Craftsman 917.377591 User Manual

Owner's Manual

6.75 HORSEPOWER 22" REAR DISCHARGE

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.377591

Safety Assembly Operation

o Maintenance

o Espa_ol

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 tl

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.

° 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 whi_e

this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which

vary from state to state. SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

o Read this operator's manual carefully.

Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower

properly. Learn how to quickly stop mower.

° Do not allow children to use your mower.

Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.

° Keep the area of operation clear of all

persons, especially small children and

pets.

o 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-

turero Use of such attachments may be hazardous.

o The blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

o 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 shietds 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.Allowthe engineto coolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthe gastank.Clean

offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe engine.

° Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments

beforestartingyourmower.Never attempttodothiswhilethe engineis running.

° Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial

light.

OPERATION:

o Keep your eyes and mind on your mower

and the area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

° Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never

run while operating your mower. Always

be sure of your footing -- keep a firm

hold on the handles and walk.

o 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 it.

° Before cleaning, inspecting, or repaidng

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 oil.

o 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 repair&

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_Theyarealso

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

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR,,DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

..................... i¸ ,....................

MULCHER KITS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

Read these instructionsandthis 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. Allparts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,necessary to complete the

assembly have been placed inthe parts bag.

To ensure safe and proper operation of your

lawn mower, all partsand hardware you assemble 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 endcomers of carton and lay end panel downflat.

• Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence

control bar to upper handle.

AIR FILTERS

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: Unfotd handles carefullyso as

notto pinch or damage control cables.

o Raise handles until lower handle section

locks into place in mowing position_

o Remove protective padding, raise upper

handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs°

• Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

° Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted

for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust

Handle" in the Service and Adjustment section of this manual°

NOTE; Forshippingpurposes,therear wheelsonyourlawnmowerarenotadjusted

tothesamepositionasthefrontwheels_ Beforeoperatingmoweradjustallwheelsto

thesamecuttingheightposition.

Operator presence contrc bar

Up[

Lift up

Lower handle

Mowing

position

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Yourlawnmower was shippedreadyto be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging: o Open rear door and remove mulcher plug_

Store mulcher plug in a safe place.

o You can now install catcher or optional

c_ippingdeflector.

• To retum to mulching operation, install mulcher plug into discharge opening of

mower. Be sure alltabs are seated

properly.

Mulcher _

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

clipping deflector or grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operatethe lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments° Save this manual for future reference°

.............'.......'............................ literature supplied ..............'

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in with the product. Learn and understand these meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE

OR WARNING ON OFF

Engine zone control cable

Srarter handle

Grass

Mulcher plug

FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

perator presence control bar

Drive control lever

Handle knob

Engine oil cap w!dipstick

AND FEET AWAY

Housing

Drive cover

Gasoline cap

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)

""'"MEETS................CPSC SA_ REQUIREMENTS'" ....................... ""..............

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of theAmerican

National Standards Institute and the U.SoConsumer Product Safety Commission. The blade

turns when the engine is running.

.'_ ,/1/p"

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

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

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting

....Starter handle-used for startingtheengine.

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 cold engine.

Theoperationof any lawnmowercan resultin foreignobjectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcanresultin severeeye damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesor

eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawn mowerorperforminganyadjustmentsor

repairs. We recommendawidevision safetymaskoverthespectaclesor

standardsafetyglasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower without mulcher plate in place and door closed or withoutan 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 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 which

requiresthe 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-

mentso Medium position is best for most lawns.

o To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheelsare inthe 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_

Plate Tab

Lower Wheels for High Cut

Lever

Raise Wheels for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

• Close theflip lid. Rip 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 reardoor hinge bracket.

- The grass catcher issecured to the lawn mower housing when the reardoor is loweredonto the grass catcher frame.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawnmower

without dipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.

Hinge

brack._,

Formed

tabs

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

" To remove grass catcher,releaseoperator

presence controlbar to stop engine.

• Liftup reardoorand removethe grass

catcherby the handle.

° Do notdragthe bag when emptying; itwill

cause unnecessary wear,

Rear door

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 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

' ' ""__ _'_ \ \_ ..-->. control

To engage drive Drive control control desengaged

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oil inthe

engine.

= Be sure mower islevel and area around oil

fill isclean.

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fillto the full line on the dipstick.

° Use 27 ozs_of oil. For type and grade of oil

to use, see "ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this manual.

o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.

• Check oil levelbefore 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 afterevery 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty,

dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

o Fillfuel 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 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 methanol) can attract moisture which leads

to separation andformation of acids during storage. Addic gas can damage the fuel

system ofan 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, startthe 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 tankor permanent damage may occur.

CAUTION: Fillto 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.

filler cap Engine oil cap w/

dipstick

TO START ENGINE

° To start a cold engine,push primer five (5)

times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when

starting an engine which has already run for

a few minutes.

- Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and puttstarter handle quick]y.

Do notallow starter rope to snap back.

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: Incoolerweatheritmaybeneces- sarytorepeatpdmingsteps.Inwarmer

weatheroverprimingmaycausefloodingand

enginewillnotstart.Ifyoudofloodengine,

waitafewminutesbeforeattemptingtostart

anddonotrepeatprimingsteps.

MOWING TIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall

grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to

keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass ctippingso

• 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.

. 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 left on the right

side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow in aclockwise direction with a small overlap

tocollect the clippings onthe 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.

o 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.

Max 1/3

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 reciting action of the blades.

° Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet

grass tends te 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.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown it will be necessary

to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort andto keep from overloading the

engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching,

reduce your width ofcut by overlapping

previously cut path and mow slowly°

. 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 firstcut path.

= Change your cutting pattem from week to

week. Mow north to south one week then change to eastto west the next week. This

will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

AsYooCOMPLETE OAT"o

REGU RSERWCE,,,, °

Check for Loose Fasteners 6/' ...._ ....

Clearv'lnspect Grass Catcher (If Equipped) 6/ _4'

Clean Lawn MOWer _'

(Power-Prope,l!ed Mowers) ......... _

wO Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive beWpulleys

E (Power-Propelled Mowers) 6/

.....

R ChectdSharpewRepiace Blade lY#3

Lubrication Chart

Ciean'"Battery/Rechar! e

(Electric Start Mowers ......... 6/ ..............

i E Check Engine Oil Level ..... V_'

iN Chan£ e Engine Oil .............. 6/1,2

G .c!eanAir.Filter ..... _'

I Inspect Muffler _ .........

N ciean or Replace Sp_'rkPl_,g E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge 6#'2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load orin high ambient temperatures 2 - Service more often when opera,rig in dirty or dusty condltions

3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil

4 - Charge 48 houm at end o! season

,,,,,

v',

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. 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 run better and last longer,

= Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level°

• Check for loose fastener& LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA- ']'ION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel adjuster

ine oil

i_ Handle bracket f Rear 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 that wilI shorten the lifeof the self. lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be

lubricated, use only a dry,powdered graphite

type lubricant sparingly.

:)RODUCT SPECRFICATIONS

, H,L J ,

MODEL NUMBER 917.377591 SERIAL NUMBER

DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWERi 6,75

)ISPLACEMENT: 12_560 CU, IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

UNLEADED REGULAR

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

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZS. SPARK PLUG(GAP: ,030") CHAMPION RJ19LM OR J19LM

VALVE CLEARANCE: 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

• 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 tiredamage,

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 itsside. Make sure air

filterand 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 tuming counter- clockwise, Use a 9/t6" box or open-end

wrench.

° Remove biadeand attaching hardware '

(bolt, lock washer and hardened washer),

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and

check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work

propedyo Replace adapter ifdamaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

• Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key inadapter 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 adapter.

o Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite

sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

, Installthe 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,

o The recommended tightening torque is 35-

40 ft.tbs,

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

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 nai! exposed. Placecenter hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is

balanced, itshould remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves

downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced°

Blade Crank shaft

° 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,

• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No,

750355. Do not substitute.

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oilrated with APt service classificatbn SF,SG, or SH_

Setect the oil's SAE viscosity grade accord- ing to your expected operating temperature.

s_ wscos_ GP_DEs I

bolt. I \ ' ' '_ l._.' _ shaft

Lock \ Trailin Blade

washer Hardened edge adapter

washer

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be drywhen used.

° Check your grass catcher oftenfor damage

or deterioration, Through normal use it will

wear. if catcher needs replacing, replace

only with a manufacturer approved replacementcatcher. 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 from wheel adjusters.

..... I............I

t TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTtGiPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE J

NOTE; Although multi-viscosity oils(5W30,

t0W30 etc,)improvestartingincoldweather,

these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased

oilconsumption when used above 32°E Check your engine oil level more frequently to

avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change after thefirst 25 hours of operationat least once a year if the lawn mower is not used

for 25 hours in one year,

Check the crankcase oit level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of

continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, drain fuel tank by running engine untilfuel tank is empty,

o Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplug

andplacewirewhereitcannot come in

contact with spark plug.

o Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean

surface.

• Tip lawn mower on itsside 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.

• RII 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

AIR FILTER Your engine will not tun properly and may be

damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air fitter every year, more often if

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

TO CHANGE AtR FILTER ° Loosen cover knob.

• Swing cover down and remove from hinge.

° Pull paper filter out ofair cleaner body_

- 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 knob.

(Do not overtighten)o

_'_ Air filter cover

II .._1 I Cover

l_f_._ 1 knob

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean ordry cartridges

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG

Change your spark plug each year to make your engine start easier and run better° Set

spark plug gap at ,030 inch° CLEANING

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

trash. Clean the underside of your mower after

each use. CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from

spark plug and place wire where itcannot

come in contact with the spark plug. o Tum lawn mower on its side. Make sure air

filterand 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 tuns hotter and shortens engine life.

. Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of

allgasoline, oil,etc.

° We do not recommend using a garden

hose to clean lawn mower unless the

electrical system, muffler, airfilter 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_e cover.

Paper filter t.,.Lj..f

Release control bar. Make sure the b!_de and all moving

parts have completely stopped.

', Disconnect spark piug wh"e from spark

piug and p_ace where i::c_nnot come in contact with plug.

_:W'N MOWF-R TO ADJ_JS_,"CUTTING _4E_;GHT'

See "TO ADJUST CUTT,;NG HF_.tGHT"in the OpeTatfon section of this manual

R_:_R DI_F,LECTOR

The r_cardeflector, s_ached between the rear wheels of your lawn mower, is provided to

minimize the possibil_' that objects will be thrown out the rear of the lawn mower into the

operator's mowing position. Ifthe rear deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO RE[4OVFJREPLA.CE DRIVE BELT

o Remove d,'ive cover. Remove belt by

pushing down on gear case pufley and roll belt ofL

Turn lawn mower on ks side with carburetor and fuel cap up.

_. Remove blade. o Remove debris shield.

o Remove beit from engine pt._lIeyon

crankshaft.

", install new belt by reversing above step& o Always use factory, approved belt to assure

fit and long life.

Dri,ze cover

Belt

Push

down

,'. Remove the sta_ler rope guide frci,*nthe

lower handle.

,_ Remove haiq_in co_ers.

Disconnect the lower iqandle from [he handle brackets.

o Turn the h_nate ,_ve, ..,na re_s._m_ t_ ,.__e

h_JL'oinco_ers that have been iemoved. Reassernb!e the starte_ rope gL_ide.

Reassemble ihe cont.rols and the operator

presence control bar to the upper hand!e CAUT!©_',_: The ooerator presence control bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake engagement when ccntroi bar is reieased.

Do not over tighten the fasteners holding

the controls to the upper iqar_d!e.

To change from medium iow to high

position only the upper handle section wit!

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 low

Medium high

LOW

"70 ADJUST I4ANDLE Your lawn mower handle can be raised or

lowered for your mowing comfort_. Four (4) positions are s:,,sifabta: high, medium high,

medium low and low. Hand!es are shipped mounted in the medium !ow position_

To 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 handfe.

1 "/" \ ,_-.._ ¢1 It

..I. _, y i_

Hair incti- _k H.._ndl

Lower handle

\ ,j" _-.-_._._

\-\ /

I. , ! }}

bracket

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