Craftsman 917.385123 User Manual
Owner's Manual
(RRFTSMRN°
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
550 Series B&S Engine
22" Side Discharge
Model No
917.385123
• EspaSol, p 17
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
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 ............................................. 7-10
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 10
Maintenance ...................................... 10-13
Service and Adjustments ................... 13-14
Storage .............................................. 14-15
Troubleshooting ................................. 15-16
Repair Parts ....................................... 32-37
Sears Service .......................... Back Cover
2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN LAWN MOWER
If this Craftsman Lawn Mower fails due to manufacturer defects in material or
workmanship within two years from the date of purchase, return it to any Sears store,
Parts & Repair Center or other Craftsman outlet for free repair (or replacement if repair
proves impossible).
This warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase if this Lawn Mower is
ever used for commercial or rental purposes.
This warranty does not cover:
• Expendable items that 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
crackshafts and the failure to assemble, operate or maintain this Lawn Mower
according to all supplied product instructions.
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., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
IMPORTANT: 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 impor-
tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONH! BECOME ALERTN!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_i, 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 contact
with plug.
&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle components
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.
I. 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 alcohol 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.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall 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.
III. 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.
IV. 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.
• Neverfill containersinsidea vehicle,on
atruckortrailerbedwitha plasticliner.
Alwaysplacecontainerson theground
awayfromyourvehiclebeforefilling.
• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom
thetruckortrailerandrefuelitonthe
ground. Ifthis isnotpossible,then
refuelsuchequipmentwith a portable
container,ratherthanfromagasoline
dispensernozzle.
• Keepthenozzlein contactwiththe rim
ofthe fueltankor containeropeningat
alltimes untilfueling iscomplete. Do
notusea nozzlelock-opendevice.
• Iffuel isspilledonclothing,change
clothingimmediately.
• Neveroverfillfuel tank. Replacegas
capandtightensecurely.
V. GENERAL SERVICE
• Neverruna machineinsidea closed
area.
• Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairswith
theengine(motor)running.Disconnect
thesparkplugwire,and keepthewire
awayfromthe plugto preventaccidental
starting.
• Keepnutsandbolts,especiallyblade
attachmentbolts,tight andkeepequip-
mentin goodcondition.
• Nevertamperwithsafetydevices.Check
theirproperoperationregularly.
• Keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanoil orfuel
spillage.Allowmachineto coolbefore
storing.
• Stopandinspecttheequipmentifyou
strikean object.Repair,if necessary,
beforerestarting.
• Neverattemptto makewheelheight
adjustmentswhiletheengineis running.
• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject
towear,damage,anddeterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectstobe thrown.Frequently
checkcomponentsand replacewith
manufacturer'srecommendedparts,
whennecessary.
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcancut.
Wrapthe blade(s)orwear gloves,and
useextra cautionwhenservicingthem.
• Donotchangetheenginegovernorset-
tingor overspeedtheengine.
• Maintainor replacesafetyand instruc-
tion labels,as necessary.
AWARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and
should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it
should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears
Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.0 Quart (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 RJ19LM or J19LM
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.
4
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 yourself 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 sup-
port from a Sears representative on
products requiring in-home repair, plus
convenient 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 1-800-827-6655.
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 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.
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
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
AIR FILTERS
SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES
BLADE ADAPTERS
5
WHEELS
ENGINE OIL
Engine Power Rating Information
The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with SAE (So-
ciety of Automo-tive Engineers) code Jl1940 (Small Engine Power & Torque Rating Procedure),
and rating performance has been obtained and corrected in accordance with SAE J1995 (Revision
2002-5). Actual gross engine power will be lower and is affected by, among other things, ambi-
ent operating conditions and engine-to-engine variability. Given both the wide array of products
on which engines are placed and the variety of environmental issues applicable to operating the
equipment, the gas engine will not develop the rated gross power when used in a given piece of
power equipment (actual "on-site" or net horsepower). This difference is due to a variety of factors
including, but not limited to, accessories (air cleaner, exhaust, charging, cooling, carburetor, fuel
pump, etc.), application limitations, ambient operating conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude),
and engine-to-engine variability. Due to manufacturing and capacity limitations, Briggs & Stratton
may substitute an engine of higher rated power for this Series engine.
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before 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-
sembled at the factory with the excep-
tion 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 tightness.
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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: 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
control bar
/ //
/ //
UP handle
MOWING
POSITION
Upper
Handle
knob
Lower handle
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-
ging or discharging, see "TO CONVERT
MOWER" in the Operation section of this
manual.
KNOW YOUR 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 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 ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Dperator presence control bar
Engine oil cap with dipstick
Starter
J Muffler
handle
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
Gasoline
filler cap
Air
j J"
Discharge guard
Housing
Primer Spark plug
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
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.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Theoperationofany lawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcan resultin
severeeyedamage.Always
wearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhile
operatingyourlawnmoweror performing
anyadjustmentsor repairs.Werecom-
mendastandardsafetyglassesorwide
visionsafetymaskwornoverspectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
_I_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your 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
............. Plate
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side discharge
or optional grass catcher can be attached.
• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plate in place.
Hinge rod
Discharge
Housing
opening
Hooks
Mulcher plate Tab
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
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.
• i, 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.
IMPORTANT:
• 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.
ADD GASOLINE
• 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. Pur-
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcoholblendedfuels
(calledgasoholor usingethanolor metha-
nol)canattractmoisturewhichleadsto
separationandformationofacids during
storage. Acidicgas candamagethefuel
systemof anenginewhileinstorage. To
avoidengineproblems,thefuel system
shouldbeemptiedbeforestorageof 30
daysor longer. Emptythegas tank,start
theengineand letit run untilthefuel lines
andcarburetorareempty. Usefreshfuel
nextseason. SeeStorageInstructionsfor
additionalinformation.Neveruseengine
or carburetorcleanerproductsinthefuel
tankorpermanentdamagemayoccur.
Engine
oil cap
Primer
Gasoline
filler cap
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
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 coolerweather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause flooding and engine
will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a
few minutes before attempting to start and
do not repeat priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
_, CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.
• 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.
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 cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set in the FAST position.
• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting
in a counter-clockwise direction, start-
ing at the outside of the area to be cut,
spreads grass clippings more evenly
and puts less load on the engine. To
keep clippings off of walkways, flower
beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clock-
wise direction.
• 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.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up
grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the
Maintenance section of this manual.
• The special mulching blade will recut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into
the grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade)
speed as this will provide the best recut-
ting action of the blades.
• 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.
• Forbestresults,adjustthe lawnmower
cuttingheightso thatthe lawnmower
cutsoff onlythe topone-thirdofthe
grassblades. Ifthe lawnis overgrownit
will benecessaryto raisethe heightof
cutto reducepushingeffortandto keep
fromoverloadingthe engineand leaving
clumpsof mulchedgrass. Forextremely
heavygrass,reduceyourwidthof cut
byoverlappingpreviouslycutpathand
mowslowly.
1/3
• Certain types ofg rass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a sec-
ond time to completely hide the clippings.
When doing a second 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 BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY
EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 BEFORE
SCHEDULE USE USE HOURSORSEASOHHOURSSTORAGE
Check for Loose Fasteners
_ Clean / Unspect Grass Catcher *
Check Tires
_ Check Drive Wheels
Clean Lawn Mower ....
M Clean under Drive Cover ***
O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
Check Engine Oil level
E Change Engine Oil
N Clean Air Filter
_ hspect 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,
i/ i,,'
i/
i/
i/3
1_,2
14
I/
t/
14
I/
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.
LU BRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated
10(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjuster (on
each wheel)
Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: 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 a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise.
5. Remove blade and attaching hardware
(bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and
check the key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position the blade adapter on the en-
gine 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 trailing edge of blade (opposite
sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
4. Install the blade bolt 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 bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
IMPORTANT: 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
Key
Crankshaft
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 a bent or damaged blade.
_i, CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is
hazardous, could damage your mower and
void your warranty.
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.
Lockwasher _
i
bolt Hardened
washer
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual damage to 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
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
11
d'ge
Crankshaft
GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased as an accessory)
• 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.
ENGINE
LU BRICATION
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
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather,
they 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 orat least once a year if the lawn 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
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
2. Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.
NOTE: Oil will drain more freely when
warm. Catch oil in a suitable container.
3. Remove bottom oil drain plug.
4. After oil has drained completely, replace
oil drain plug and tighten securely.
5. Fill engine with oil. (See "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual).
6. Reconnect spark plug wire to plug.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Clean the element after every 25 hours
of operation or every season. Replace
the air filter every 100 hours of operation
or every season, whichever occurs first.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty
conditions.
TO CLEAN AIR FILTER ELEMENT
1. Remove screw.
2. Remove air cleaner carefully to prevent
dirt from entering carburetor.
3. Take air cleaner apart and clean air
filter element.
4. Wash filter element in liquid detergent
and water.
5. Wrap filter element in cloth and
squeeze dry.
6. Lightly coat filter element with clean
engine oil. Squeeze in towel to remove
excess oil. Do not saturate.
7. Reassemble parts and put back on
carburetor.
Screw
Li
ASSEMBLE SO LIP
EXTENDS OVER
EDGE OF
AIR CLEANER
BODY
LIP WILLFORM
PROTECTIVE
SEAL WHEN
COVERISASSEMBLED
ASSEMBLE ONE OF THESE LOW POINTS
TOWARDS NARROW EDGE OF ELEMENT
Element Cup Bod_
Drain plug
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-
2ATIONS '' section of this manual.
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