Craftsman 917388572 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

JCRHFTSMRN°J

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

6.5 Horsepower

21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.388572

• 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.

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

Maintenance ...................................... 11-13

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

Storage .............................................. 15-16

Troubleshooting ................................. 16-17

Repair Parts ....................................... 34-39

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

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

CAUTIONN! BECOME ALERT!N
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_IWARNING: 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

AWARNING: In order to prevent ac-

hands after handling.

cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot come in con-

tact with plug.

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.

_,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.

2

1.GENERAL OPERATION

• Read,understand,andfollowall

instructionsonthe machineandin the
manual(s)beforestarting.Be thoroughly

familiarwiththecontrolsandthe proper

useof themachinebeforestarting.

• Donotput handsor feet near or under

rotatingparts.Keepclearof the dis-

chargeopeningat alltimes.

• Only allowresponsibleindividuals,who

are familiarwith the instructions,to
operatethe machine.

• Clearthe areaof objectssuchas rocks,

toys,wire,bones,sticks,etc., which
couldbe pickedup andthrownbythe

blade.

• Be suretheareais clearof otherpeople

beforemowing.Stopmachineif anyone

entersthearea.

• Donotoperatethe mowerwhenbare-

footor wearing opensandals.Always
wearsubstantialfootwear.

• Donotpullmowerbackwardsunless

absolutelynecessary.Alwayslookdown
and behindbeforeandwhile moving

backwards.

• Donotoperatethe mowerwithout

properguards,plates,grasscatcheror

other safetyprotectivedevicesin place.

• Seemanufacturer'sinstructionsfor

properoperationand installationof

accessories.Only use accessoriesap-

provedby the manufacturer.

• Stopthe blade(s)when crossinggravel

drives,walks,or roads.

• Stopthe engine(motor)wheneveryou

leavethe equipment,beforecleaning

the moweror uncloggingthe chute.

• Shutthe engine(motor)offandwait

untilthe bladecomesto completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher.

• Mowonly in daylightorgoodartificial

light.

• Do notoperatethe machinewhile under

the influenceof alcoholor drugs.

• Neveroperatemachineinwetgrass.

Alwaysbe sureof yourfooting:keepa
firm holdonthe handleandwalk;never

run.

• Disengagetheself-propelledmech-

anismor drive clutchon mowersso
equippedbeforestartingthe engine

(motor).

• If the equipmentshouldstart to vibrate

abnormally,stopthe engine(motor)and
check immediatelyforthe cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warningof trouble.

• Alwayswearsafetygogglesor safety

glasseswith sideshieldswhen oper-
atingmower.

11.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury. All slopes require extra cau-

tion. 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.

111.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. 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 the wire away
from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

3

• 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 orfuel spill-
age. 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 adjust-

ments while the engine (motor) is running.

Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 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.

• 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.

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 todayT

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

DEFLECTORS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

-- STABILIZER

_\ \\ FOR

\\ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

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 assembled at the factory with the exception 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, wash-
ers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN 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.

SQUEEZE

Handle
bracket

Handle pin

/

HOWTO SET UPYOUR MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise lower handle section to operat-
ing position and squeeze the bottom

ends of lower handle towards each
other until the pin in handle can be

inserted into one of the three height

adjustment holes.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up-
per handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from

around control bar.

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.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

Make sure the frame handle is outside
of the bag top.

2. 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.

Catcher

frame

handle

Operator presence
control bar

Upper

LIFT

UF

Mowing
position

Lower handle 6

---L_ Frame

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-
ging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the

Operation section of this manual.

opening

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, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence contro! bar

Starter
handle

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Grass

Housing

Gasoline

filler cap

Air filter

Primer (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Wheel adjuster

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.
Starter handle- used for starting engine. 7

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

The operation of any lawn

mower can result in foreign

objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in

severe eye damage. Always

wear safety glasses or eye shields while

operating your lawn mower or performing

any adjustments or repairs. We recom-

mend a standard safety glasses or wide
vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

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.

LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER

Plate tab

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching operation, re-

move grass catcher and close rear door.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear door closed, clipping deflector

or approved grass catcher in place. Never
attempt to operate the lawn mower with

the rear door removed or propped open.

Rear Grass

--"---door catcher
handle

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the
frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings
from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

/

Grass

catcher

frame

handle

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

Bag
handle

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.

A¢_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 tet it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel

next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.

Engine

oil cap

Gasoline

filler cap

PrimeJ

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 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

• 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.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps

of cut grass may not enter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing

speed) and/or run the lawn mower over
the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small over-

lap to collect the clippings on the next
pass.

• 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 BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE

EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS ORSEASON HOURS STORAGE

Check for Loose Fasteners

Check Tires

_ lean / inspect Grass Catcher *

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

m Change Engine Oil

Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

_1 Replace Spark Plug

m 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.

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)

J

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

_ Spray lubricant

See ENGINE in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they

must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

1graphite type lubricant sparingly.

1

(_ Rear door

Wheel

ine oil

hinge

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept

sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.

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.

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 and hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

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

2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo-
site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

4. 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

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade

is balanced.
Care should be taken 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

• 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

-20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

_30 _20 _10 0 10 20 30 40
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OiL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when

used above 32°R Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil.

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.

Blade shaft
bolt Hardene / \

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter 12