Craftsman 917379300 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN+
6.6 HORSEPOWE
22" EAR DISCHARGE
POWER P LED
ROTARY LAW MOW
Model No.
917.379300
o Safety
o Assembly
o Operation
° Maintenance
° Espahol
• 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 11
Safety Ru_es 2 Service and Adjustments 14
Assembly 4 Storage !5
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 16
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 33
Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering BackCover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,
lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the
owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship.
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty
applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-
shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual
Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest
sears service center/department in the united states. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the united states°
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
-_1
TRAINING:
° Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower
properly, Learn how to quickly stop
mower.
° Do not allow children to use your mower,
Never allow adults to use mower without
proper instructions,
° Keep the area of operation clear of all
persons, especially small children and
pets.
• Use mower only as the manufacturer
intended and as described in this manual,
o Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before
using your mower,
° Do not use accessory attachments that
are not recommended by the manufac-
turer, Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.
o The blade turns when the engine is
running°
PREPARATION"
° Always thoroughly check the area to be
mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects°
These objects ,Mtl be thrown by the blade
and can cause severe injury.
° Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields when starting and while using
your mower.
° Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing°
o Check fuel tank before starting engine.
Do not fill gas tank indoors,when the
engine is running or when the engine is
hot.Allowthe enginetocoolforseveral
minutesbeforefillingthe gastank.Clean
offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe
engine.
Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments
beforestartingyourmower.Never
attemptto dothiswhilethe engineis
running.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificial
lighL
OPERATION:
o Keepyoureyesandmindonyourmower
andtheareabeingcut.Do not let other
interests distract yOUo
• 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 walko
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 repairing
your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped° Then disconnect the
spark plug wire and keep it away from the
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Do not continue to run your mower if you
hit a foreign object. Follow the procedure
outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you
mower.
• Do not change the governor settings or
overspeed the engine. Engine damage or
personal injury may result.
° Do not operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an
indication of damage; stop the engine,
safely check for the cause of vibration
and repair as required.
° Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.
, Never cut grass by pulling the mower
towards you. Mow across the face of
slopes, never up and down or you might
lose your footing° Do not mow exces-
sively steep slopes. Use caution when
operating the mower on uneven terrain or
when changing directions- maintain
good footing_
o 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.
o Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
o Keep all safety devices in place and
working.
o To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
• Check grass catcher often for deteriora-
tion and wear and replace worn bags.
Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
mower.
° Always keep a sharp blade on your
mower.
o Allow engine to cool before storing in any
enclosu re.
o Never store mower with fuel in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach
an open flame or an ignition source such
as a hot water heater, space heater,
clothes dryer, etc.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
3
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available
at most Sears retail outlets and service centers, Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for
you, when you provide the model nurrber of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may
not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
t _f 4_\
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
MULCHER KITS
_J_
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
II .......... :........
MUFFLERS
BELTS I
SLADES
_l GRASS CATCHERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is
capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the
following safety instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
Safety standards require operator pres-
ence controls to minimize the risk of injury.
Your unit is equipped with such controls.
Do not attempt to defeat the function of the
operator presence controls under any
circumstances°
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower. Your new
lawn mower has been assembled at the
factory with the exception of those parts left
unassembled for shipping purposes. All
parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,
necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag. To ensure
safe and proper operation of your lawn
mower, all parts and hardware you as-
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
AIR FILTERS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
semble must be tightened securely. Use the
correct tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness,
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
Remove loose parts included with
mower
Cut down two end corners of carton
and lay end panel down flat.
Remove allpacking materials except
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.
Roll lawn mower out of carton and
checkcarton thoroughlyforadditional
loose parts.
4
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so
as not to 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
handles and tighten both handle knobs.
° Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
o Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer
to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and
Adjustment section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
Upper handle
Lift up
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
"Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
o You can now install catcher or optional
clipping deflector.
o To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plug into discharge opening of
mower.
Mulcher plug
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plug in place or approved
clipping deflector or grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
Lower
handle
Mowing
position
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDSAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATINGYOURLAWN
MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location
......of ratio,us controls 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 ENGrNE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Enginezone control cabl_ Operatorpresence control bar
_"--... Drivecontrol lever
knob
Grass
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Ddve cover
Mulcher
Gasoline filler cap
Engine speed control
Primer
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel) ...........................................
Lawn mower housing
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American
National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade
turns when the enqine is runninq,
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be
held down to the handle to start the engine.
Release to stop the engine,
Primer- pumps additional fue!from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine,
Sarter Handle - used for starting the engine.
Drive Control Lever-- used to engage
power-propelled forward motion of lawn
mower,
Engine Speed Control - located on the
side of the engine which allows you to
select either fast or stow engine speed,
Muicher Plug - located at the discharge
opening must be removed when convert-,
ing to bagging or discharging operation°
6
Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultin
foreignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan
resultinsevereeyedamage.Alwayswear
safetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating
yourlawnmowerorperforminganyadjust-
mentsorrepairs°Werecommendawide
visionsafetymaskoverthespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasses.
HOW TO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINESPEEDCONTROL
Theenginespeediscontrolledby alever
locatedonthesideoftheengine.Fast
positionisforstartingthe engine,normal
cutting,andbettergrassbagging,Slow
positionisforlightcutting,trimmingandfuel
economy.
ENGINEZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federalregulationsrequire
an enginecontrolto be installedonthis
lawn mowerin orderto minimizethe risk
of bladecontact 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.
TO ATTACH GRASS CATCHER
o Close the flip lid. Fliplid must be closed
while operating lawn mower.
° Liftthe rear door on the mower housing and
ptace the grass catcher frame onto the
formed tabs onthe rear door hinge bracket.
° The grass catcher is secured to the lawn
mower housing when the rear door is
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without clipping deflector or approved grass
catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the
lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.
Hinge door
bracket Grass catcher
Formed
tabs
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
, To remove grass catcher, release operator
presence control bar to stop engine.
• Lift up rear door and remove the grass
catcher by the handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying;
it wellcause unnecessary wear_
Primer
TO ADJUST cU'rl'ING HEIGHT
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suityour require-
ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.
° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster
lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down
to suit your requirements. Be sure allwheels
are inthe same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, g-
position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LowerWheels for High Cut P_
Raise Wheels b_'_ __ Lever
for Low Out _-_
DRIVE CONTROL
° Self-propelling is controlled by holding the
operator presence control bar down to the
handle and pushing the drivecontrol lever
forward until itclicks; 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.
Operatorpresence Drive
controlbarX_\_.._'_ _ ,,\. /=, #ontrol
To engage disengaged
drive control
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower is shipped without oilin the
engine,
o Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is cleam
° Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the full line on the dipstick.
• Use 27 ozs. of oil. Fortype and grade of oil
to use, see "ENGINE in Customer
Responsibilities section ofthis manual.
• Pour oil slowly. Do not overfill.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oilif
needed. Fit!to full line on dipstick.
o To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time.
• Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
o Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oil more often under dusty,
dirt':/conditions.
GAS
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.
WARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic
gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage° To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the engine
and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage Instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or carbure-
tor cleaner products in fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push pdmer f'rce(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.
• Push engine speed control lever to fast
position.
o Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
° To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: Incooler weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not starL Ifyou doflood engine, wait a few
minutes before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps. Engine oil cap
Gasoline w/dipstick
filler cap
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 clippings.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cutand raisethe rear of the lawn
mower housing one (1) wheel adjuster
setting higher than the front for better
discharge of grass.
• For better grass bagging and most cutting
conditions, the engine speed should be set
in the fast position.
° When using a rear discharge lawn mower in
moist, hea,,rygrass, clumps of cut grass
may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce
ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run
the lawn mower over the area a second
time.
° If a trail of grass clippings is left onthe right
side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow
in a clockwise direction with asmall overlap
to collect the clippings onthe next pass.
° Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will
help engine airflow and extend engine life.
, Poresinclothgrasscatcherscanbecome
filledwithdirtanddustwithuseand
catcherswillcollectlessgrass.Toprevent
this,regularlyhosecatchersoffyahwater
andletdrybeforeusing°
MULCHINGMOWINGTIPS
iMPORTANT." For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and trash.
Clean UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING
after each use. See "Cleaning" in CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES section ofthis manual.
o The special mulching blade will recut the
grass clippings many times and reduce
them in sizeso that as they fall onto the
lawnthey will disperse intothe 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 asthis will provide the
best recutting action of the blades°
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet° ',Net
grass tends to form clumps and interferes
with the mulching action° The best time to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon, At this
time the grass has dried and the newly cut
area will not be exposed to the direct sun.
o For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one4hird of the grass blades.
If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary
to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and
raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front.
o Certain types of grass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clipping& When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
o Change your cutting pattern from week to
week_ Mow north to south one weekthen
change to east to west the next week. This
will help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
MAX 1/3
9
Checktor Loose Fasteners V' ........... 6/
....Clean/inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) _ _ V _
M Clear_ Lawn M0"_,_'er ...................'.......... _ .......... _.._,f
L/_r clean Under Drive Cover(Power.PropeIred Mowers) .......
Check drive belt/pulleys
RE (pp,we,pprope!ledMowers)
C,hecldSh,a,rpenlRepiace Blade _ 3
Lubrication Oha" : _:. .... :...........: .........V .................:_
Cje_.n BatterylRechar! le................
(Electric Start Mowers ................. V' ...lif4
E Check Engine Oil Level.......... I_
N Change..Engine OII ..............I _'1,2 .........
G Clean Air Filter : : I_
I inspect MUffler ...........................
U Clean 0r Replace Spark Pl.u.g......
E Replace Air R]te_Paper Cartridge V'2
I - Change more, oft4_'_w_n opera,rig L_ndor _ h_vy load or in high _mt_ont t_mp_r_ttur_
2.,Sawl¢o moro orlonwhonoporatlngIndtty ordustycondiUor_
3 ,,Roprac_bl_d_,smore oftgnwhan mowlng Inr_,andyr,oI[
4 .- Charge, 48 houm _t ond of soason
GEN ERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not
1_) Wheel
LUBRICATION CHART
ad
cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive full
value from the warrant,/, 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 ayear, 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 (_ Rear
helps your engine run better and last longer, door
• Follow the maintenance schedule in this hinge
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
- Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit welt lubricated (See"LUBRICATION
CHART").
1_ SPRAY LUBRICANT
I'_ SAE 30 MOTOR OIL. REFER TO
ENGINE- CUSTOMER
RESPONSlBIUTIES SECTION.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants wil!attract
dustand dirtthat will shorten the lifeof the self
lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite
type lubricant sparingly.
.J
! I I
(_) Engine oil
(_ Handle bracket
mounting pin
t 0
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER 917.379300
SERIAL NUMBER
DATE OF PURCHASE
HORSEPOWER: 6.6
DISPLACEMENT: 12.56 CU. IN.
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: '1_5QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL TYPE (API-SF/SGiSH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 27 OZ&
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030") CHAMPION RJ19LM
VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: .004 - ,008
SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.
BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing_Record both serial number and date of purchase in space
provided above.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance°
TIRES
• 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.
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 "wirewhere it cannot come in
contact with spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on itsside, Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up.
• Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap
blade with heavy cloth.
° Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
• Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
checkthe key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged_
TO REPLACE BLADE
• Position the blade adapter on the engine
crankshaft° Be sure key in adapter and
keyway in crankshaft are aligned°
o Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with
the raised lugs on the adapter.
° Be sure the trailing edge is up toward the
engine.
° Install the blade bott with the lock washer
and hardened washer into blade adapter
and crankshaft.
° Use block of wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the blade
bolt, turning clockwise°
° The recommended tightening torque is 35-
40 ft. Ib&
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
clockwise. Use a 9/16" box oropen-end
wrench.
11
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade wiltcause
eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.
o 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 ofthe
straight nail exposed. Place center hole of
blade over the head of the nail. Ifblade is
balanced, itshould remain in a horizontal
position, tf either end ofthe blade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end untilthe
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 damage
or deterioration. Through normal use it will
wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace
only v,4tha manufacturer approved
replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
Blade Crank shaft
adaptor _.. _ k_ _,way
Blade,., Key_____ _..., _ _
BLockwas/her H_ard;ned \" "_Blade Cl_a_tk
washer Trailing adaptor
edge
GRASS CATCHER
. The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used°
° Check your grass catcher often for
damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.
Give the lawn mower model number
when ordering.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely_
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etcoare 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.
o Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
o 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
o 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 oil rated
with API service classification SF, SH or
SG. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE vlsc:osrP[ GRADES
[
•F_--' :_0' I o" ' ,_o" 60. _{); i06;
TEMPERATURE: RANSE ANTICIPATED B_FORE 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°F_ Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid
possible engine damage from running low
on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of opera-
tion or at least once a year if the lawn mower
is not used for 25 hours in one year,
12
Checkthe crankcaseoillevelbefore
startingthe engineandaftereach 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 until
fuel tank is empty.
o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with spark plug.
o Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a
clean surface,
• Tip lawn mower on its side and drain oil
into a suitable container, Rock lawn
mower back and forth to remove any oil
trapped inside of engine.
• Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
and on side of engine.
o Fill engine with oil, Fil! only to the "FULL"
line on the dipstick, DO NOT OVER
FILL,
- Replace engine oil cap,
° Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
Container
AIR RLTER
Your enginewill not runproperly andmay be
damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the airfilter even/year, more often
ifyou mow invery dusty, dirtyconditions. Do
not wash air filter.
TO CHANGEAIR FILTER
• Loosen cover screw.
• Swing cover down and remove from hinge.
o Pull paper filter out of air 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 screw,
(Do not overtighten).
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 underside of mower housing after
each use.
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug and place ,Mre where it cannot
come in contact with the spark plug.
° Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air
filter and carburetor are up. Clean the
underside of your lawn mower by scraping
to remove build--up of grass and trash.
o Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter
and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of
all gasoline, oil, etc.
o We DO NOT recommend using a garden
hose to clean lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter and
carburetor are covered to keep water out.
Water in engine can resutt 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 drive cover,
Hinge
Paper filter
Airfilter cover
Cover
knob
13
CAUTION: Before performing any
service or adjustments:
° Release control bar.
° Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stoppe&
• Disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug and place where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in
the Operation section of this manual.
REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the
rear wheels of your lawn mower, is
provided to minimize the possibility that
objects will be thrown out the rear of the
lawn mower into the operator's mowing
position.
If the rear deflector becomes damaged, it
should be replaced°
TO REMOVE/REPLACE DRIVE BELT
o Remove drive cover. Remove belt by
pushing down on gear case pulley and
rolling belt off it.
° Turn lawn mower on its side with
carburetor and fuel cap up.
o Remove blade.
, Remove debris shield.
o Remove belt from engine pulley on
crankshaft°
, Install new belt by reversing above
steps.
° Always use factory approved belt to
assure fit and long life.
Drive
cover
o Remove the controls and operator
presence control bar from the upper
handle.
• Remove hairpin cotters.
° Disconnect the lower handle from the
handle brackets,
o Turn the handle over and reassemble
the hairpin cotters that have been
removed.
• Reassemble the controls and the
operator presence control bar to the
upper handle.
CAUTION: The operator presence control
bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake
engagement when control bar is released.
Do not over tighten the fasteners holding
the controls to the upper handle°
o To change from medium low to high
position only the upper handle section
will have to be turned over.
o To change from medium low to low
position, only the lower handle section
will have to be turned over.
Medium Low
Medium High
Shipping Position
Low
High
Belt Push
down
TO ADJUST HANDLE
"{our lawn mower handle can be raised or
lowered for your mowing comfort. Four (4)
positions are available: high, medium high,
medium tow and low. Handles are shipped
mounted in the medium low position.
, To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower
handle sections will have to be turned
over.
= Remove the cable clips.
Lower Handle
Squeeze to
remove
Handle
Bracket
Hairpin Clip
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