Craftsman 917377580 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

I:l#°

6.75 HORSEPOWER

22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED
ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377580

• Safety
o Assembly

= Operation

= Maintenance

• Espafiol
° Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty Product Specifications 11

Safety Rules 2 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 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.
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-

tained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest
sears service center/department in the united states. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the united states.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCKAND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

° 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.

• 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
engine is running or when the engine is

2

hot.Allowtheengineto coolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthegastank.Clean

offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine°

° Always makewheelheightadjustments

beforestartingyour mower.Never
attemptto dothiswhilethe engineis

running.

° Mowonlyin daylightor good artificial

light.

OPERATION:

° Keep your eyes and mind on your mower

and the area being cut. Do not let other

interests distract you.

° Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never

run while operating your mower. Always
be sure of your footing -- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

o Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.

o 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 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.

= Do not change the govemor 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 oilo

= 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.

• 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.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced_Theyarealsoavailable

atmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalsoorderrepairpartsfor

you,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberof yourlawnmower.Someoftheseaccessoriesmay

notapplytoyourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

........ ,, ,,,,,,,q

FOR

_ GRASS CATCHERS

ii

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

iJlll ,J,ii

........... MUFFLER,S,

BELTS

iiii ,,11

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS

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-

MULCHER KITS

FOR

' SiDE DISCHARGE
i LAWN MOWERS

illl iiiiNilll i iiHiiilllll NI

GRASS CATCHERS

AIR FILTERS

WHEELS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

HHHHH IH II I IHH

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON

Remove loose parts included with
mower.

= 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 barto upper handle.

° Roll lawn mower out of carton and

checkcartonthoroughly for addit!onal
loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

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

handles and tighten both handle knobs.

= Remove handle padding holding

operator presence control bar to upper
handle°

o Your lawn mower handle can be

adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Service 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:

• 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, install

mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower, __._

Mulcher plug

CAUTION: Do net run your lawn mower
without rnulcher plug in place or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher in place°

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

with the rear door removed or propped
open.

Lower
handle

Mowing
position

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location
of variqu$ controls and adjustments, Save_this manua! forfuture 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

OR WARNING ON OFF

Engine zone control

Starter handle \...,

Grass

FUEL OtL DANGER, KEEPHANDS

AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

control lever

andle knob

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Drive cover

Mulcher plug

Gasoline filler cap

Pdmer Lawn mower housing

Wheel adjuster

i,iJ_l , ......... , i,ii, i, [i I , i1,1 ........... -_ ...........

(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 enqine is runninq ........

Operator Presence Control Bar- must be
held down tothe handle to start the engine,

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

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

Drive Control Lever--,- used to engage

power-propelled forward motion of lawn

mower,
Mulcher Plug - located at the discharge

opening must be removed when convert-

ing to bagging or discharging operation,

Sarter Handle - used for starting the engine.

6

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan

resultinsevereeyedamage,Alwayswear

safetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating
yourlawnmowerorperforminganyadjust-

mentsorrepairs,We recommendawide

visionsafetymaskoverthespectaclesor

standardsafetyglasses.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

The engine speed was set at the factory

for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequire
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
tums when the engine is running.
° Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and

operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
° Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.

° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down

to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels

are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-

position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs,

Lower Wheels for High Cut P_

Raise Wheels _ Lever

for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

. Close the flip lid. Flip lid must be closed

while operating lawn mower,

° Lift the rear door on the mower housing and

place the grass catcher frame onto 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 dipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place, Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed or

propped open.

_- door

Hinge

bracket Grass catcher

fram_

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine,

° Lift up rear door and remove the grass

catcher by the handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
itwilt cause unnecessary wear,

DRWE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drive control lever

forward until it clicks; then release the 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 drivecontrol disengages,
Hold operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when turning
comers, push down on handle and lift front

wheels off ground while tuminglawn
mower.

7

Operator presence Drive

control bar x_ ,, \ .<, _contro!

____Drive control

To engage ,_x disengaged

drive control

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the
engine.

• 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_

• Use 27 ozsoof oil. For type and grade of oil

to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer

Responsibilities section of this manual.

• Pour oil slowly. Do not over fillo

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if

needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

o "1"oread proper level, tighten engine oil cap

each time.

• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

o 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

° Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87

octane° Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fue! freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

usingethanol 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 lines and carburetor
are empty.Use freshfuel next season.

See Storage instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or carbure-

tor cleaner productsin fuel tank or

permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push p_imer five (5)
times before trying to start. Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starling an engine which has already run for

a few minutes.

° Hold operator presence control bar down to

.the handle and pull starter handle quickly.

Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be 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 Engine oil cap

Gasoline w/dipstick

filler cap

° 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 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.

o 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.

° Pores in cloth grass catchers can become

filledwithdirtanddustwithuseand
catcherswillcollect less grass. To prevent

this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and let dry before using.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT; For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and trash.
Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING

after each use. See "Cleaning" in CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES section of this manual.

o The special mulching blade will recur the

grass clippingsmany times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall ontothe

lawnthey will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed, Also, the mulched grass will

biodegrade quicklyto provide nutrientsfor

the lawn. Always mulchwithyour highest

engine (blade) speed as thiswill providethe
best recuttingaction of the blades=

• Avoid cbltingyour lawn when itis wet, Wet
grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulchingaction, The best time to
mow your lawn isthe early afternoon.At this

time the grass has driedand the newly cut
area willnot be exposed to the directsun.

° For best results, adjust the lawn mower

cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts

off only the top one-third of the grass blades.
if the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing

effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched

grass. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and

raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.

° Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.

° Change your cutting pattem from week to

week_Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week_ This

wilt help prevent matting and graining of the

lawn.

MAX 1/3

FILL IN DATES _ _.,,___

AS YOU COMPLETE ('J_'_" _ ,_:_/_._:x_/''_'_'/'_.q'_ _.0""

REGULAR SERVICE _,70_ _t/__ ERVICE DATES ....

Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean/inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) ..................

M Clean Lawn Mower

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

O Clean Under Drive Cover

"Check drive bel#puiieys

E {Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check/Sha _en)R,ePia,ce,, Bled e ....

Lub_cation Chart

Clean BatterylRecharge
i fElectric Start Mowers)

E Check Engine Oil Level

,,,u,,,J,,,r,......

J V'........ V'

v'

v's

v' J

N iChange Engine Oil

G i Clean Air Filter

m i , ,,i .............. :

v'

J

_ Inspect Muffler

_r Repiace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

t - Change more often when operating under s heavy load or In high ambient temperatures

2. Service more often when operating In dtrly ordusty conditions

3, Replace blades more o{tan when mowing in sandy soI{

4 - ch._rge 48 hours at end of se,_son

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty onthis lawn mower does not

v"

V'2

LUBRICATION CHART

(_ Wheel

adi

cover items thathave been subjected to

operatorabuse or negligence,Toreceive full

value from the warranty operator must maintain

mower as instructedinthis manual,

Some adjustments wilt 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.
o 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 runbetter and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual. (_)

BEFORE EACH USE (_
° Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unitwelllubricated (See "LUBRICATION

CHART").

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings° Viscous lubricants will attract

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

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

SPRAY LUBRICANT

SAE 30 MOTOR OIL REFER TO

ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION.

Engine oil

1_ Rear (_ Handle bracket

door
hinge mounting pin

10

PR©DUCT $PEC-UFROATiON$

MODEL NUMBER 917.877580

SERIAL NUMBER

-DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 6.75

DISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (API-SFISG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZ&

SPARK PLUG(GAP: °030") CHAMPION J19LM

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 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
Always observe safety rules when performing

any maintenance.

TIRES

o Keep tiresfree 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 plug.

o Tum 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

tuming when removing blade belt.

° Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap

blade with heavy cloth.

Remove blade bolt by tuming counter-
clockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end
wrench,

o Remove blade and attaching hardware

(bolt, look washer and hardened washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter°
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged,

TO REPLACE BLADE
o Position the blade adapter on the engine

crankshaft° Be sure key in adapter and
keyway in crankshaft are aligned,

o Position blade on the blade adapter

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

o Be sure the trailing 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, tuming clockwise.

. The recommended tightening torque is 35-

40ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT. Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.

11

NOTE: We donotrecommendsharpening
blade- butifyou do, be sure the blade is

balanced_

TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. An unbalanced blade willcause

eventual damage to lawn mower orengine.

• The blade can be sharpened witha file or

on a grindingwheel. Do not attemptto
sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a

beam or wall. Leave about one inchof the
straight nailexposed. Place center hole of

blade over the head ofthe nail. If blade is
balanced, it should remain ina horizontal

position, tfeither end of theblade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end until the

blade isbalanced°

GRASS CATCHER
. The grasscatcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

° Check your grass catcheroften for damage

or deterioration. Throughnormal use itwill
wear. If catcher needs replacing,replace

onlywith a manufacturer approved

replacement catcher.Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.

Blade Crank shaft

adaptor _._ __i_----_. kl yway

grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel
area and must be cleaned tcyfree 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.
°. 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.

o If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
750355° Do not substitute.

ENGINE
LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating
temperature.

washer Trailing adaptor

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 it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-

turer 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,

edge

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 orat least once a year if the lawn mower

is not used for 25 hours in one year.

12

Checkthecrankcaseoil levelbefore
startingthe engineand aftereach five (5)

hoursof continuoususe°Tightenoil plug
securelyeachtime 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.

o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

o Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface°

° Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil

into a suitable container. Rock lawn
mower back and forth to remove any oil
trapped inside of engine.

o Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower

and on side of engine°

• Fill engine with oil. Fill only to the "FULL"
line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER

FILL.

= Replace engine oil cap.
° Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Container

AIR FILTER

Yourengine wiltnot run properlyand may be
damaged by using a dirty air filter,

Replace the air filter every year, more often

ifyou mow invery dusty, dirt,/conditions. Do
not wash air filter.

MUFFLER
inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a
fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make
your engine start easier and run better. Set
spark plug gap at .030 inch.
CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built--4Jp grass and

trash, Clean underside of mower housing after

each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from

spark plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with the spark plug.

° Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air

filter and carburetor are up, Clean the
underside of your lawn mower by scraping
to remove build--up of grass and trash.

o Clean engine often to keep trash from

accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter
and shortens engine life.

o Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of

all gasoline, oil, etc.

o We DO NOT recommend using a garden

hose to clean lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filterand

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 underSideof cover with putty

knife or similar tool to remove any build--up of
trashor grass on underside of drive cover.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
= Loosen cover screw.

o Swing cover down and remove from hinge.
o Pull paper filter out of air cleaner body.

o Clean air cleaner cover and body.
° Install a new paper filter,

• Reinstall cover to air cleaner body, Be sure
hinge is assembled properly.

° Swing cover up and tighten cover screw.

(Do not overtighten).

Air filter cover

Hinge Cover

Paper filter knob

13

CAUTION: Before performing any
service or adjustments:

• 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 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 out 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.

= Turn lawn mower on its side with

carburetor and fuel cap up.

• Remove blade.

= Remove debris shield.
° Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

° Install new belt by reversing above

r

steps.

• Always use factory approved belt to
assure fit and long life.

Drive

cover

o Remove the controls and operator

presence control bar from the upper

handle.

• Remove hairpin cotters.

• Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets.

° Turn the handle over and reassemble

the hairpin cotters that have been
removed.

• 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.
o To change from medium low to high

position only the upper handle section
will have to be turned over.

° To change from medium low to low

position, only the lower handle section
will have to be turned over.

Medium Low

Shipping Position

Medium High

Low

High

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.

• To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower

handle sections will have to be turned
over.

• Remove the cable clips.

Squeeze to \ y

remov_

Hairpin Clip

14

Lower Handle

\

Handle

Bracket