Craftsman 917.385125 User Manual

Owner's Manual

______

CRAFTSMAN.°

,.., ......

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

550 Series B&S Engine
22" Side Discharge

Model No

917.385125

• Espa5ol, 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-t3

Service and Adjustments ................... t3-14

Storage .............................................. 14_t5

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 plugo

° 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 coutd result in serious
injury or death.

•,Look for this symbol to point out impor-

tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONIII BECOME ALERTIH

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_I,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

A WARNING: in order to prevent ac-

hands after handling.
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 ptug.

_, 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.

_,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°

2

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 genera!ly 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 wilt 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,

o Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on

a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.

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

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

container, rather than from a gasoline

dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim

of the fuel tank or container opening at

all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

° If fuel is spilled on clothing, change

clothing immediately°

, Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas

cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine inside a closed
area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental

starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-

ment in good condition.

° Never tamper with safety devices, Check

their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or

other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage° Allow machine to coo! before
storing.

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

before restarting°

• Never attempt to make wheel height

adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown, Frequently

check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

° Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

° Do not change the engine governor set-

ting or overspeed the engine.

° Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

_WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an intemal 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.

tn 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 t 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 R J19LM 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,

o 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 imhome 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 D_SCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

STABILIZER

AIR FILTERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADE ADAPTERSBLADES

WHEELS

ENGINE OtL

Engine Power Rating Information

The gross power rating for individual gas engine models is labeled in accordance with SAE (So-
ciety of Automo4ive 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, amon_l 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 thts Series engine.

Read these instructions and this manual in
itsentirety 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,

1o 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 MOWING
control bar

UP

POSITION

Upper

handle

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,

ii ,11 ii ii iiiiii1,111,1111,,111,1111

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, KEEl = HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

............................................................... i i iiiiiiiirl,,,,ll............

Operator presence control bar

andle knob

line oil cap with dipstick

/

Starter

handle

filler cap

Air fi

Discharge guard

Primer Spark plug

IMPORTANT; This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL,OR GASOLINE in the engine,

Muffler

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

Housing

i , i, i i

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 Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

be held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

engine, Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.

Starter handle- used for starting engine, 7

The operation of any lawn

sA_-r_sE_ mower can result in foreign

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

wear safety glasses or eye shields while
operating your lawn mower or performing

any adjustments or repairs. We recom-

mend a standard safety glasses or wide

vision safety mask worn over spectacles°

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance° It is not adjustable,

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

,&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 (ifso equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD

TO LOWER MOWER

Plate

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER

TO CONVERT MOWER

You rmower isshipped ready to be used as a

mulcher. Toconverttobagging ordischarging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate,

• Mowercan now be usedforside discharge
or optionalgrasscatcher canbe 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 isshipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to

use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance

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

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

t. 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 ell 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 oi! 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 mixoll with gasoline, Pur-

chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

_¢_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

separationandformationofacidsduring
storage. Acidicgascandamagethefuel
systemof anengine while in storage, To

avoid engine problems, the fuel system

should be emptied before storage of 30
days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
next season, See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine

oil cap

Primer

Gasoline
filler cap

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres-
ence control bar.

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initialuse of the prod-

uct and should be considered normal_

1oTo 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: Incoolerweatherit 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.r,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.

9

o

For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the fawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades, tf the lawn is overgrown it

will be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep

from overloading the engine and leaving

clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut

by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass 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
SCHEDULE

Check for Loose Fasteners

AL Clean I Inspect Grass Catcher *

BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY

EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 BEFORE

USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE

v' v'

v' v' v'

v' , , ,

NWCheck Drive Wheels

Clean Lawn Mower ****

M Clean under Drive Cover ***

O Check Drive Belt 1 Pulleys***

W Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery "*

Check Engine Oil levei

E change EngineOii

GNClean Air Filter I,_

inspectMu,ier " ' ' ' V'

N! Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air FilterPaper Cartridge

EmPtYfuel system or add Stabilizer . ,

* (Ifso equipped)

** Electric-Startmowers

*** PowePPropellsd mowers

**** Use a scraper

to clean under deck

1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or _nhigh ouldoor temperatures,
2 - Service more often {f 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,

V' .

v' v

v"

v_

v"

J

v" v_

v'
v_

V¢

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to
operator abuse or negligence. To receive

full value from the warranty, operator must
maintain unit as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if
you should make any of the adjustments
described in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

• At least once a year, replace the spark
plug, clean or replace air filter element
and check blade for wear. A new spark

plug and clean/new air filter element
assure proper air-fuel mixture and help
your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.
° Check for loose fasteners°

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated

10(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

t /' Discharge
1 \ ) guard hinge pin

L J

_-_ 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 feelthey
must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per-
forming 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 a bent or damaged blade,

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 btade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4, Remove blade bolt by turning counter-

clockwise°

5. Remove blade 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 fL Ibs_

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated_
tf bolt needs replacing, replace only with

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

BTadearia Crankshaft

Lockwasher

Blade
bolt Hardened

washer Trailing edge Crankshaft

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

keyway

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
LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with
API service classification SG-SL. Selectthe

oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your
expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

_M_E_.E _E _'nc_PA_OBEFORENEXTo1=.c,_E

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improvestarting in cold weather,

they will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°1=. 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 oi! 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 oit, (See "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual),

6, Reconnect spark plug wire to plugo
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

1o 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 WILL FORM

PROTECTIVE
SEAL WHEN
COVER IS ASSEMBLED

ASSEMBLE ONE OF THESE LOW POINTS

\ TOWARDS NARROW EDGE OF ELEMENT

Element

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 SPECIFtC-

12ATIONS " section of this manual,