Craftsman 917377573 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

(RRFTSMRNo

6.5 HORSEPOWER
22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377573

= Safety

• Assembly
° Operation

• Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow al!
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 !3

Assembly 4 Storage 14

Operation 6 Troubleshootirtg I5
Maintenance Schedule "_0 Repair Parts 34

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 _smaintained,

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:

° Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug,

,, Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-

shatts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual

Warranty service is available by retumfng 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, ROEBLJCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMA N ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

* Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and

know how to operate your mower
property. Learn how to quickly stop

mower.

° Do not alfow children, to use your mower_

Never allow adults to use mower withoul
proper instructions.

o Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and
pets,

o Use mower only as the manufacturer

intended and as described in this manual.

• Do not operale mower ifit 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,

• Nways 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
engine is running or when the engine is

hot.Allowtheenginetocootforseveral

minutesbeforefillingthega¢tank,Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine,

• Alwaysmakewheelheightadiustments
beforestartingyourmower,Never

attempttodothiswhiletheengineis
running_

, Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial

light.

OPERATION;

• Keepyoureyesandmindonyourmower
andtheareabeingcut°Donotletother
interestsdistractyou.

, Donotmowwetorslipperygrass.Never

runwhileoperating 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 the

mower while you are operating ito

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

° 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

mowen

° Always keep a sharp blade on your

mower

• 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, 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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwas produce& 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 lawn mower. Some of these

accessories may not apply to your lawn mower_

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructionsand this manual in its
entirety before you attempt to assemble or

operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn
mower has been assembled at thefactory with

the exception of those parts left unassembled
for shipping purpose& Atl 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, at! parts and hardware you
assemble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct toolsas necessary to ensure proper
tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose pads included with mower.
,, Cut down two end corners of carton and lay

end pane[ down flat.

= Remove all packing malerials except

padding between upper and lower handle
and padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

MULCHER KITS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE D_SOHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

• WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

• Rolt tawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughlyfor additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORIANT: Unfold handles carefully so as

not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks intoplace inmowing position,

• Remove protective padding, raise upper
handle section into place on lower handle

and tightenboth handle knobs,

° Remove handle padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle.

° Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

foryour mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment

section of thismanual.

NOTE:Forshippingpurposes, the rear

wheels on you[ lawn mower are not adjusted
to the same position as the front wheels,,

Before operating mower adjust a{Iwheels to

the same cutting height position_

Operator F

Upp_

Lilt up

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulchero To convert to bagging or
discharging:

• Open rear door and remove mulcher plug,
Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

• You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector,

• To return to mulching operation, instail

mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower. Be sure alltabs are seated

propedy

bar

Mowing
position

TO PREPARE BATTERY
NOTE; Your battery must be charged

before you can start your lawn mower,,
= Disconnect engine battery (male) from

battery connector (female)

• Connect battery charger connector
(male) to battery connector (female)°

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A,C,
outlet,

- Leave battery charger connected for 24
hours before starting your engine for the
first time,

° After charging, connect engine connec-

tor (male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a descharged battery,,

At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to

protect the battery during w{nter storage.
CAUTION; Always disconnect the engtne

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

starting when transporting or staring your

lawn mower after the season,

F_ngine Battery
connector

(male) charger

Mulcher plug

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug inplace or approved

dipping deflector or grass catcher in p_ace,
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with

lhe rear door removed or propped open.

Battery connector (female)

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 with the

location of various controls and adjustments, Save this manual br future reference.

r_bs_"_ym'b'ot_,"'mayappear on your lawn mower or in Iimrature suppliecl vvl_

Learn and understand there meanfng.

CArmeN ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

, IIIH, IIII 11] ! I !! [ == i

Operator presence

Drive control lever

Electric start key

cable

Slader handle

./" Handle knob

Gasoline cap

Primer

Housing

Ddve cover

Engine oil cap w/dipstick

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

turns when the engine isrunning.

Operator presence control bar - must be
held down to the handle to start the engine.

Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine.

Electric start key - used for starting the

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.

Starter handle - used for starling Ihe engine.

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan
resultinforeignobjectsthrow_,intothe

eyes,whichcanresultin severeeye
damage.Alwayswearsafetygfasseser

eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawn
mowerorperforminganyadiustmentsor
repairs_Werecommendawidevision
safetymaskoverthespectaclesor

standardsafetyglasse&
HOWTOUSEYOURLAWNMOWER

CAUTION:Donotrdnyourlawnmower

withoutmuicherplateinplaceanddoorclosed
orwithoutanapprovedclippingdeflectoror
grasscatcherinplace,Neverattemptto

operatethelawnmowerwiththereardoor

removedorproppedopen,

ENGINESPEED
Theenginespeedwas set at the factory

for optimum performance, Speed is not
adjustable,
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require an
engine control to be installed on this lawn

mower in order to minimize the risk of blade
contact injury. Do not under any circumstances

attempt to defeat the function of the operator
control The blade turns when the engine is

running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar whtch

requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to star[ and
operate the lawn mower

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
o Raise wheels for low cut and tower 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 sub your requirements. Be sure all
wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster Is propedy 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°

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cul

"" _ "* ' -- Lever

Raise Wheels lor Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
, Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower.

• Uft the rear door on the mower housing and
p_acethe grass catcher frame onta the

formed tabs on the rear door hinge bracket.

• 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 clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place, Never attempt to operate the

Iawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.

Hinge

Rear door

Formed

_bs

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.

o Do not drag the bag when emptying; itwilt

cause unnecessary wear.

DRIVECONTROL

° Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down
Io the handle and pushing the drive
control lever forward until it clicks; then

release the 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 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

Toengage drive Drive control

control desengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL.

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around
oil lill is clean.

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill
to the full line on the dipstick°

• Use 20 ozs. of oil, For type and grade
of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in Mainte-
nance section of this manual.

,, Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill,

• 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 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.

ADD GASOLINE
° Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regtJlar

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oi! with gasoline. Pur..

chase 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,
dean winter grade gasoline to help insure
good cold weather starting.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol

or methanol) can attract moisture which leads
to separation and formation of acidsduring
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 gas tank, start the engine and let it

run until the fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See

Storage Instructions for addilional 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,

Engine oi! cap wt Gasoline filler cap

TO START ENGINE
. To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)

times before trying to start, Use afirm push,

This slep is not usually necessary when

starting an engine which I_asalready run for a
few minutes.

. Hold operator presence control bar down 1o
the handteo

• Turn electric start key clockwise to crank
engine,

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than

five continous seconds between each time you
try to start..Wait 5 to t0 seconds between ech
attempt,

o Tostartengineusingtheauxiliary
starterhandle,followthestepsabove.
Exchangetheuseofthestartkeyfor
starterhandle Pullstarterhandlequickly,

Donotallowstarterropeto snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In

warmer 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

• Under certain conditions, such as very' tal!
grass, it may be necessary to raise the

height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of grass clippings.

° For extreme;y heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut and raise the rear of the lawn

mower housing one (t) wheel adjuster
setting higher than the front for bette_"

discharge of gras&

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moisl, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. R_"Juce

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.

• 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 let dry before using.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbest performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See %leaning" in Maintenance 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 wiltdisperse 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 wilt provide the
best recurringaction of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it iswet. 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 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
If the lawn is overgrown itwill 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.

. Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may require that an area be mulched a
second IFmeto completely hide the

clippings_ When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the first cut path,

• Change your cuing pattern from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then

change to east to west the next week. This
wifl help prevent matling and graining of the

lawn.

Max 1/3

AS YOU COMPLETE

ii fl _(pr-

Check for Loose Fasleners L_t___. _ .....

,CieaNInspectGrassCatcher

;(I,fEqulpp,ed) _ _ ._ ..........

M Clean Lawn Mower ___ _Li.._ _ .......

(Power.Propelled Mowers) _ __._, .........

Cfean Under Drive Cover

Cheek drive bert/pulleys

RE ,(P,ower-PropelledMowers) tv#'

ChecPJSharpen/Replace Blade .......... ..--_t'/_.,3-.._w__.

Lubrication Chart _", If

Clear,aatletyIRecharg'e........

IEfeclrtc Start Mowers_ t,/ ,

E Chle¢,_ Engine Oil Leve| l/

G clean Air Filter J_ _j_

1 i_spe_tMUiii_ / ,_

E Replace Air Fiffer Paper Cartridge I V"_ .........

1 - Change more often when operet}rtg under t, h_eVy |cad or in h_gP, arnhten! temperatures
2 - Service mere often M_ea operating in dirty ot dusty cendltione

3 * Replace blades mo,ze often when mo'Mng |n sandy soil
4 - Charge 4B hout_ at end _f season

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 fiiter 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 schedute in this

manual,

BEFORE EACH USE

, Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unil wel! lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART")_

(_) Wheel

(_) Handle bracket (_ Rear door

(_ Spraylubricant
® Referto Maintenance"ENGINE" section,,

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings, Viscous lubdcanls vail attract

dust and dirt that willshorten the life of the self
lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly,

LUBRICATION CHART

adjusler

mounting pin

DATES

®

Engine oil

hinge

10

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.377573
SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 65

DISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU_ tNo
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1_6QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG!SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

i

iOIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS,

SPARK PLUG(GAP: ,030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: 004" - .008"

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: ,0125 IN.

BLADE BOET TORQUE: 35-40 FT, LBS,

The model and serial numbers will 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

A_waysobserve safety rules ,when performing
any maintenance.

"[IRES
,, Keep tires free ofgasoline, 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

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

,, Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air

filter and carburetor are up.

,, 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 lhe blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter.

The key must be in good condition to work
properly, Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft, Be sure key in adapter and
crankshaft keyway are aligned,

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

• Be sure the trailingedge of blade (opposite
sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

° install the blade bolt with 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.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt [sgrade 8 heat
treated.

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

EXHAUST: ,004" -.008"

11

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade ° but if you do, be sure the blade

is 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°

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or
on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to
sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a
beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the

straight nail exposed. PJacecenter hofe of
blade over the head of the nai!. If blade is

balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position. If eilher end of the btade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end until the

blade is balanced

B|ade Crank shaft

adapter "'-_._ "'"-"_" keyway

gey_ _

i\\

• 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

• 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,

° ff lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Par[ No.
750355, Do not substitute_

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with APt service classification SF,SG, or

SH. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating

temperature.

Cha_tkLock\ Trailin Blade
washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER
° 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 itwill
wear. If catcher needs repladng, replace
only with a manufacturer approved
replacement calcher, 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.

,, Remove wheels lrom wheel adjusters

NOTE; Although multi-viscosity otis (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starling in cold weather,

these multi-viscosity oils wilt 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 the first 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 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,

12

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain

oil, drain fuel tank by running engine until fuel
lank is empty,

+ Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug

and place wire where it cannot come in
contact w_thspark 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

Container

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly add may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every year, more

often if you mow in very dusty, dirty
conditions+ Do not wash air filter.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
,, Remove the air filter by turning clock-

wise to the stop and pull away from
collar.

,, Remove filter from inside of cover,

• Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt accumulation,

° Insert new filter into cover.

• Put air filter cover and filter into collar
aligning the tab with the slot,

° Push in on cover and turn counterclock-

wise to tighten,

Collar Turn

Clockwise
to Remove

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as

kerosene, are not to be used to clean
cartridge. They may cause deterioration of lhe

cartridge. Do not oil cartridge+ Do not use
pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge,

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 lrom
spark plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with the spark plug.
o 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, oit,etc.

o We do not recommend using a garden

hose to dean 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 dr_vecover.

Slot Turn Courtier-

Air Filter Clockwise to

Tab Air Filter T_ghten

Cover

13

CAUTION: Beforeperforminganly
serviceor adjustments.

o Release control bar.

• Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped,

,, 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 CUT'f'ING HEIGHT' inthe
Operation sectionof this manual°

REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the rear

wheels of your lawn mower, isprovided to
minimize the possibility 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

pushing down on gear case pulley and roll
belt off

• Turn lawn mower on its side with carburetor

and fuel cap up,

• Remove blade,

o Remove debris shield°
o 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.

• Remove hairpin cotters.
, Disconnect the lower handle from the

handle brackets.

• Turn the handle over and reassemble the
hairpin cotters that have been removed,

• 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 pen'n_tblade/brake
engagement when control bar is released. Do
not overtighten the fasteners holding the
controls to the upper handle.

,, To change from medium low to high

posit_ononly 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.

Shipping Position

Medium Lo_

um High

High

Low

D_w

cover

Belt

Push

down

TO ADJUST HANDLE

'four 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 tow to medium
high position, the upper and lower handle

sections will have to be turned over_

• Remove the cable clip&

• Remove the controls and operator presence
control bar from the upper handle.,

Squeeze to

Remove

Hairpin

Handle Bracket

ENGINE
ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set. Do
not attempt to increase engine speed or it

may result in personal injury. If you believe

thatthe engine ts running too fast or too stow,
take your lawn mower to an aulhorized

service center/department for repair and
adjustmenL

14

Lower Handle