Craftsman 917387021 Owner’s Manual

____-_ Owner's Manual

I:RnFTSMRH°

4.0 HORSEPOWER

20" SIDE DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model NO.

917.387021

•_ Safety

- Assembly

,, Operation
,_ Maintenance

- EspaSol
o Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and follow all

'7

For answers to your

questions about this product:
Call 7 am--7 pro, Mort---Sat;

Sun, 10 am--7 pm

1=800-235-5878

Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment

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

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11
Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments t3

Assembly 4 Storage 14
Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15
Maintenance Schedule 10 Repa!r+Pads + 32

Maintenance _ !0 Parts Ordering Back Cover

LIMFFED 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 material or workmanship.

If 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 ffems which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower

blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

o Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crank-

shafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions con-
tained in the owner's manual+

Warranty service is available by returning the craftsman power mower to the nearest
sears service center/department in the united states.']"his warranty applies only while

this product is in use 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., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179

TRAINING:

• Read this operator's manual carefully+

Become familiar with the controls and
know how to operate your mower

properly. [.,earn how to quickly stop
mower+

o 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 described 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 manufac-

lurer+ Use of such attachments may be
hazardous.

o "rhe blade turns when the engine is

running.

PREPARATION:

, Always thoroughlycheck the area to be

mowed and clear it of all stones, sticks,
wires, bones, and other foreign objects.
These objects wilt 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 is running or when the engine is

2

•hot, A low.[he engine to coo for severat o Never cut .qrass by pulling the mower

,._nute_bef_re_flllln_ t)_ gas tank;'Otean."i_, _:"tow_r_s y_u:.l_o_ _l'os_ the face of

off any spilled gasoline before starting the slopes, never up and down or you might
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 tet other

interests distract you°

• Do not mow wet or slippery grass. Never
mn while operating your mower..Always

be sure of your footing _ keep a firm
hold on the handles and walk.

- Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the discharge
upening at all times.

° Always stop the engine whenever you

leave or are not usir_g your mower, or
before crossing driveways, walks, roads,
and any gravel--covered areas.

° Never direct discharge of mafedat toward

bystanders nor allow anyone near the
mower while you are operating it,

o Before clean!ng, ins{3ectmg, or repairing

your mower, stop the engine and make
absolutely sure th e Bladeand all moving

parts have:,stopped.'Then disconnect the
spark plug wii'e and keep it away from the

spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

° Do not continue to run your mower if you

hit a foreign object, Follow the procedure

outlined above, then repair any damage
before restarting and operating you

mowe ro

Do not change fhe governor settings or
overspeed the engine_ Engine damage or

personal injury may result.

- Do no1operate your mower if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive 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 engin e indoors. Exhaust

fumes are dangerous.

lose your footing. Do not mow exces-
sively 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 mount-

ing 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

condition:

, 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 grass catcher often for detedora-
lion and wear and replace worn bags.

Use only replacement bags that are;
recommended by and comply with ;

specifications Ofthe manufacturer of your

mower.

Always keep a sharp blade on your

:mower,

• Allow engine to cool before storing 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, elco

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug

wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,

adjusting or making repairs.
WARNING

The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State: of
California tOcause cancer, birth defects, or

other reproductive harm.

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 for you, when you provide the model number of your lawn mower,

Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower:

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

,_, ,,

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES

,BLADE ADAPTERS

Read these instructionsand 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 hard_

ware you assemble must be tightened
securely, Use the correct tools as 'neces-

sary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

• Remove loose parts inctuded with
mower.

• Cut down two end corners of carton and
lay end panel down fiat,

• Remove all packing materials except
padding between upper and lower

MULCHER _TS

SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

FOR

...... STABILIZER

GAS CANS

ENGINE OIL

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

• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check
carton thoroughlyfor additional loose

pads.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

iMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

Operator presence
control bar

Upper handle

Lift up

Mowing

Lower handle "_

4

position

• Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.

• Remove protective padding, raise upper
hat, die section into place on lower

Your lawn mower handle can be
adjusted for your mowing comfort.

Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service
and Adjustments section of this manual.

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

° Remove handle padding holdidg

operator presence contro{, bar to upper

handle.

J .....

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER ....... "

READ THIS oWNEF{'S MANtJAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPfERAT NG YOUR LAWN

MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower tofamiliarize yourself with the '_
!ocation of vadouscont_9lsand adJusfmen!st _save thisi_anua! for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. L.eam and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGtN_ ENGINE FAST BLOW CHOKE FUEL O_L bANGER, KEEP HANDB

OR WARNING ON OFF , AND FEET AWAY

Engine zone

presence

control cable control bar

Upstop bracket

Starter handle

Handle knob

Cable clip

Engine oil cap Gasoline fill cap
with dipstick

Primer
Discharg e
guard Housing

Mulcher
plate

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,

Operator presence control bar- must be
held down to the handle to start the engine,

Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the

Starter handle - used for starting the engine,
Muleher plate- Located at the discharge
opening must be removed when converting to
bagging or discharging operation.

carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting
a cold engine,

Theoperationofanylawnmowercan resultJn
foreignobjectsthrown 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 adjust-

merits or repairs. We recommend a wide
vision safety mask over the spectacles or
standard safety glasses.

ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed Was set at the factory for

optimum performance. Speed is not adjust-

able. =

ENGINEZONEC0m OL

CA!.I.'FtON; Federal regulations require an

engine-control to be ins_led or} this tawn
mower in order to minimize the risk of blade

contact injury, DO not under any circumstances
attempt to defeat the luncUon of the operator
control,The blade turns when the engine ts

nJnning.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence controj bar which
requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handteto start and
operate the lawn mower.

Lower Wheels for
High Cut

Raise Wheels for

Low Cut

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

• Raise wheels forlow cut and lower wheels
for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-
ments, Medium position is bestfor most

lawns_

° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster

levertoward wheel, Move wheel up or

down to suit your requirements, Be sure atl
wheels are inthe same setting,

NOTE: Adjuster is propedy positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (ifso equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tab&

Plate Tab

_Lsver

Your lawn mower has been sn_ppeo reaoy _or
mulching operation. To convert to discharging
or bagging operation:

TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a

mulcher, To convert to bagging or discharging:
° Lilt discharge guard and remove mulcher

plate.

• Mower can now be used for side discharg-

ing or optionalgrass catcher can be

attached,

• To ret_m to mulching operation, simply

:reinstall mulcher plate as Shown.

CAUTION: Do notrun yoQriawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass

catcher or mutcher plate in place,

Discharge guard

Mulcher
Plate

Tab

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in

the engine.
, Be sure mower is level and area around

oil {ill iS clean.

° Remove engine oil cap w!dipstick and fill

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 stowly, 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 oll

cap each time.

° Reinstall engine oil' cap and tighten,
° Chat_ge the oil after every 25 hours of

operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often under
dusty, dirty conditions.

GAS

° Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minlmqm of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.

Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used

within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

6

"WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol

blended fuels (called gasohol or us!ng ethanol
or methanol) can attract moisture which leads

to separation and [ormaUonof 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 beforestorage 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

instructions for additional information.Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products in

rue!tank or permanent damage may occuc

..f-"" - ----_ Gasoline

Engine;oil-__ fi,ler t_ap

TO START ENGINE

• To start a cold engine, push primer:five
(5) timesbefore tryihg to start. Use a

firm push, This step is not Usually
necessary when starting an engine

which has already run for a few minutes.

• Hold ope[ator presence control bar

down to the handle and puff starter
handle quickly. Do not aIIow starter

rope to snap back_

o To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler we_atherit may be
necessary to repeat #timing 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

• Under certainconditions, such as very tall
grass; it may be necessary to raisethe

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

leaving clumps of grass clippings.

° For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by overlapping previousiy cut
path and mow slowly..

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in
a counter-clockwise direction, starting at the
outside ofthe area to be cut,spreads grass

clippings more evenly and putsless load on

the engine. To keep clippings off of

walkways, flower beds; etc., make the first
cuts{na clockWise direction.

. Pores incloth grass catchers can become

filledwith dirt and dust with use and
catchers will collect less grass. To prevent

this, regularly hose catcher off with water
and iet dry before using°

° Keep top of engine around starter dear and

clean of grass clippings and chaff, Thiswill

he!pengine airflow and extend enginelife.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbest performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash.Clean underside of mower housingafter

each use.See "CLEANING" inCUSTOMER

RESPONSIBILITIES section of this manual

• The special mulching btade wili recut the
grass clippings many times and redu_

them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they Willdisperse Intothe grass and
not be noticed° Also, the mulched grass Wil!

biodegrade quickly toprovide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest :
engine (blade) speed as _liS Wi{{ provide the

best recurringaction:of the blades.

• Av6id cuttingyoUr lawn when it iswet',.Wet!
grass tends to form clumps and interferes

with the mulching action. The best tir_teto
mow yourlawn is the early aftemoonJ At

this time the grass has dried and the newly
cu_.areawill not be exposed to thedirect

SUn;

• For best results, adjust the awn mower

cutting height so that thelawn mower;cuts
off onlythetop one4hird of the grass blades.

Ifthe lawn is overgrown it wilebe necessary

to _se the height ofcut to reduce pushing

effortand to keep:from overloading the
engineand leaving clumps of mulched

grass, Forextremely heavy mulching_ :

reduceyour width of Cut,mow slowly and
raisethe rear of the lawn mower one wheel

adjuster setting highei"than the front;

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions

may requirethat an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the :
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow

across or perpendicular to the firstcut path.

° Change yourcutting pattem from week to

week. Mow north to south one Weekthen
change to eastto west the nextweek. This

wi!!helpprevent matting and graining ofthe

lawn.

Max 1,3

7

Check forLoose Fasteners

Clean/inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped)

i Ctean Lawn Mower

..... .Iv'

(Power-Propelled Mowers) .......

Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belL/pulleys

[Power-Pro#oiled Mowers):.......

!R ChecldSharpen/Replace Blade

Lubrication Chart

Clean Batte_lRecharge

(Electric Start Mowers/. ,,,

E Check Engine Oil.Level

N ,_e o_l

G Clean Air Filter

l Inspecl Mt,_lfler .

N Clean or ReplaCe Spark Plug:

E Repiade Air Filter Paper Cartridge

liit i i , i l'1'u!'Hl', ,

! ,,Change more often _'hen ope[aUng unde_',_heavy Ib_d o_ In h_ghambient tempe_ro_ '

2,-.Series more _ien whDnoperating fh dirty or d_ty t_ondillons
3 .. RepL_ blndes.more ofien when mowing tn ,_ndy soil.

4 - Cha_gB "48 hours al end o! season

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

v'

v"

v'3

v'

, , 91"_1_-

, v'

v"

V ,

.........v'2...........

LUBRICATION CHART

The warranty On this lawn mower does not
cover items that have been subiected to (_ Wheel-

operator abuse or negligence. :To recei.ve ",,adjuster
full value from the warranty, operato_ 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,
clean or 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

e '

ngme run borer and last longer.

(_ Handie bracket

mounting pin

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

(J_ Sray lubricant
_) Refer to CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

"ENGINE" section.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICA-

TION CHART")

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!

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

t,/4¸

_): Engine oil

(_) Brake spring

bracket

(_ Discharge

guard hinge pin

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL NUMBER 917.38021
SERIAL, NUMBER

DATE OF .P,URCHASE

HORSEPOWER: .... !_.,. t._. . =

-: 4.0

DISPLACEMENT:

GASOL_INE CAPACITY/TYPE:

,_.. ,. UNLEADED REGULAR

OIL TYPE _(API-S FiSG/SH):

• = .

OIL CAPACITY:
SPARK PLUG(GAP: .030")

VALVF:CLEARANCE: "

SOLID STATE IGNITION

AIR GAP: ,0125 IN.

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.

The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the

lawn mower housing.Record both serial number and date of purchase !n space

provided above.

LAWN MOWER
Always observe Safety rules when performing

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 bent or damaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot 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

tuming when removing blade bolt.

• Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap

blade with heavy" cloth.

• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-
clockwise, Use a 9/I6" box or open.end

wrench.

.... CHAMPION RJ19L

• 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

• Position the blade adapter on the engine

crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and
crankshaft keyway are aligned.

• Position blade on the blade adapter aligning

the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised
lugs on the adapter.

• Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite
sharp edge) is up toward the engine,

,, Insta]I the blade bolt with the lock washer

and hardened washer into blade adapter
and crankshafL

° 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, Ibso

IMPORTANT: Blade belt is grade 8 heat
treated,

1,5CUJN.

1.5 QUARTS

SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32'_F)

20 OZS.

INTAKE: .004 -:_008
EXHAUST: .-004 - .008

NOTE:Wedonotrecommendsharpening
blade-butifyoudo,besurethebladeis

balanced+ Crankshaft

Blade keyway

bO_d "TFa_ing Blade

\ washer edge . adapter "

Lock washer

TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade

balanced. Anlunbalanced blade wllt cause

eventgal damage to lawn 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 _heck bl!ade balance, drive a nail into

a beam or Wall. Leave about one inch of
the straightinail exposed. Place center
hole of blade over the head of the nail.
If blade iS b_lanced, it should remain in

a h0rizontai position° If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end Until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER
(If purchased _s an accessory)

° Thelgrass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

° Check your grass catcher often for

damage or deterioration. Through
normal use it will wear. If catcher needs

replacing, replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number
when ordering,

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF, SG of'

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

temperature.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, t0W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-,viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when
used above 32°F.

_' SAE V!BCOS[TY GRADES ]

Check your engine oil level more fre-
quently to avoid possible engine damage
from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every25 f_ours of:
oPera!i_n or _atlea.st 6n_e _ yearif the

lawn mower is n0tused :fdr 25 hout:s in

one year. ' :

Check the crankcase oil level before
stairting the engine an d after bach five (5)

. hours 0f:cdfltinu0Us use: Tighten 0i! p!ug

securely each time you check the o11level
TO CHANGE ENGINE 0IL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil,
dra!n fuel tank by running engine until fuel:tank
is empty.

• DiscOnnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where it cannot come in
contact with spark plug.

• Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean
surface.

• Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and
drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn

mower back and forth to remove any oil
trapped inside of engine.

• Wipe off any spilled oil on Iawn mower and
on side of engine,

• Fill engine with oil, Fill only to the "FULL"

ine on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL

•RepIace engine oil cap.

• Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.

Container

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may be

damaged by using a dirty air filter,
Replace the air filter every year, more often if
you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions, Do no1

wash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER

• Remove the air filter by turning counter-
clockwise to the stop and pulf away from

collar.

° Remove filter from inside of cover.
o Clean the inside of the cover and the collar

to remove any dirt accumulation

• Insert new filter into cover.

t0

' • Put air fitter cover and filter into collar

aligning the tab with the sloto

° Push in on cover and turn clockwise to

tighten,

Co!tar Clip

"['urn

;ounter-

tOremove

Air filter ':i: ._:'_

Tab Turn clbckw se

' Air' filier cover _'- io t!gh!grl

MUFFLER
lnspec,t and replace corr0ded rduif{er as it

could create a fire hazard andl01-damage,

SPARK PLUG
Change your spark plug each year _9make

your engine start easter and run better. Set
spark plug gap at .030 inch.

'lse

CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep

mower housing free of built-up gr&ssand
trash.Cleafl the underside of yo_Jrmower after

each use..
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from

spark plug and place wire where it cannot
come incont_t with the _park plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by
scraping to remove build-up of grass and

trash.

• Clean engine often to keep irash from
accumulating, A clogged engine funs hotter

and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished,surfacesand wheels freeof
all gasoline,oil,etc_

o We dp not recommend using a garden

hose to Cleanlawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler; air filterand

carburetor are covered to keep waterouL

Water inengine can result inshortened
engine life.

CAUTION: BEFORE PERFORMINGANY
SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS"

- Release control bar.
° Make sure the blade and all moving

parts have completely stopped.

, Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place where it cannot come
in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the
Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the rear
wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize

the possibility that objects will be thrown out of
the rear of the mower into the operator

mowing position. If the deflector becomes
damaged, itshould be replaced,

DISCHARGE GUARD
The discharge guard attached to the dis-

charge opening of your lawn mower, is

provided to prevent the possibility of injury
resulting from objects being thrown out of the

discharge opening into the operator mowing
position. If the discharge guard becomes
damaged, it should be replaced.

TO ADJUST HANDLE
Your lawn mower handle can be raised or
lowered for your mowing comfort. Four

(4) positions are available: high, medium
high, medium low and low. Handles are

shipped mounted in the medium low

position.

• To change from medium low to medium
high position, the upper and lower

handle sections wilt have to be turned

over.

• Remove the cable clips.

° Remove the controls and operator

presence control bar from the upper
handle_

• Remove the starter rope guide from the

lower handle.

• Remove hairpin cotters.

° Disconnect the lower handle from the

handle brackets.

° Turn the handle over and reassemble

the hairpin cotters that have been
removed.

° Reassemble the starter rope guide.

• Reassemble the controls and the

operator presence control bar to the
upper handle.

CAUTION: The operator presence

control bar must pivot freely to permit

blade/brake engagement when control bar
is released, Do not overtighten the

fasteners holding the controls to the upper

11handleo