Craftsman 917386240 Owner’s Manual

SEA/RS

[RR FTSM /:/NO

MODEL NUMBER 917.386240 OWNER'S MANUAL

]

]

• Assembly
oOperation

• Customer
Responsibilities

=Service

Adjustments

• Repair Parts

Caution:

Read and Follow

all Safety Rules
and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

156695 8.29.96 VBL

SAFETY RULES

_Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers A

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS,
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT 1N SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRE OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROLS TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY. YOUR UNIT IS
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH CONTROLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEFEAT THE FUNCTION OF THE OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully. Become familiar with
the controls and know how to operate your mower properly.

Learn how to quickly stop mower.

= Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults

to use mower without proper instructions.

• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially
small children and pets.

• use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as de-
scribed in this manual.

° Do not operate mower ifit has been dropped or damaged in

any manner. Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.

• Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended
by the manufacturer. Use of such attachments may be

hazardous.

• The blade turns when the engine is running.

PREPARATION:

* Always thoroughly check the area to be mowed and clear itof

all stones, sticks, wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects wil! be thrown by the blade and can cause

severe injury.

° Always wear safety glasses or eye shields when starting and

while using your mower.

. Dress properly. Do not operate mower when barefoot or

wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good
traction when mowing.

, Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank

indoors, when the engine isrunning or when the engine is hot.

Allow the engine to cool for several minutes before filling the
gas tank. Clean off any spilled gasoline before starting the

engine.

. Always make wheel height adjustments before starting your

mower. Never attempt to do this while the engine is running.

, Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

OPERATION:

* Keep your eyes and mind on your mower and the area being

cut. Do not let other interests distract you.

. Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never run while operating

your mower. Always be sure of your footing - keep a firm hold
on the handles and watk.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep
clear of the discharge opening at all times.

o Always stop the engine whenever you leave or are not using

your mower, or before crossing driveways, walks, roads, and
any gravel-covered areas.

° Never direct discharge of material toward bystanders nor

allow anyone near the mower while you are operating it.

° Before cleaning, inspecting,or repairing your mower, stop the

engine and make absolutely sure the blade and all moving
parts have stopped, Then disconnect the spark pfug wire and

keep it away from the spark plug to prevent accidental
starting.

• Do not continue to run your mower ifyou hit a foreign object.
Foflow the procedure outlined above, then repair any dam-

age before restarting and operating you mower.

• Do not change the governor settings or overspeed the

engine. Engine damage or personal injury may result.

• Do not operate your mower if itvibrates abnormally. Exces-
sive vibration is an indication of damage; stop the engine,

safely check for the cause of vibration and repair as required.

o

Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust fumes are danger*

OUS.

°

Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow

across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might

lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use

caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when
changing directions - maintain good footing.

Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates,

grass catcher or other safety devices in place.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:

* Check the blade and the engine mounting bolts Often to be

sure they are tightened properly.

° Check all bolts, nuts and screws at frequent intervals for

proper tightness to be sure mower is in safe working condi-

tion.

o Keep all safety devices in place and working.

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease and oil.

° Check gross catcher often for deterioration and wear and

replace worn bags. Use only replacement bags that are
recommended by and comply with specifications of the

manufacturer of your mower.

• Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.

• Allow engine to cool before stodng in any enclosure.

° Never store mower with fuel in the tank inside a building

where fumes may reach an open flame or an ignition source
such as a hot water heater, space heater, clothes dryer, etc.

portant safety precautions. It means /

A Look for this symbol t0' point out im--]

CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!It YOUR |
SAFETY IS INVOLVED. |

II1' i i,i

............... i i,j[ i i ii

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it can-

not contact spark plug in order to pre-
vent accidental starting when setting
up, transporting, adjusting or making

repairs.

III1'1'111'11!1 I , i II

I I I IIII1'1'11! II IIII .....

A WARNING A

The engine exhaust from this product con-
tains chemicals known to the State of Califor-

nia to cause cancer, birth defects, or other

reproductive harm.

/

2

CONGRATULAT!ONS on your purchase of a Sears Lawn
Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufac-

tured to give you the best possible dependability and

performance.
Should you experience any prob!em you cannot easily

remedy, ptease contact your nearest Sears Authorized
Service Center!Department. We have competent, well-

trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair
this lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower

properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

MODEL
NUMBER 917.386240

SERIAL
NUMBER

DATEOFPURCHASE
THE MODELAND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BEFOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE
LAWN MOWER HOUSING

YOUSHOULDRECORDBOTHSERIALNUMBERAND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEPtN A SAFE PLACE

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 5.0
DISPLACEMENT: 11.5 CU. IN.

GASOLINE CAPACITY 1.5 QUARTS
AND TYPE: UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE (APt-SF/SG): SAE30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG: CHAMPION RJ19LM

(GAP: .030")

VALVE CLEARANCE: INTAKE: .008

EXHAUST: .008

SOLID STATE IGNITION
AIR GAP: .0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

- Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule'in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.

- Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibilities" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER

For=two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up
according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any

defect in matedal or workmanship.
tf this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental, purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from

the date of purchase.
This Warranty does not cover:

• Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower blades, blade adapters, belts,
air cleaners and spark PlUg.

- Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingbent crankshafts and the failure to maintain
the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual.

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMANPOWER MOWER TO THE NEAREST
SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPA RTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE

THIS PRODUCT IS tN USE INTHE UNITED STATES.

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

- _ . : _ _ ___. _ .... _ .... .-. _ ........................

3

LE

-. - . .... .__ .... . J j , r,, r

CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES .....;...... _............................................... 2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ..................... 3, 11-13

WARRANTY .................................................................. 3

ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 8

OPERATION .................................................................. 8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 11

A

Accessories .................................... 5

Adjustments:

Carburetor ............................. 14

Engine Speed ........................ 14

Handle Height ........................ 14

Height of Cut ............................ 9

Air Filter:,

Replacement ......................... 13

Service ................................... 13

Assembly ........................................ 6

8

Blade:

Sharpening ............................ 12

Replacement ......................... 12

C

Controls:

Engine Zone Control ................ 9

Engine Speed Control ............. 8

Operator Presence

Control Bar .............................. 8

Customer Responsibilities ... 3, 11-13

Air Filter ................................. 13

Blade Care/Replacement ...... 12

Engine ................................... 13

Lubrication ............................. 13

Spark Plug ............................. 13

Cutting Levels ................................ 9

Engine:

Air Filter .................................. 13

Oil Change ............................. 13

Oil Level ................................. 13

Oil Type ................................. 13

Starting .................................. 10

Stopping ................................ 10

Storage .................................. 15

Fuel:

Capacity ................................... 3

Storage .................................. t5

Type ......................................... 9

Handle Adjustment:

Assembly ................................. 6

Cutting Height ........................ 14

Lubrication:

Engine ................................... 13

Lawn Mower .......................... 11

Maintenance Agreement ................ 3

Maintenance Schedule ................. 11

Mowing Tips ................................. 10

Oil:

Engine ................................... 13

Storage .................................. 15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................. 14

STORAGE ................................................................... 15

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................. 21

REPAIR PARTS - LAWN MOWER ........................ 16=17

REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE .................................... 18-20

PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE .................................... 22

E

F

H

L

M

0

Operation:

Engine Control ......................... 9

Grass Catcher ......................... 9

Mower ...................................... 9

Operator Presence

Control Bar .............................. 9

Options:

Accessories ............................. 5

R

Repair Parts:

Engine. ............................. 18-20

Lawn Mower ..................... 16-17

Responsibilities, Customer.. 3, 11-13

S

Safety Rules ................................... 2

Service and Adjustments ............. 14

Carburetor ............................. 14

Engine speed ........................ 14

Handle ................................... 14

Spark Plug .................................... 13

Specifications. ................................ 3

Speed Control:

Engine ................................... 14

Starting the Engine ....................... 10

Stopping the Engine ..................... 10

Storage .......................................... 15

T

Trouble Shooting Chart ................ 21

W

Warranty .......................................... 3

4

LAWN MOWER ACCESSORIES

_ _ i r i ..........

These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets
and service centers. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts foryou, when you provide the model number of your tawn
mower. SOme of these accessories may not.apply to your lawn mower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

MULCHER KITS

STABILIZER

\

GRASS CATCHERS

\

\

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

rl ....... i i , i i

BELTS

r " ,

BLADES

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

i LLI: l,_l_'l,_l__ j,[ LJJJ I' ,J

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

5

LY

Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety
before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn

mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the

factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled

for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been

placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper
operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you

assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

Remove loose parts included with mower.
Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel

down flat,

° Remove all packing materials except padding between

upper,and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to upper handle.

o Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor-

oughly for additional loose parts,

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

iMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLES CAREFULLY SO AS
NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

= Raise handles until lower handle section locks into

place in mowing position.

•Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,
remove protective padding and tighten both handle
knobs.

Remove handle padding holding operator presence
control bar to upper handle.

- Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the

Service and Adjustment section of this manual.

TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS

(See Fig: 2)

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a
mu]cher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

- Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store
mulcher plug in a safe place:

• YoU can now install catcher or optional clipping deflec-
tor,

• To return to mulching operation, install mulcher plug
into discharge opening of mower.

MULCHER PLUG

FIG. 2

__ i i i ,

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcherlplug in place or ap-

catcher in place. Never attempt to op-

proved clipping deflector or grass

eratethe lawn mower with the rear door

removed or propped open.

OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL BAR

UPPER HANDLE

LOWER HANDLE

MOWING POSITION

FiG. 1

6

, p i i,,,, J _ ...... _ .... : =_ _ _ _.................... _ .....................

LY

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS
CATCHER (See Figs. 3A thru 4)
o Insert leg of tubular frame through front opening of

grass catcher and thread frame into sewn hem ofbag.

NOTE: Keep bag hem gathered on the straight leg ofthe

tubular frame.
o When frame comes out the other end of sewn hem,

immediately work the end of frame down inside the bag

as shown in inset.

• StJde sewn hem evenly around the tubular frame until
both ends of frame are exposed out of the front open-

ing.

• Assemble lower frame to tubular frame as shown. Be
sure handle is outside of bag and frames are fully

seated as shown in inset.
= Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm

water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
using.

• Closethe fliplid. Flip lid must be closed while operating

lawn mower.

- Lift the rear door on the mower housing and place the

grass catcher frame onto the formed tabs on the rear

door hinge bracket.

• The grass catcher is secured to the lawn mower

housing when.the, rear door is lowered onto the grass

catcher frame.

r ' ' I ' _ _,,nnnr L

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without clipping deflector or approved
grass catcher in place. Never attempt
to operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open,

i rl i, j L

TUBULAR
FRAME

LOWER FRAME HANDLE

\

BRACKET

LOWER
FRAME

(Frames must

be fulty seated)

FIG, 3B

FIG. 3C

REAR DOOR

GRASS
CATCHER

FRAME

TUBULAR FRAME SEWN

SEWN HEM

L L

FORMED
TABS

FIG. 4

FLIP LID

FIG. 3A

7

• _ •..... - - ..... = ...... ........

OPE O

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN.MOWER. Compare the
illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the {ocation of various controls and adjustments._ Save this

manua! for future reference.

These symbo|s 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

CONTROL CABLE

STARTER HANDLE

HANDLE KNOB-

GRASSCATCHER

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

/

PRIMER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL LEVER

AIR FILTER

MULCHER PLUG

ENGINE OIL CAP

WITH DIPSTICK

WHEEL ADJUSTER
(ON EACH WHEEL)

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards institute

and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The blade turns when the engine is running.

LAWN MOWER HOUSING

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR -must be held ENGINE SPEED CONTROL = located on the side of the
down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the

engine.

PRIMER - pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the
cylinder for use when starting a cold engine.

STARTER HANDLE - used for starting the engine.

engine which allows you to select either fast (,_) or slow
(-_) engine speed.
MULGHER PLUG-located at the discharge opening must
be removed when converting to bagging or discharging

operation.

8

OPERATION

__ The operation of any lawn mower can-result in foreign objects-_th-ro-_
I [r_ result ih severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shietds white operating your J

I L=.._l=.--_ lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recornmenda wide vision safety J
I _ mask over the pectacles or stand_ rdsafety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL (See Fig. 5)

The engine speed is controlled by a lever located on the

side of theengine. Fast (,_) position is for starting the
engine, normal cutting, and better grass bagging. Slow

(,_) position isfor lightcutting,trimming andfue! economy.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the

under .any circumstances attempt to

risk of blade contact injury, Do not

defeat the function of the operator con-

troL The blade turns when the engine is

running.

Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator pres-
ence control bar which requires the operator to be

positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and
operate the lawn mower,

ENGINE SPEED
CONTROLLEVER

, JL .... =

LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT

RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT

FIG. 6

PLATE TAB

LEVER

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 7)

- Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

• Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn
mower handle,

- Emptyclippingsfrombag using bothframe handleand
bag handle,

NOTE: Do notdragthe bag when emptying; it willcause
unnecessary wear,

PRIMER

FIG. 5

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

• Raise wheels for low cut andlower wheels forhigh cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Me-
dium positionis best for most awns.

• Tochange cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to-

ward 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 h0le in iever_ Also, 9-position adjusters (if so
equipped) aglowlever tO be positioned between the plate

tabs,

FIG. 7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in the engine.
, Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill isclean,

• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fil! to the full line
on the dipstick.

• Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see
"ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this

manual,

• Pour oil slowly, Do not over fill.

. Check oil level before each use, Add oil if needed. Fill

to full line on dipstick,

• To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.

. ReinstaIlengine oil cap and tighten.
. After the first two (2) hours of mowing, change the oil,

and every 25 hours thereafter, You may need to
change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions.

9

OPERATION

GAS

- Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane: Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel .freshness,

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which Jeads to separation and formation of

acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system .of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine

problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor-
age of 30 days or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the

engine and let it run until fuel lines and carburetor are
empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instruc-

tions for additional information. Never use engine or

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

TO START ENGINE

To start a cold engine, push primer five (5) times before
trying to start. Use a firm push. This step isnot usually

necessary when starting an engine which has already
run for a few minutes.

o Push engine speed control lever to fast (_) position.

• Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly. Do not altowstarter

rope to snap back,

o To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause

flooding and engine will not start. Ifyou do flood engine,
waffa few minutes before attempting to start and do not

repeat priming steps.

MOWINGTIPS

Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may

be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine

and leaving clumps of grass clippings.

0

For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
and raise the rear of the lawn mower housing one (1)

whee! adjuster setting higher than the front for.better
discharge of grass..

For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the fast (,#_) posi-

tion.

When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist,

heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the
grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (push ng speed)
and/or run the lawn mower over thearea asecond time.

Ifatrai! of grass c!ippings is lefton the right side of a rear

discharge !awn mower, mow in a clockwise direction

with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next
pass.

Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff, This wilt help engine air flow

and extend engine life. : '

Pores incloth grass catchers can become filled withdirt
and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catchers off with water
and let dry before using.

MAX 1/3

FIG, 8

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP
MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND

TRASH. CLEAN UNDERSIDE OF MOWER HOUSING

AFTER EACH USE. SEE "CLEANING" IN CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES SECTION OF THIS MANUAL,

• The special mulching blade wilt recut the grass clip-
pings many times and reduce them in size so that as

they fal! onto the lawn they witldisperse into the grass

and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide: nutrients for the lawn.

Always mulch with yourhighest engine (blade) speed

.as this w I provide the best rectJtting act on of the

blades.

Avoid cutting yourtawn when itiswet. Wet grasstends
to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action.
The best time to mow you_ lawnis the early afternoon.

At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area
will not be exposed tO,the d!rect sun.

For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting :height
so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third

of the grass blades (See Fig. 8). If the lawn is
Overgrown it wiill be necessary to raise the height Of cut

to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading

the.engine and I_aving clumps.of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut,
mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn mower one

whee adjuster setting higher than'the:front. ,

Certain types of grasSandigrass conditions may re-
quire that an area:be mulched a second time to

completely hide the clippings. When doing a second
cut, mow across or perpendicL_!arto the first cut path.

Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow
north to south one weekthen Change to east to west the

next week. This will help pre_!ent matting and :graining

of the lawn. ....

10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL tN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check for Loose Fasteners v'

Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

. (If Equipped) 'i if if

IV_ Clean Lawn M°wer

wO Clean Under Drive cover

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

Check drive belt/pulleys

RE (Power-Propelled Mowers)

CheckiSha[pen/Replace Blade

Lubrication Chart

E CSeck Elngine Oil Level _

N_ine Oil :' " _ ' 1_1,2

..... i....

v'

v'

v'

G Clean Air Filter

I inspect Muffler

N i Clean or Replace Spark Pug " ................. if

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge ........ !_2

1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating _n dirty or dusty conditions,
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.

4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.

ILIT

SERVICE DATES

v'

v'

LUBRICATION CHART

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
mower as instructed in this manual.

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

All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of

this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, replace air filter
element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug

and clean/new air filter element assures proper air-fuel

mixture and helps your engine run better and last
longer.

= Foitow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners,

LUBRICATION

Keep unit welt lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

WHEEL
ADJUSTER

(_) BRAKE

SPRING

BRACKET

(_) ENGINE OIL

(_ HANDLE BRACKET REAR

MOUNTING PIN DOOR

(_) SPRAY LUBRICANT

HINGE

® SAE 30 MOTOR OIL. REFER TO ENGINE- CUSTOMER RESPON-

SIBILITIES 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 FEE L THEY

MUST BE LUBRICATED, USE ONLY A DRY, POWDERED

GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT SPARINGLY.

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_ - . _ __ _ . _ _ _ . ; m i ..,i ..... _ .... i Jut __±._. _,r

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBI

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte-

Fiance.

TIRES

- Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi-
cals which can harm rubber.

Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades;

TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig, 9)

- Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place
wire where itcannot come in contact with spark plug,

• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and
carburetor are up.

- Use a wood block between blade and mower housing
to prevent blade from turning when removing blade

bolt,

o Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with

heavy cloth.

• Remove blade boft by turning counter-clockwise, Use

a 9/16" box or open-end wrench,

• Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock

washer and 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 (See Fig, 9)

- Position the blade adapteronthe engine crankshaft,
Be sure key in adapter and keyway in crankshaft are

aligned.

Position blade on the blade adapter atigning the two (2)
holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter,

- Be sure the trailing edge is up toward the engine.
install the blade bolt with the Iockwasher and hardened

washer into blade adapter and crankshaft,
Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower

housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

o The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft, lbs,
iMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.

BLADE CRANK-
ADAPTER SHAFT

BLADE

BL SHAFT
B(

LOCK WASHER EDGE BLADE ADAPTER

HARDENED
WASHER

TRAILING

KEYWAY

FIG. 9

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade- but ifyou
do, be sure the blade is balanced.

TO SHARPEN BLADE

Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An

unbalanced blade wilt cause eventual damage to lawn
mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpenedwith a file or on a grinding

wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

° To check blade balance, drive a nail intoa beam orwall,

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

= The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must

be dry.when used.

- Check your grass catcheroften for damage or deterio-
ration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher

needs replacing_ replace onty with a manufacturer

approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower

model number when ordering.

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