Craftsman 917377810 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRAFTSMAN'J

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No,

917.377810

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Espa_ol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and followall

Safety Rulesand Instructions
before operatingthis equipment

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

Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears,com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications..........................12

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments...................... 15

Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 16-17

Operation ........................................... 6-10 Troubleshooting .............................. 17-18

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 11 Repair Parts..................................... 36-43

Maintenance .................................... 11-14 Parts Ordedng ........................ Back Cover

LIMITEDTWOYEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubricated, and tuned up accordiog to the operating and maintenance instructionsin
the owner's manual, Seers will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmen-

ship.
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:

• Expandable items which become worn dudng normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingbent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service Is available by returningthe Craftsmen power mower to the nearest
Sears Service Center/Department inthe United States. This warranty applies only

while this product is in use in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts, and youmay also have other dghtswhich

varyfrom state to state.

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

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could resultin
serious injury or death.

I.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructionson the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thor-

oughly familiar with the controls and the
proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. Keep clear ofthe

discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the Instructions,to
operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys,wire, bones, sticks, etc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the

blade.

• Be sure the area isclear of uther
people before mowing. Stop machine if

anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or weadng open sandals.

Always wear substantialfoot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless
absolutely necessary. Always look

down and behind before and while
moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in
place.

• See manufacturer's instructionsfor
proper operation end installationof

accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning

the mower orunclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait
untilthe blade comes to complete stop

before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the influence of alcohol or drags.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run,

• Disengage the self-propel.ledmecha-

nism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrale
abnormally,stoptheengine(motor)

and check immediatelyforthecause.
Vibrationisgenerallya warningof

trouble.

• Alwayswear safetygogglesorsafety

glasseswithsideshleldswhen

operatingmower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a majorfactor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra

caution, If you feel uneasy on a slope,do
notmow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing directionon slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not tdm near drop-offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose

footing or balance.

• Do nottrim excess'Neiy steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidentscan occur it the operator

is notalert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the

machine and the mowingactivity.Never

assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children

enter the area.

• Before aed white walking backwards,

look behind and down for small
children.

• Never allow children to operate the

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

comers, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

• Use extra care in handling gasoline

and other fuels. They are flammable
and vapors are explosive.

-Use only an approved container.

-Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow

engine to cool before refueling. Do

not smoke.

- Never refuel the machine indoors.

- Never store the machine orfuel

containerinsidewhere thereisan
open flame,such as a waterheater,

• Never runa machine insidea closed

area.

• Never make adjustmentsorrepairswith

theengine (motor)running.Disconnect
thesparkplugwire,and keep thewire

away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal starting.

• Keep nuts and belts, especially blade

attachment bolts, tight and keep
equipment in good condition.

• Never temper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or
other debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before

stodng.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) Is

runnk_g.

• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject
towear,damage,anddeterioration,
whichcouldexposemoving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components end replace with
manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when sewicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspead the engine.

&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.

&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead end lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductiveharm. Wash
hands after handling.

&Look for this symbol to point out

importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONI!I BECOMEALERT!ll YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

& WARNING: In order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport-
ing, adjusting or making repairs, always

disconnect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot contact spark plug.

& CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
partsbecome extremely hotduring

operationand remain hot after engine has
stopped. To avoid severe bums on

contact, stay away from these areas.

Theseaccessodeswereavaitablewhen'_islawnmowerwasproduced."ll_y are not
shlppodwithyourmower.TheyaraalsoavalableatmostSeararetailoutiotsandservice

centers.MostSearsstorescanalsoerda"repairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethamodel
numberofyourbwnmowec Some_ thaseaccassorieamaynctapplyto yourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABILIZER

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

4

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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

assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine.

Yournew lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception

of those parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, belts, etc., necessaryto com-

plete the assembly have been placed in

the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts

and hardware you assemble must be
tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with

mower.

2. Cut down two end comers ofsarton
and layend paneldown flat.

3. Remove allpackingmaterialsexcept
paddingbetween upperand lower
handleand paddingholdingoperator

presencecontrolbarto upper handle.

4. Rolllawnmower outofcartonand
check cartonthorouglyforadditional

loose parts.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as notto pinch or damage control cables.

I. Raise lower handle section to

operating positionand squeeze the
bottom ends of lower handle towards

each other until the pin in handle can
be inserted Intoone of the three

height adjustment holes.

2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

3. Remove any packing matedal from
around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.

con_ol bar

Mowing
position

Lower handle

Squeeze_1_.(_._ Handlepin

3-Position J
handle

bracket

TO INSTALL AI"rACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to

bagging or discharging, see "1"OCON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual.

5

_YOUR LAWNMOWER
READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Comparethe ilus'oations withyourlawn rnowertofamJlarizeyourselfwiththe

Iocaitenofvarious_ and a_ustrnects. Savethismanualfor futurereference.
Thesa symbals may appsar on your lawn mower or Inlltorstum suppled wlththa product.

Lsam and understandthelr meanlng.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEPHANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

;Deed control lever

gine zone control cable

Drive cover

Gasoline fillercap

Single

Airfilter

Mulcherplug

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
withoutoll or _lasoline in the en_line.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-pehind power lawn mowers conformto the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer ProductSafety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

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

carburetorto the cylinder for use when

starting a coldengine.

Starter handle - used for startingthe

engine.

Drive control bar - usedto engage

pewer-pmpellad foward motion of lawn
mower.

Drive speed control lever - used to
engage pewer-propelled forward motion

lawn mower.
Single point height adjuster- used to

adjust cuttingheight of lawn mower.
Mulcher door - allows conversionto

discharging or bagging operation.
Mulchar plug - Located at the rear

discharge opening must be removed
when converting to bagging operation.

6

Theoperationofanylawn

mowerconresultinforeign

objectsthrownintothe

eyes,whichcanresultin
severeeyedamage.

Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreye

shieldswhileoperatingyourlawnmower
orperformingany adjustments or repairs.

We recommend a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles or standard safety

glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

The enginespecdwas set atthe factoryfor

op_numpefonT_nne._o_d is n_

adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

;kCAU'nON: FederaJrs_JatJans_Jire an
enginecnntroltohe instaJ'nedon _ls lawn
mo_er inorder to minknizethe riskofblade

contactk-,,jury.Do not underany
circumstancesattemptto defeatthe function

of1heoperatorcontrol.Thebladetoms when
the engine is running.

• Ycor lawnrnoweris eduipped w#h an

operatorpresencecontrolbar which
requirestheoperatorto be positioned

behindthe lawnmower handle to startand

oper_ethelawn mows'.

GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS

Your lawn mower provides multiple
speeds to let you select the speed that

suitsyou best.

• Lower speeds are for heavy/thick grass
cUttingor trimming.

• Medium speeds are for normal grass

cuttingor trimming.

• High speeds are for light cutting and for

ground transport.

NOTE: Do not move speed controllever
unless the engine is running

Ddve speed
control

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• With engine running, select ground

speed by movingdrive speed control
lever to desired position.

• To start forward motion, pull drive
control bar back against handle.

• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.

IMPORTANT: Always keep drive control
fully engaged against handle when in

use,

_control bar

I

\\ enganged \\ disengaged

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
All four wheels are adjusted by a single

lever.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To
raise mower, move lever forward to

desired position. To lower mower,
move the lever toward the rear.

LowerWheels

for High Cut

J

height adjuster
lever

Raise Wheels

for Low Cut

TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER

1. Liftthe rear door of the lawn mower
and place the grass catcher frame

hooks intothe slots of the rear door.

2. The grass cotcher Is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher
frame.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clippingdeflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear

door removed or propped open.

7

• Grass

_ _Rear door slots

__ catcher

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippingsfrom bag using both
frame handle and beg handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when

emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Bag frame
handle handle

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Mulcher plug must be installed into rear
discharge opening of mower.

• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under guard as shown•

• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be

removed and discharge guard must be
closed.

Open mulcher door

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Open rear door and remove mulcher

plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe
place.

• You can now installthe grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, install mulcher plug into rear
discharge opening of mower.

Mulcher

Discharge

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug removed.

2. Grass catcher instaned.

3. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.
ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear mulcher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

For type and grade of oil to use, see
=ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area

around oil fill is clean.

2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allowoilto settle down into engine
for accurate reading.To read proper level,

tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to

read the dipstick.

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add
oil if needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often

under dusty, dirtyconditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• 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 fuel

freshness.

AWARNING: Expedanca indicates that

alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and

formation of acids dudngstorage. Acidic

gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or

longer. Drainthe gas tank, start the
engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner productsin the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fillto bottomof gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spillor use
gasoline near an open flame.

tiller cap

Engine oilcap

9

TO START ENGINE

. NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present duringthe initialuse of the

product and should be considered
normal.

1. To start a cold engine, push primer
three (3) times before tryingto start.

Use a firm push. This step is not
usually necessary when starting an
engine which has already run for a few

minutes.

2. 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

• To stop engine, release operator

presence controlbar.

NOTE: In cooler weether 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
pdming steps.

MOWlNGTIPS

• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise

the height of cut to reduce pushing

effortand to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass

clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second
time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions, the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.

• 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 catcher off

with water and let dry before using.

• Keep top ofengine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.

This will help engine air flow and

extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWlNGTIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbestpedormanco,keep

rnowerhousingfreeof buiilt-upgrassand
trash.See "CLEANING"in1heMalr_enance
sec_onof thismanual.

• The spedal multi'ring bladewil recutthe
grassdippingsmany _nes aod reduce

theminsizeso Jf_tss theyfal onto the

lawnthey willcrmpemeintothe grassand
nctbe nctissd. Also,tbem_ched grass

wil biodegr'_e claiddyto providenutrients
forthe lawn. Alwaysmalsh wilhyour

highestengi_ (blade)speedas thiswill
providethe best recuffingac_onof the

blades.

• Avoidcordngycorlawnwhanitiswst. Wet

grasstendsto formdurnp_and interferes
withg-_muishingaction. "l]_ebast_'_e to

rnowyourlawn isthe earlyaffemcon. At
thistimethegrasshas driedand the r_vAy

cutarea wil nctbe expoeadto the direct
sun.

• Forbestresults, adjust'_e lawn mower
_ heightsothatthe lawnmower cuts

offonlythetop one-'_irdofthe grass
blades, ffthe lawnb overgroy_ it_gl be

necsssaryto raisetbe heightof cutto
reducepushingoffort andto keap from

overk_dingthe engine and leaving

clumpsofm_x_l grass.Forextremely
heavymldct'klg,radusayourwidthofcut

byoverlappingpreviouslycut pathand
mow dowly.

• Certaintypes of grassand grasscondi6ons
may require that an area be mulsheda

seccod_imetocomp_ hidethe

cippbgs. When doinga secondcut, mow
acrossorperper_oicularto thefirstcutpath.

• _ yourcuttk_ pettem fromweek to
week. Mow northto scothoneweakthen

chengeto east towestthenextweek. This

willhelp preventmarm_gand grainingof
the lawn.

10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE i_.=J3_ ''f

F,LL..O.TES

AS YOU COMPLETE _/_SERVICE DATES
REGULAR SERVICE

-- Check for Loose FaSteners 'V ' ' ' I_

(ItEquipped)

Cioa_nspectGrossCatcher I/'

M CleanLawnMower IF _

0 C_n Unc_rDriveC_er

W (Powet'-Propeiiod Mowers)

=mI Check drivm belt/pulioys

I (power-propelled Mowers I ll_

R I CheCk/Sha rpenR:leplace Blade _2

Lubrication Char

Clean BatteP/R_echar II/ I/4

-- IEiocfoc Star Mowe_

E ICheck Engine Oil Level

N IChange Engine Oil _#t

G Clean Air Filter

| Inspect Muffler

N Clean or Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Fi_terPaper Cadrklge _

1 - Cha_e n_re oitm_"_henopemt _g unde_a heaW I_d o_ In hlgh amblent_u_

4 o Cl_arge48 houm at eald of umo_.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The wanantyon thislawnrnov_r doesnot
coveritemsthathave been subjectedto

opamtorabuseor negigence. To receivefull
valuefromthe warranty,operatormust

maintainrncweras instructedinthismanual.
Some a_ustmects wil need to be made

periodicallytoproperlymaintainyourunit

AI aclustmectsintheSe_ice and A_ust.
me_s secdonof ins manualshouldbe

ched<edat leastonce eachseeson.

• Once a year, replasethe sparkplug,
repleceair l_.erdemect and checkblade

forwear. A new spa_kplugandclsen/new
airfilterelementassureproperair-fuel

mktureand helpyour enginerunbetter
and lastlenger.

• Followthe maintenanceschedulein tNs
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION

Keepunitwsl lubdc_ed (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART').

T,,

LUBRICATION CHART

(_) Engineoil

__ __ __ .j door hinge pin

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) Spray lubricant
(_ See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous
lubricants willattract dust and dirt that
will shorten the life of the self.lubricat-

ing bearings. If you feet they mustbe
lubricated, use only a dry,powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

11

pnng

bracket

Rear

door hinge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER:

DATEOF PURCHASE:
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE:

OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ):

OIL CAPACITY:

;PARKPLUG (GAP: .045")

BLADE BOLTTORQUE:

• The model and sedal numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the

lawn mower housing. Record beth serial number and date of purchase in the specs
provided above.

1.5 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32_F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°FI
20 OUNCES

CHAMPION RJ19LM4
35-40 FT. LBS.

LAWN MOWER
Alwayscbeervesafety mleewhen performing

any maintenance.
"nRES

• Keeptiresfree of gasoline,oil,or insect
controlchemlcalawhichcan harm robber.

• Avoidstumps,stones,dsap ruts,sharp
objectsand otherhazardsthat mayosuse

tire damage.

BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged
blades.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot

come In contact with spark plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housingto prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protectyour hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade belt by tuming counter-

clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard-
ware (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
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Positionthe blade adapter on the
engine crankshaft. Be sure key in
adapter and crankshaft keyway are

aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter

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

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade

(opposite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

4. Install the blade belt with the lock

washer and hardened washer into
blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and

lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade belt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tighteningtorque Is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade belt is grade 8 heat

treated.

Crankshaft

Key-_ keyway

Blade
bolt

washer

Trailing edge Blade adapter

shaft

12

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is

balanced.

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 shaqoeP.edwith a file

or on a gdnding 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

inchof the straight nail exposed. Place

center hole of blade over the head of
the nail If blade is balanced, it should

remain in a horizontal position. If either
end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade is

balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, butmust be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. Ifcatcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-

tursr approved replacement catcher.
Give the lawn mower model number

when ordering.

DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time you

mow to be sure they move freely. The
wheels not tuming freely means trash,
grass cuttings,etc., may be inside the

drive wheel and dust cover area and must
be cleaned out tofree drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels,
check beth rear wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps and Iouknuts.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjuster
axles.

3. Remove any _.rashor grass cuttings
from inside the dustcover, pinionand/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. if you remove the drive pinions, wipe

clean with dry cloth. Reassemble dry.
Do not lubricate. Do not use oil or

grease.

NOTE: The piniongears, on both sides of
the mower, are the same, howover,they
must be installed o0rrectly. If installed

incorrectly,the ddve system will not work.

5. There are arrows embossed on both

sides of the piniongear. With the
arrow at the top of the pinion, the
arrow must point towards the front of

the mower. If the arrow points tothe

rear of the mower, tam the pinion
around, then assemble to mower.

6. Place wheels back on adjuster axles.

7. Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps.
Incorrect

Wave

pinion\

E-rin

Hubca

Cover

Washers

Locknut

ENGINE
LUBRICA'RON

usso_y_ c_=_tydetergentoaretedw_h

API servicedassillca_n SF-SJ. Select
oi's SAE viscositygrade aocordingtoyour

expectedope_ temperature.

NOTE: Althoughmul_-vlscositydis (5W30,

10W30 etc.) improvestarlingin coldwsather,

these rnul_-vlscssRyois _1 rssuRb
incrassedoi _r_Kq_n whan ussdabove

32oE _ youranglne _1lav_ mors

frsc_r_y to ovoidpossibleenginedamage

from _ low on oi.

Changethe oila_er overy 25 hoursof
opera,on or at leastance a year ifthelawn
rnoweris notused for 25 hoursin noeyear.
Check 1he_ oillaval beforestar"ng

the ant;ine aed _tar each_e (5) hoursof

cor_xmususs.T_htanoilplugsecurdy

each ifme you checktheoil level

Dust

13

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

• NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to
drain oil,drain fuel tank by running

engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

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

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown

and drain oilinto a suitable container.
Rock lawn mower back and forth to

remove any oil trapped insideof
engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn

mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil. (See =ADD OIL" in

the Operation sectionof this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

Container

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged byusing a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every 100 hours of
operation or every season, whichever

occursfirst• Service air cleaner more
often under dusty conditions. Do not

wash air fDter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filter by turning
clockwise to the stop and pullaway

from collar.

2. Remove filter from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the

collar to remove any dirt accumula-
tion.

4. Insert new filter into cover•
5, Put air filtercover and filter intocollar

aligningthe tab with the slot.

6. Push in on cover and turn counter-
clockwise to tighten.

Collar

Clip

Turn

:lockwise to

rsmove

Airfilter

Turn

Airfiltercover

clockwise to tighten

cognter-

MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG

Replace spark plugs at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100

hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Spark plug type and gap settingare

shown in "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
in Maintenance section of this manual.

CLEANING
IMPORI_NT: Forbestperbrmance,kBep

rro_verhousingfrae of built-upgrassand
trash. Clean undemideof mower hous_g
aftereachuse.

ACAUTION: Disconnectspark plug wire
from spark plug and place wirewhere it

cannot come in contactwith the spark
plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn
mower by scraping to remove build-up

of grass and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil,etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden

hose to clean lawn mower unlessthe

aioctdcal system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water

out. Water in engine can resultin
shortened engine life.

14