Craftsman 917.385126 User Manual

Owner's Manual

CRAFTSMAN°

ROTARY

550 Series B&S Engine

22" Side Discharge

Model No.

917.385126

• Espa_ol, 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

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.

Maintenance ...................................... 10-13

Service and Adjustments ................... 13-14

Storage .............................................. 14-15

Troubleshooting ................................. 15-16

Repair Parts ....................................... 32-37

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

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

CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!H

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

A 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.

_I,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.

AWARNING: 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.

A 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.

IoGENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand,and followall

instructionson the machineandin the manual(s)beforestarting.Be thoroughly

familiarwith the controlsandthe proper

useof the machinebefore starting.

• Do notput handsor feetnear or under

rotatingparts. Keepclearof thedis-

chargeopening atall times.

• Onlyallowresponsibleindividuals,who

are familiarwith 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.

il, 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.

i11. 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 containersinsideavehicle, on a truckor trailer bedwith aplasticliner.

Alwaysplacecontainerson theground awayfrom yourvehicle beforefilling.

• Removegas-poweredequipmentfrom thetruck or trailer andrefuel iton the

ground. Ifthis is not possible,then refuelsuch equipmentwitha portable

container,ratherthan from agasoline dispensernozzle.

• Keepthe nozzle incontactwith the rim of thefuel tankor containeropening at

all timesuntilfueling is complete. Do not use a nozzlelock-opendevice.

• If fuelis spilledon clothing,change clothing immediately.

• Neveroverfill fueltank. Replacegas cap andtightensecurely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run amachine insidea closed area.

• Never makeadjustmentsor repairswith the engine(motor) running.Disconnect thespark plugwire, and keepthewire awayfrom theplug to preventaccidental

starting.

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

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

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before

storing.

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

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.

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

which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with

manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

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

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc- tion labels, as necessary.

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.

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 todayg 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

CANS

GAS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

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

or operate your new lawn mower,

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 MOWING presence POSITION

control bar

/////

///

!////

LIFT Upper UP 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 READTHISOWNER'SMANUALANDALL SAFETYRULESBEFOREOPERATING

YOUR LAWNMOWER. Comparethe illustrationswith your lawnmower tofamiliarize yourselfwith the locationof various controlsand adjustments. Save thismanualfor

future reference.

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

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

knob

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Starter handle

filler cap

Discharge guard

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.

Muffler

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

Housing

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

mowercan resultinforeign objectsthrown intothe eyes,which canresult in

severe eyedamage,Always

wearsafetyglasses or eyeshields while operatingyour lawn moweror performing any adjustmentsor repairs,We recom-

menda standardsafetyglassesor wide visionsafety maskworn overspectacles,

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 (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs,

LEVER BACKWARD

TO LOWER MOWER

Plate tab

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a

mulcher. To convert tobagging ordischarging:

• 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.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without discharge guard, approved grass

catcher or mulcher plate in place.

Hinge rod

Discharge

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. A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler

on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

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

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.

due to residual oil in engine from the

manufacturers 100% quality testing. When

changing oil you may need 20 oz.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

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.

• i, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

A CAUTION: Alcohol blendedfuels

(calledgasoholor usingethanol ormetha- nol)can attractmoisturewhich leadsto separationandformationof acidsduring

storage. Acidic gascandamage thefuel systemof an enginewhile instorage. To

avoidengineproblems,thefuel system shouldbe emptiedbeforestorageof 30

days or longer. Emptythe gas tank,start the engineand letitrun untilthe fuel lines

andcarburetorare empty. Use freshfuel nextseason. SeeStorage Instructionsfor

additionalinformation. Neveruse engine or carburetorcleaner productsinthe fuel tank or permanentdamagemay 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 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

_i, 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.

For bestresults, adjustthe lawnmower cutting heightso thatthe lawn mower cuts offonlythe top one-thirdof the grass blades, Ifthe lawnis overgrownit

will be necessaryto raisethe heightof cut to reducepushingeffort and tokeep fromoverloadingthe engineand leaving clumpsof mulchedgrass,For extremely

heavygrass,reduceyourwidth of cut byoverlappingpreviouslycutpath and mow slowly,

• 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 BEFORE AFTER ;:VERY EVERY ;:VERY BEFORE

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS ORSEASON HOURS

Check for Loose Fasteners

l Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

_ Check Tires

N 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

I_ Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter

_ Inspect Muffler

N Replace Spark Plug IE 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.

EACH EACH I0 25 HOURS I00 STORAGE

., r,

i/ i/

i/ i/3

i/ 14

1/3

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

Discharge

guard hinge pin

(_ 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

keyway

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 blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

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.

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. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your

expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES t

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.

"___ SEAL WHEN

4. Afteroil 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 ASSEMBLE ONE OF THESE LOW POINTS

TOWARDS_ROW EDGE OF ELEMENT

Lip Element Cup

ASSEMBLE SO LIP

EXTENDS OVER

EDGE OF AIR CLEANER

BODY

LIP WILLFORM

PROTECTIVE COVERISASSEMBLED

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-

.....................................12ATIONS '' section of this manual.

+ 28 hidden pages