Craftsman 917.378950 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

7.0 Horsepower Power-Propelled

22" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.378950

Espa5o[, p. 19

CAUTION:

Read and follow a[[

Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment

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

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

U.S.A.

Warranty ................................................... 2

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4

Product Specifications .............................. 4

Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 6

Operation ............................................. 7-11

Maintenance Schedule ........................... 12

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.

Maintenance ...................................... 12-15

Service and Adjustments ................... 15-16

Storage .............................................. 16-17

Troubleshooting ................................. 17-18

Repair Parts ....................................... 36-43

Sears Service .......................... Back Cover

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears

Parts & Repair Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is used 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, IL 60179

mMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

&Look for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. &WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot come in con- tact with plug. &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 and lead

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

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. _, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact,

stay away from these areas.

L GENERAL OPERATION

* Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times. Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to oper-

ate the machine. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by blade. Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear. Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards. Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the opera- tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel

surfaces. Do not operate the mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved 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 or unclogging the chute. Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the 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 atcohol or drugs. Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle; walk, never run. Disengage the self-propelled mech-

anism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.

If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operating mower.

H. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fail accidents which can result in severe in-

jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you

feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-

ing could cause slipping.

ill. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. 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 and while walking backwards,

look behind and down for small children.

Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IW SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition. Use only an approved container. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running. Allow engine to cool

before refueling. Never refuel the machine indoors.

Never store the machine or fuel contain-

er where there is an open flame, spark

or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the

ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable

container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

V, GENERAL SERVmCE

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

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

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

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• 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 is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently

check components and 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 servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RC12YC

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur= chase. Your new Craftsman® product is

designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod-

ucts, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and

aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement

now and protect yourseff from unexpected

hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists. Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs. Product replacement if your covered product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 10% from regular price of

service and service=related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10%

off regular price of preventive mainte- nance check.

Fast help by phone = phone support

from a Sears technician on products

requiring in-home repair, plus conve-

nient repair scheduling. Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5

million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your

new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today! Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information call 1o800o827=6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call l oS00=4=MYoHOiVIE®.

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not

shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and

service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

STABILIZER

FOR

,_ GRASS CATCHERS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble

or operate your new lawn mower mMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts

left unassembled for shipping purposes 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 tight-

ness All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts,

etc, necessary to complete the assembly

have been placed in the parts bag

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2 Cut down two end corners of carton

and lay end panel down flat

3 Remove all packing materials except

padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle

4 Roll lawn mower out of carton and

check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts

HOWTO SET UPYOUR MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

mMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables

1 Raise handles until lower handle sec-

tion locks into place in mowing position

2 Remove protective padding, raise up-

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

3 Remove handle padding holding operator

presence control bar to upper handle Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort Refer to "AD-

JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual

Operator presence contro] bar

UFT

Mowing position

Lower handle

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1 Put grass catcher frame into grass bag

with rigid part of bag on the bottom

Make sure the frame handle is outside

of the bag top

2 Slip vinyl bindings over frame

NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold

them in warm water for a few minutes If

bag gets wet, let it dry before using

Catcher frame

handle

Frame

opening

TO mNSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mubher To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize

yourself with the location of various controb and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Drive

control

bar

Handle knob

Starter handle

Grass catcher

Gasoline filler cal

Air filteu

Mulcher door

Wheel adjuster (on each wheel Housing

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Primer

Muffler

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 Com-

mission. 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.

Starter handle - used for starting engine. Muicher door - allows conversion to

discharging or bagging operation.

Drive control bar - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of mower.

Primer- pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

Theoperationof any lawn

SA_ETYGLASSBmowercan resultin foreign

objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always

wear safety glasses or eye shields while

operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recom- mend a standard safety glasses or wide

vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGmNESPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not

adjustable.

ENGmNE ZONE CONTROL

_iI,CAUTmON: 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 requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

DRmVE CONTROL

Self-propelling is controlled by hold- ing the operator presence control bar

down to the handle and pulling the drive control bar up to the handle. The closer

to the handle the bar is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or drive

control bar are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the drive control bar only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowingwithout self-propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage

drive wheels.

To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on the

handle to lift the front wheels off the ground while turning lawn mower.

)resence control bar

Drive

control bar

DRIVE DRIVE

CONTROL CONTROL

ENGAGED DISENGAGED

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resulting in decreased

speed. There is a thumbscrew on the

underside of the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-

ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

2. Rotate thumbscrew counter-clockwise to tighten the drive cable.

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.

4. If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.

NOTE: If mower begins to "creep" forward,

the drive cable is too tight. Rotate thumb- screw clockwise to loosen drive cable.

TO ADJUST CUTTmNG HEmGHT

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels

for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is

best for most lawns.

To change cutting height, squeeze ad-

juster 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.

LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

Plate tab

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mubher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

Open rear door and remove mubher plug. Store mubher plug in a safe place. You can now install the grass catcher or optional clipping deflector. To convert to mulching or discharging

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

Discharge deflector

\ \ \"

Mulcher plug

SIDE DISCHARGING

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

Open mubher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.

Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

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

removed and mulcher door closed.

SIMPLE STEPSTO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear mulcher plug installed.

2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Rear mubher plug removed.

2. Grass catcher installed.

3. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear mutcher plug installed.

2. Discharge deflector installed. I_CAUTmON: Do not run your lawn

mower without mubher plug or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

Open mulcher door

TO EMPTYGRASSCATCHER

1. Lift upongrasscatcherusingthe framehandle.

2. Removegrasscatcherwith clippings fromunderlawnmowerhandle.

3. Emptyclippingsfrombag using both framehandleand baghandle.

NOTE: Do notdrag the bagwhen empty- ing; itwillcause unnecessarywear.

Grass

catcher

frame

handb

Bag handb

BEFORE STARTmNG ENGINE

ADD OraL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

section of this manual. A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with

oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When

changing oil you may need 20 oz.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick. mMPORTANT:

,, Check oil level before each use. Add oil

if needed. Fill to 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, dirty conditions. See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL:' in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual.

ATTACH FUEL CAP CARTRmDGE

Your mower is equipped with a special

FRESH START TMfuel cap and continuous

fuel preserver cartridge. See the infor-

mation and instructions packed with the FRESH STARTTMcartridge.

1. Snap cartridge into bottom of fuel cap. NOTE: Do not remove the silver foil seal

on the side of cartridge that snaps into fuel cap.

2. Grasp the white peel tab and pull to remove the entire seal.

3. Screw fuel cap onto fuel tank after fill- ing tank with gasoline.

Replace cartridge when empty (about

once a season). Check preserver level visually.

A DANGER: Cartridge fluid is HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. Avoid contact

to eyes, skin, or clothing. Do not take

internally. Do not inhale fluid vapor. Keep

out of reach of children. If swallowed, call a physician immediately. ADD GASOUNE * Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.

Do not overfill. 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 fresh-

ness.

A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels

(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) 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. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine oil cap

Primer

Gasoline filler cap

TO STOP ENGINE * To stop engine, release operator pres-

ence control bar.

TO START ENGmNE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the prod- uct and should be considered normal.

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

2. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces- sary 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 attempt-

ing to start and do not repeat priming steps.

MOWmNG 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 clip- pings. It may also be necessary to re- duce 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 cut- ting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the FAST position. Pores in cloth grass catchers can be-

come 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 of engine around starter clear

and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHmNG MOWmNG TIPS mMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of buik-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual.

* The special mulching b{ade 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 recut- ting action of the b{ades.

,, Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.

Wet grass tends to form clumps and

interferes with the mulching action. The

best time to mow your lawn is the early

afternoon. At this time the grass has

dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

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 grass, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and

mow slowly.

Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely

hide the clippings. When doing a sec-

ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.

* Change your cutting pattern from week

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

week. This will help prevent matting and

graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Check for Loose Fasteners

_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires

_ Check Drive Wheels

Clean Lawn Mower ....

M Clean under Drive Cover ***

O Check Drive Belt / Putleys ***

W Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

_ ubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level

E Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter

_ Inspect Muffler

N Replace Spark Plug E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

* (if so equipped)

** Electric-Start mowers

*** Power-Propelled mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures. 2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions, 3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil, 4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

5 - And after each 5 hours of use.

BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE

EACH EACH 10 25HOURS 100

USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE

11_,2

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 unit as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments

described in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

', Check engine oil level. * Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION Keep unit well lubricated

(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

door hinge

{1} Rear door

{1} Handle bracket mounting pins

Spray lubricant

See '"ENGINE'" in IVlaintenance section.

mlVIPORTANT: 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 adry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

Wheel

Mulcher

hinge

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TmRES * Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber.

* Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

DRmVE 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, be

sure to clean both front wheels.

1. Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts & washers.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings from inside the dust cover, pinion and/ or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. Put wheels back in place. NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.

BLADE CARE For best results, blade must be kept sharp.

Replace a bent or damaged blade.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with 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 housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt. NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade & attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer & hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

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

2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

4. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. Ibs.

mMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

Blade adapter.

Crankshaft

Key

Lockwasher

Blade '

Blade Crank

bolt \

Harden_

washer

/ \ shaft

Trailing edge Blade adapter

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade

is balanced.

Care should be taken to keep the blade bal- anced.An unbalanced blade will cause even-

tual damage to lawn mower or engine.

The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

* To check blade balance, drive a nail into

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. 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 heaw end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER * The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

* Check your grass catcher often for dam-

age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts

section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

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 Elf Mul-

tis EP00. Do not substitute.

keyway

LUBRmCATmON

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with

API service classification SG-SL. Select the

oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your

expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

-io -2; -1; ; 1; _o _o 4;

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

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°R 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 op-

eration orat least once a year if the mower

is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty 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 plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container.

Rock lawn mower back and forth to re- move any oil trapped inside of engine.

6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a

minute to allow oil to settle.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level

settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the

muffler on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug. AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, which-

ever occurs first. Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions.

1. Loosen screws and remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur- face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

_kCAUTION: 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 or dry

cartridge.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

Cover

Base

Container

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.

MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100

hours of operation, whichever occurs

first. Spark plug type and gap setting

are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-

ATIONS" section of this manual.

+ 30 hidden pages