Craftsman 917379810 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN'I

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" MULTI-CUT

POWER PROPELLED

ROTARYLAWN MOWER

Model No.
917,379810

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with California and U.S. EPA emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
include the following emission _ systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way

Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).
AVlSO: Los motores homologados para cumplir coo la rnglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de

Califomla y de la Agancla de Proteccibn Ambiantal estadounidanse (EPA) pars equipos
peque_os no circulantss (SORE) funcionan con gasoline normal sin plomo, e incluyan los
siguientes sistemss de control de emisiones: medificaci6n del mot_" (EM) y catalizador de triple
acck_n (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of
your engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To

find the/ife period specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter pdnted on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.
La celcomanla D.O.M. inc_uyeespecilicaciones sobre la dumc_n del motor pars el periodo de

vida dtil de su molor relaccionado con emisionss. Este perfodo se relaciona con la duracidn en

conformidad son las emisiones segOn Io corth_cadopor EPA/CARB. Para hallar la especificacion
del perlodo de vida de su motor, mire cudlde las sigulantss lelrss vlene impresa en su

cstsomanla D.O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.

CAUTION:

Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

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

Visit our Craftsman websife: www.sears.com/craflsman

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

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 instructionsin
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in matarial or workman-
ship.

Ifthis 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
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.

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

Sears Service Canter/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product isin use inthe United States.

This Warranty gives you specific legal dghts,and you may also have other dghts wNch

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

throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould resultin

seriousinjury 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 puthands or feet near or under

rotatingpads. Keep clear of the
dischargeopening 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 is clear of uther

people before mowing. Stop machine if
anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or weedng 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.

• Do not operate the mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protectivedevices in

place.

• See manufacturer's instructionsfor
proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessoltes

2

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 or uncloggingthe chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait

untilthe blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylightor good artificial

light.

• Do not operate the machine while

under the Influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate rnachlne in wet grass.
Always be sure of yourfooting: keep a

firm hold on the handle and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the sell.propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine

(motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormaify, stopthe engine (motor)
and check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields v_nen

operating mower. ,

II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor 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. Exemise 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 tdm near drop--offs, ditches or

embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.

• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing cou(d cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is cot alert to the presence of children.
Children are o1_enattracted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never
assume that children will remain where

you last sawthem.

• 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

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 or fuel

container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.

• 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 acciden-
tal starting.

• Keep nuts and belts, especially blade
attachment boils, tight and keep

equipment In good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices.

Check their proper operation regblady.

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

spillage. Allow machine to cool before

storing.

* Stop and inspect the equipment if you

stdke en object. Repair, if necessary,

before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.

3

• 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 servicingthem.

• Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeod the engine.

_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents,and certain vehicle compo-

nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of Californiato cause cancer

and birth defects or other reproductive

harm.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead sod lead
compounds,chemicals known to the State

of Californiato cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductiveharm. Wash

hands after handling.

ALook for this symbol to point out

importantsafety precautions. It means
CAUTIONZII BECOME ALERTlll YOUR

SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot dudng

operationand remain hot after engine has
stopped. To avoid severe burns on
contact, stay away from these areas.

_, WARNING: In orderto preventacci-

dental startingwhen setting up, transport-
ing, adjustingor making repairs, always

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

Thaseaccessories were avzulablewhsothislawnmowerwas produc_L 1'hey are not
stripped with your mower. They am alsoavaiableat mcatSearsretailoutlstsand serviea

centers. MostSearsstoreacan alsoon:lerrepairpartsfor y_J, whan youprevidethe rnodei
numberct yourlswnrncwer. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplytoyourlawnmower.

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 entiretybefore you attempt to
assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.

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

Your new lawn mower has been as- Operator
sembled at the factory with the exception con_'olbar

of those parts left unassembled for

shippingpurposes. All parts such as nuts,

washers, belts, etc., necessary to corn- LiftUl

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 correcttools

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 of carton
and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

handle and padding holding operator Sq
presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower outof carton and 3-Position
check carton thorouglyfor additional handle

loose parts, bracket

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN

MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE

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

1. Raise lower handle section to
operating position and squeeze the

hoftom ends of lower handle towards
each other untilthe pin in handle can

be inserted into one ofthe 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 material from

around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to Service and

Adjustments section of this manuel.

TO INSTALL ATrACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher.To convert to
bagging or discharging, see '3"0 CON-

VERT MOWER" in the Operation section

of this manual.

Mowing
position

Lower handle

pin

/

5

KNOWYOUR LAWNMOWER

READTHIS OWNERS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN
MOWER. Comparethe ilustratanswithyourlawn mowerto familarizeyoums_withthe

Ioc_ian ofvadous(x_nlrdsand a_ustmants. Save thismanuslfor futurereference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn moweror in literaturesuppled withthe product.

Learnand understand _ meaning.

CAU]ION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER,KEEP HANDS

ORWARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

_peed control lever

zone contrd cable

Drive cover

Gasoline filler cap

Single

Airtilter

.Pdmer

Mulcherplug Mulcher

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
withoutoil or _lasoline in the engine. Housing

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotarywalk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Amedcan National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety 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 angJne.

Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetorto the cylinderfor use when

starting a coldengine.
Starter handle - used for startingthe

engine.
Drive control bar - used to engage

power-pmpeUed foward motion of lawn

mower.

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

lawn mower.
Single point height adjuster- used to
adjust cuttingheight of lawn mower.

Muleher door - allows conversion to
discharging or bagging operation.

Mulcher plug - Located atthe rear
discharge opening must be removed

when converting to bagging operation.

6

Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign

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 recommend a wide vision safety mask

over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.

HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED

"13_angine speedwassst at thefactoryfor

opt_numbarformonse.Speedisnnt

adjustable.

ENGINEZONE CONTROL

&CAU'nON: Federal re_JlstJnns.mguirsan

engine ccr_rulto be _ on 1his_w,'n

mowerin orderto minirn_etheriskof blade
contactinjury.Donot underany

circumstancesattemptto defeatthefu_
ofthe operatorcontrol"[heblada turnswhen

the engine isrunning.

• Your lawnmower is equipped with an

operatorpressnsecontrolbar whidn
requirestheoperatorto be pusiE_ed
behind the lawnmower handleto stadand

operatethe lawn mower.

GROUND DRIVE SPEEDS
Your lawn mower provides multiple

speeds to let you select the speed that
surfsyou hast.

• Lower speeds are for heevy/thick grass
cuttingor trimming.

• Medium speeds are for normal grass

cuttingor trimming.

• High speeds are for light cutting andfor

ground transport.

NOTE: Do not move speed control lever
unless the engine Is running

Dnve speed
control

TO OPERATE DRIVE SYSTEM

• With engine running, select ground

speed by moving drive speed control
lever to desired position.

• To start forward motion, pullddve

control bar hack against handle.

• To stop forward motion, release drive
control bar.

IMPORTANT: Always keep ddve control

fully engaged against handle when in

use,

Ope_rator_ controlbar

I Drivecontrol

TO ADJUST CUTFING 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.

Lower Wheels
for High Cut

/

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 slotsof the rear door.

2. The grass catcher is secured to the

lawn mower housing when the rear

door is lowered onto the grass catcher
frame.

A,CAUTION: Do not run yourlawn 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.

7

Grass

catcher

Catcher frame hook

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 clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not dragthe bag when
emptying; it willcause unnecessary wear.

Grass

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Mulcher plug mustbe 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.

4ulcher door

Open mulcher door

•Bag h_dle
handle

frame

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulchar. To convertto
bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plug. Store mulcher plug in s safe

place.

• You can now installthe grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, install mulcher plug into rear

discharge opening of mower,

Muncher

Discha_Je
deflector _.

8

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 rnulcher plug removed.

2. Grass catcher installed.

3. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear rnulcher plug installed.

2. Side discharge deflector installed.

a_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

withoutrear mulcher plug in place or
approved grass catcher in place.

Never attempt to operate the lawn mower

with the rear door removed or prepped

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 oilto 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 fillto the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.
Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,

tightenengine oil cap, then remove itto
read the dipstick.
3, Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• Check oil level before each use. Add

oil if needed. Fill tofull line on dipstick.

• Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operationor each season. You may
need to change the oil more often

under dusty,dirty conditions.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoitne with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mixoil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be

used within30 days to assure fuel

freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicates that
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids dudng 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 gas tank, start the

engine and let it run untilthe fuel lines

and carburetor areempty. Usefresh fuel

nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel

tank or permanent damage may occur.

A CAUTION: Fillto bottom of 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 oil cap

TO START ENGINE

• NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present dudng the initial use of the

productand 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.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat pdming steps. In

warmer weather over pdming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. Ifyou do

floodengine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat

priming steps.

MOWINGTIPS

• 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 ovedoading 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 usa
and catchers willcollect 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.

MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbest performance,keep

mower hoasingfreeof belt.up grassand

trash. See "CLEANING" inthe Maintenance

saclJonofINs manual.

• The specialmalching bladewin recutthe

grassd_ol_ngsmany timesand reduce

themin sizeso1hatasthey fallanto the
lawnthey wigcispersaintothe grassand

nofbe n_iced. Also,themtL_rN_dgrass
will blodegradequicklyto providenutrients

f_ the lawn. Alwaysmuld_withyour

highestengine(Uabe)speedasthiswm

prov_ thebestrecurdngac_ ofthe
blades.

• Aveidcul_ngyourlawnwhenitlawst. Wet

grasstendsto formdumps andinterferes
withthe mulchingaction.The bestlirne to
rr_w your lawnis the early aftemcon. At

thistimethegrass hasdrlad andthe newly

cutarea wil nctbe expessdto thedirect

San.

• Forbestresults, adjustthe lawn mower
cuttingbeightsothat thelawn mowercuts

offonlythetop one-thirdof the grass
blades. Ifthe lawn isovergrownitwil be

necessaryto ralae1beheightofcutto
reducepushi_ effortandto keepfrom

overloadingthee_ine andleaving

c_rnps of mulchedgrass.For extremely
heavymt_Nng, reduceyourwidthof cut

byoverlapping previously cut path
rnmvs_owly.

• Certain typss of grassand grasscondi_ons

may requiretl'_:|tan area be mulcheda

secondtlmatocomp_ely hidethe

clippings.When doinga ssoond out, mow
across orpeq_endct_artothe fi_stcutpath.

• Change your cut_ngpattemfrom weekto
week. Mow northtosouthcoe waskthan

dnangeto sast towest the nextwssk. This
vallhelp preset mailing and grainingof

the lawn.

' "i Max1/3

10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES

CheCkfor LoOse FaSteners I1_ I_

Clean4nspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) I,,/ _ 1'_

Clean Lawn Mower
Clean Under Drive Cover

(Power-Propelted Mowers) I//
Check ddve beW Ileys

IPower.Propell_owersi fl_
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade t#/3

Lubrication C_lad _ _pS
Clean Battety/Recha

IEleCtric Start Mow_sr_ I_ lt_4

Check Engine Og Level _/

!Chan_le Engine Oil _!,2

Clean Air Filter Ii/ 2

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug ll/
_leplace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 11_2

v'

Tha warrar_ on thislawn mower does nct
coveritemsthat havebeen subjectedto
operator_ ornegigence. To receivefull

valuefrom thewarranty,operatormust
maintainnx_weras iastrudedinthismanual.

Some a_ustmeets wil needto be made
periodicallyto properlymaintainyourunit.

AI acquslmeetsInthe Service andA_ust-

merits sec',iono_tfis manuelshouldbe

checkedst least onceeedn season.

_ _ _ door hinge pin

• Once a year, replecethe spa_kplug,

replaceair filterelementand check blade
forwear. A new sperkiolugand _

air filterelementassureproperair-fuel
_re and halp yourenginemn bstter

and lastlonger.

• Followthe maintenancescheduleInthis
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICA11ON
Keep unitwell lubdcated(See "LUBRICA-

TION CHAR"r).

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

_) Spray lubdcant

See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous

lubricantswill attract dust and dirt that
willshorten the life ofthe self-lubricat-

ing beedngs. If you feel they must be

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

11

;pdng

bracket

Rear

door hinge

3RODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

;ERIAL NUMBER:

DATEOF PURCHASE:

SASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS (UNLEADED REGULAR)
DILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F

)IL CAPACITY: 20 OUNCES

SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RJ19LM4
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

, 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 space
provided above.

LAWNMOWER

Alwaysobservesafetymisswhenperforming
anymaintenance.

"nRES

• Keeptiresfreeofgasoline,oil,orinsect

controlchemicalswhichcanharmrubber.

• Avoidstumps,stones,dsaprids,sharp
objectsandotherhazardsthatmaycause

tiredamage.

BLADE CARE
Forbest results,mowerblademustbe

keptsharp. Replacebentordamaged
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

tuming when removing blade bolt.

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

4. Remove blade belt by turning counter-
clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard-
ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened

washer).

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
chec_ the key inside hub of blade adapter.

The key must be in good conditionto work
properly. Replace adapter ff damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the 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. Installthe 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 tightening torque is

35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

Crankshaft

Key_ / keyway

Blade
bolt shaft

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

12

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but ifyou 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 sharpened with 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, if should

remain in a horizontal potion. If either
end of the blade moves downward,

sharpen the heavy end until the blade is
balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The gross 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 willwear. If catcher needs

replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.
Give the lawn mower model number

when ordedng.

DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time you

mow to be sure they move freely. The
wheels notturningfreely means trash,

grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the
drive wheel and dust cover area and must
be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

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

1. Remove hubcaps and Iocknots.

2. Remove wheels from wheel adjuster

axles.

3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings

from inside the dust cover, pinion and/

or drive wheel gear teeth.

4. If you remove the drive pinions, wipe

clean with dry cloth. Reassemble dry.
Do notlubricate. Do not use oilor

grease.

NOTE: The piniongears, on both sides of

the mower, are the same, however, they

must be installed correctly. If installed
incorrectly,the ddve system will not work.

5. There are arrows embossed on both
sides of the pinion gear. With the

arrow at the top of the pinion, the
arrow must point towardsthe front of

the mower. If the arrow pointsto the

rear of the mower, turnthe pinion

around, then assemble to mower.

6. Place wheels back on adjuster axles.

7. Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps.

Incorrect

Wave

Washer

Pinion

E-itng,

cover

Washers

Dust

Locknut

ENGINE
LUBRICA'nON

UseonlyNgh_ detergentoilratedwith
APIservineclassificationSF.SJ.Selectthe

oil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtoyour
expectedoperatingtemperature.

'F ._ O. 3_ _- 4_ SO. e6- IOG-

TBaPEI_RE _G E ANTICIPATED MFOI_ N_CT OL CHANOE I

NOTE: Althoughmul_.viscssifyoils15W30,

10W30 etc.) improvestar_g in coldweather,

these multi-viscssifyois wil rasult in
increasedollconsu_oUnowhen usedabove

32°E Checkyourengine nillavelmore

fre_uanUytoevoUpo_Ueen_nedemage

fromronninglowon oi.
Changethe oil afterevery25 houraof

operationor at leastoncea yeerifthe lawn
mowerls notussdfor25 hoursin or,e yeer.

Checkthe crankcasenillevel beforestarling
the angine aml aftereechfive (5)hoursof

cor_nuo_use.T_i_tennilplugsecurely

each ifma you cbeck1henil levbl.

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 wlra where it cannot

come in contactwkh spark plug.

2. Remove engine oil cop; 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
remove any oil trapped inside of

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 section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark

plug.

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filler.

Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever
occurs first, Service air cleaner more

often under dusty conditions. Do not
wash air f_er.

TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

1. Remove the air filler by turning

clockwise to the stop and pull away
from collar.

2. Remove filler from inside of cover.

3. Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt accumula-

tion.

4. Insert new filler into cover.

5. Put air filler cover and filler into collar

aligning the tab with the slot.

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

Collar

CUp

Turn

:lockwise to

remove

Slot

Airfilter

Turn

Air filter cover

clockwise to tighten

counter-

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 setting are

shown in =PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS"
in Maintenance section ofthis manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: Forbestperformance, keep
mower housingfree of built-upgrsssand

trash. Clean undersideofmower housing

_ter eachuse.
A,CAUTION: Disconnect spark plugwire

from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with 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 dogged 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 unless the

elactdcal system, muffler, air fitterand
carburetor are covered to keep water

out. Water in engine con result in
shortened engine life.

14