutting height to suityour 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 requirement& 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 tab&
Plate Tab
Lower Wheels for High Cut
Lever
Raise Wheels for Low Cut
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
. Close the fliplid. 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 onthe rear door hinge bracket.
° The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the reardoor 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 open,
Hinge
Rear door
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°
. Do not drag the bag when emptying; itwill
cause unnecessary wear°
7
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 it clicks;then
release the lever°
= Forward motion wilt 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 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.
Operator presence control bar
Drive
To engage drive Drive controJ
control desengaged
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oilin the
engine.
o Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is clean.
= Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the full line on the dipstick.
o Use 20 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer
Responsibilities section of this manual.
= Pour oilslowly. Do not over fill
- Check oillevel before each use. Add oil if
needed. Fil! to full line ondipstick.
° To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
° Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season° You rnayneed
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
o Fillfuel tank_Usefresh, clean, regular'
unleadedgasoline witha minimum of87
octane. Do not mix oilwithgasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness_
IMPORTANT: When operating in
temperatures below 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
clean winter grade gasoline to help insure
good cold weather starting.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol
or rnethanol) 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:
Drainthe gas tank, start the engine and let it
run untilthe 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.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled
oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
Ga= filter cap Engine oil cap w/
dipstick
TO START ENGINE
• To start a coldengine, push primerthree
(3) times before tryingtostart. Use a firm
push_ This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has already
runfor afew minutes,
o Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
o To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
8
warmew:weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
o 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 clipping&
o 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 forbetter
discharge of grass.
° For better grass bagging and most cutting
conditions, the engine speed should be set
in the fast position°
o When using a reardischarge 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_
o If a trail of grass clippings is lefton the right
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
in aclockwise 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
helpengine air flow and extend engine life.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become
filled with dirt and dust with use and
catchers will collect less grass. To prevent
this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and letdry before using.
MULCHING MOWING TiPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. See "Cleaning" in Maintenance section
of this manual.
° The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutting action of the blades.
° Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet° Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action., The best time to
mow your fawn is the early afternoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newly
cut area will not be exposed to the direct
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°
tf 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 by overlapping
previously cut path and mow slowly.
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,
,, 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
Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If,uEquipped)
M Clean Lawn Mower
(Power.Propelled Mowers)
_ Clean Under Drive Cover
Check drivebelt/pulleys ........
E (Power-Propelled Mowers)
R check/Sha_en/Repface Blade
Lubrication Chart
i Ciean BatterylRecharge
' (Electric Start Uowe_) ......
E !Check Ep,ginff Oil Level
N (3,h,a,nge Engine Oi,I......................
G i Clean Air Filter
I Inspect Muffler
N! Clean or Reptace,,SparkPlug
E IReplace Air Ftlter Paper Cartridge
I - Change more often when operating under a heavy _oad or in high ambient temperatures,.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions
3. Repbce blades more often when mowing in sandy soil,
4 * Charge 48 hours at end of season
j ,.v'
v'
J v'
V#2
V'4
.... : = : ......
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 mower as instructed in this
manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual should
be checked at least once each season.
• Once a year, replace the spark plug,
replace air filter element 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,
e Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-
TION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel
adjuster
®
Engir
oil
(_ Handle (_ Roar door
mounting pin hinge
(_ Spray lubricant
® Referto Maintenance "ENGINE"
section_
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract
dust and dirt thatwill shorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. If you fee[ they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
_type lubricant sparingly.
1O
PRODUCT SPEC FUCAT ONS
MODEL NUMBER 9"t 7.377521
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 5°0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CUr iN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.6 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (AP1-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZSo
SPARK PLUG(GAP: _030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .005"
EXHAUST: .007"
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .010 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35_40 FT. LBS.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housingoRecord 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.
, 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 plug_
o Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are Upo
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°
o 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 ingood condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
° Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft° Be sure key in adapter and
crankshaft keyway are atigned_
o Position blade onthe blade adapter aligning
the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised
lugs on the adapter.
o Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite
sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
o Installthe blade boltwith the lock washer
and hardened washer into blade adapter
and crankshaft.
° Use block of wood between blade and lawn
mower housing and tighten the blade bolt,
turning clockwise.
° The recommended tightening torque is 35-
40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTAbR': Blade bolt is grade 8heat
treated.
11
NOTE: We do not recommendsharpen-
ing blade- butifyou do,besuretile blade
is balanced.
TOSHARPENBLADE
Careshouldbe takento keepthe blade
balanced. An unbalancedbladewill
causeeventualdamageto lawnmoweror'
engine.
, Thebladecanbesharpenedwithafileor
ona grindingwheel.Donotattemptto
sharpenwhileonthemower.
o Tocheckbladebalance,driveanailintoa
beamorwall.Leaveaboutoneinchofthe
straightnailexposed.Placecenterholeof
bladeovertheheadofthenail.Ifbladeis
balanced,itshouldremaininahorizontal
position.Ifeitherendoftheblademoves
downward,sharpentheheavyenduntilthe
bladeisbalanced°
Blade Crank shaft
adapter _.__-_ _eyway
Key , _,Jl,L.,,t_. //,/_
Blade _ _>/'_
o Remove any trash or grass cuttings from
inside the dust cover, pinion and/or drive
wheel gear teeth.
° Put wheels back in place.
° If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not
turn freely, contact your nearest
authorized service center.
GEAR CASE
o 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.
750355. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oi! rated with
API service classification SF,SG, or SH.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade accord-
ing to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSrFY GRADES
I
k ''" g Blade
washer Hardened edge adapter
washer
GRASS CATCHER
o The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
, Check your grass catcher often for damage
or deterioration. Through normal use it will
wean Ifcatcher needs replacing, replace
only with a manufacturer approved
replacement 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.
° Remove hubcaps, hairpin cotters and
washers.
o Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
...... TEMP ERATU RE RANG',: ANTICIPA]:ED BEFORE NEX-r OIL CFfANGE
NOTE: A[though mul'd-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 after thefirst 25 hours of operation at
least once a year if the lawn mower is not used
for 25 hours in one year.
Check the crankcase oil levelbefore 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 ernpty.
o Disconnectspark plugwirefrom sparkplug
andplacewire'whereitcannotcome in
12
contact with spark plug.
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 overfill,
Replace engine oil cap°
Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
Container
kiR FILTER
('our engine will not run properly and may be
tamaged by using a dirty air filter.
_eptace the air filter every year, more often if
fou mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not
rash air filter.
[{9 CHANGE AIR FILTER
, Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.
, Carefully remove cartridge.
, Clean by gently tapping on a flat
surface° If very dirty, replace cartridge.
?_,AUTION:Petroleum solvents, such as
<erosene,are not to be used to clean
7,artridge,They may cause deterioration
_fthe cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do
riot use pressurized air to clean or dry
_artridge.
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 _030inch.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean the underside of your mower after
each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire
from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with the spark
plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter 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.
,, 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 ouL
Water in engine can result in shortened
engine lifeo
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.
Cartridge
Back
te
Cover
tabs
Slots
Cover
13
CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING
ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:
= Releasecontrolbar.
o Makesurethe bladeand alimoving
partshavecompletelystopped.
= Disconnectsparkplugwirefromspark
plugand placewhereitcannotcome
in contactwithplug.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" inthe
Operation section of this manual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The reardeflector; attached between the rear
wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to
minimize the possibilib/that objects will be
thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the
operator's mowing position. Ifthe rear
deflector becomes damaged, itshould be
replaced.
TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT
° Remove drive cover_ Remove belt by
pushingdown on gear case pulleyand roll
belt off_
° Tum lawn mower on itsside with carburetor
and fuel cap up.
= Remove blade,
. Remove debris shield.
o Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft,
• Install new belt by reversing above steps.
° Always use factory approved beltto assure
fit and long life,
Ddve
cover
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 "I0 change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower handle
sections will have to be turned over.
o Remove cable clips.
o Remove the controls and operator presence
control bar from the upper handle.
o Remove the starter ropeguide from the
lower handle.
Q
Remove hairpin cotters_
• el¸
Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets.
o Turn the handle over and reassemble the
hairpincotters that have been removed.
• Reassemble the starter ropeguide.
o 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 tumed over.
o To change from medium low to low position,
only the lower handle section will have to be
turned over.
Shipping position
Medium low
Low
Lower handle
bracket
14
high
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for
storage atthe end of the season or ifthe unit
will not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a period
of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt,
grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
o Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING"
in the Maintenance section of this manual)°
° t.ubdcate as shown in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins
are securely fastened. Inspect moving
parts for damage, breakage and wear.
Replace ff necessary°
,, Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.,
HANDLE
You can fold your lawn mower handle for
storage.
o Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
handle toward each other until the lower
handle clears the handle bracket, then
move handle forward,
o Loosen upper handle mounting bolts
enough to allow upper handle to be folded
back.
IMPORTANT: When folding the handle for
storage or transportation, be sure to fold the
handle as shown or you amy damage the
control cables°
. When setting up your handle from the
storage position, the lower handJe will
automatically lock into the mowing position.
Lower
handle
Handle
Squeeze to fold
bracket
Operator presence control bar
_ Mowing
handle
Upper
7 handle
Fold
backward
position
ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: it isimportantto prevent gum
deposits from forming inessential fuel system
parts such as carburetor, fuel filter,fuel hose or
tank during storage Also, experience indicates
that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol ormethanol) 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.
. Drain the fuel tank.
o Start the engine and let it run until the fuel
lines and carburetor are empty,
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products inthe fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
o Use fresh fuel next season.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable
alternative in minimizing the formation of
fuel gum deposits during storage. Add
stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or
storage container. Always follow the mix
ratio found on stabilizer container. Run
engine at least 10 minutes after adding
stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach
the carburetor, Do not drain the gas tank
and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer,
Hairpin
cotter
15
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