Owner's Manual
JCRHFTSMRN°J
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
4.5 Horsepower
22" Side Discharge
Model No.
917.387471
• EspaSol, p. 18
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ................................................... 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 6
Operation ............................................. 7-10
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 11
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 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 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, 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
Parts & Repair Center in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product
is used in the United States.
Maintenance ...................................... 11-13
Service and Adjustments ................... 14-15
Storage .............................................. 15-16
Troubleshooting ................................. 16-17
Repair Parts ....................................... 34-38
Sears Service .......................... Back Cover
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, II 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
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!H
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
&WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire from
spark plug and place wire where it cannot
contact plug.
_,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
_: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
hands after handling.
_, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely hot during
operation and remain hot after engine has
stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact,
stay away from these areas.
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 the 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 ab-
solutely necessary. Always look down and
behind before & while moving backwards.
• 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 and walk; never run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism
or drive clutch on mowers so equipped
before starting the engine (motor).
• 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 glass-
eswith side shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION •
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and
fall accidents which can result insevere injury. •
All slopes require extra caution. If you feel
uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
3
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 footing could cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator
is not alert to the presence of children.
Children are often attracted to the machine
and the mowing activity. Never assume
that children will remain where you last
saw them.
• Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and
other fuels. They are flammable and
vapors are explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel
with the engine running. Allow engine
to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel
container inside where there is an
open flame, such as a water heater.
• 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 wire away
from 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 machinefreeof grass, leaves, orother
debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage.
Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stopandinspectthe equipmentifyou
strikeanobject.Repair,ifnecessary,
beforerestarting.
• Neverattemptto makewheelheight
adjustmentswhilethe engine(motor)is
running.
• Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject
to wear,damage,anddeterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectsto bethrown.Frequently
checkcomponentsandreplacewith
manufacturer'srecommendedparts,
whennecessary.
• Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut.
Wraptheblade(s)or weargloves,and
useextracautionwhen servicingthem.
• Donot changetheengine governorset-
tingor overspeedthe engine.
SerialNumber:
Dateof Purchase:
GasolineCapacity/Type: 1.0 Quarts (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 support
from a Sears technician on products
requiring in-home repair, plus conve-
nient 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®.
4
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
FOR -- STABILIZER
__ DEFLECTORS --
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS ,\
_\\ \\\ FOR FOR
\\ GRASS CATCHERS GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
5
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.
HOWTO SET UP YOUR MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
f. Raise handles until lower handle sec-
tion locks into place in mowing position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD-
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
LIFT
UF
Mowing
position
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.
6
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING
YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize
yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for
future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER,KEEPHANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Operator presence control bar
Handle knob
Engine oil cap
Starter
handle
Gasoline
Discharge
guard
Primer Housing
with dipstick
Air filter
Muffler
Wheel
adjuster
(on each
wheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-
mission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar - must
be held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting engine. 7
Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultin foreign
objectsthrownintothe
eyes,whichcan resultin
severeeyedamage.Always
wearsafetyglassesor eyeshieldswhile
operatingyourlawnmowerorperforming
any adjustmentsor repairs.We recom-
menda standardsafetyglassesor wide
visionsafetymaskwornoverspectacles.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
• I,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under
any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator presence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Medium position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your requirements.
Be sure all wheels are in the same set-
ting.
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.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used
as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or
discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side dis-
charge or optional grass catcher can be
attached.
• To return to mulching operation, simply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plate in place.
Discharge
Housing Hooks
opening
Mulcher
Tab
Hinge rod
LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER
_ MOWER
k
FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
Lever
Plate
tab
8
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.
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.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-
ness.
• I, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
_ar an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or metha-
nol) can attract moisture which leads 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 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.
Gasoline
filler cap oil cap
Primer
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 product
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 cooler weather it may be neces-
sary 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 attempt-
ing to start and do not repeat priming
steps.
9
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 clip-
pings. It may also be necessary to re-
duce 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 best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades. If 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.
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a sec-
ond 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.
10
MAINTENANCE BEFOREAPTEREVERY EVERY EVERYBEFORE
EACH EACH 10 25HOURS 100
SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS ORSEASON HOURS STORAGE
Check for Loose Fasteners
L Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *
Check Tires
_ Check Drive Wheels
Clean Lawn Mower ....
M Clean under Drive Cover ***
D Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
Check Engine Oil level
E Change Engine Oil
_ Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
_1 Replace Spark Plug
E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer
* (if so equipped)
** Electric-Start mowers
*** Power-Propelled mowers
**** Use a scraper
to clean under deck
1 - Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures.
2 - Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.
5 - And after each 5 hours of use.
i/ i/
i/
t/
t_,2
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
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
adjuster (on
each wheel)
Discharge
J
Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
guard hinge
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
11graphite type lubricant sparingly.
Wheel
ine oil
pin
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 rub-
ber.
• 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.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where Stcannot
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.
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 hard-
ware (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
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 the trailing edge of blade (op-
posite 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 Crankshaft
Key _ keyway
Blade
Blade shaft
bolt / \
washer Trailing edge Blade adapter
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening
blade -but if you do, be sure the blade is bal-
anced. Care should betaken to keep the blade
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
eventual 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 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.
• Checkyour grass catcher often for damage
or deterioration. Through normal use it will
wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace
only with approved replacement 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 VtSCOSITY GRADES
lO0
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT G_L CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30,
10W30 etc.) improve starting incold weather,
they will result in increased oil consumption
when used above 32°F. Check your engine
oil level more frequently to avoid possible
12engine damage from running low on oil.