Craftsman 917388630 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
CRAFTSMAN°
4.5 Horsepower
21" Rear Discharge
Model No.
917.388630
oEspa_ol, p. 18
CAUTION'.
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
U.S.A.
Warranty ................................................... 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 6
Operation ............................................. 7-10
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 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 ........................ t4
Storage .............................................. 15-t6
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
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_I, WARNING: In order to prevent ac-
cidental starting when setting up, trans-
porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot come in con-
tact with 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.
A.&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.
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.
L GENERAL OPERATmON
o Read,understand,andfollowall
instructionson the machineandin the
manual(s)beforestarting.Bethoroughly
familiarwith thecontrolsand the proper
useof the machinebeforestarting.
o Donotputhandsor feetnearor under
rotatingparts.Keepclearof thedis-
chargeopeningat alltimes.
o Onlyallowresponsibleindividuals,who
arefamiliarwiththe instructions,to
operatethe machine.
o Clearthe areaof objectssuchas rocks,
toys,wire, bones,sticks,etc., which
couldbe pickedup and thrownbythe
blade.
o Besurethe area isclearofother people
beforemowing.Stopmachineif anyone
entersthearea.
o Donotoperatethe mowerwhen bare-
footor wearingopen sandals.Always
wearsubstantialfootwear.
o Donotpullmowerbackwardsunless
absolutelynecessary.Alwayslookdown
andbehindbeforeandwhile moving
backwards.
o Donotoperatethe mowerwithout
properguards,plates,grasscatcheror
othersafetyprotectivedevicesin place.
o Seemanufacturer'sinstructionsfor
properoperationandinstallationof
accessories.Onlyuseaccessoriesap-
provedbythe manufacturer.
o Stopthe blade(s)whencrossinggravel
drives,walks,or roads.
o Stopthe engine(motor)wheneveryou
leavethe equipment,beforecleaning
themoweror uncloggingthe chute.
o Shutthe engine(motor)off andwait
untilthe bladecomesto completestop
beforeremovinggrasscatcher.
o Mowonly indaylightorgood artificial
light.
o Donotoperatethe machinewhile under
theinfluenceof alcoholor drugs.
o Neveroperatemachineinwetgrass.
Alwaysbe sureof yourfooting:keepa
firm holdon the handleandwalk;never
run.
o Disengagethe self-propelledmech-
anismor driveclutchon mowersso
equippedbeforestartingthe engine
(motor).
o Ifthe equipmentshouldstartto vibrate
abnormally,stopthe engine(motor)and
checkimmediatelyforthe cause.Vibra-
tion is generallya warning of trouble.
o Alwayswear safetygogglesorsafety
glasseswith side shieldswhenoper-
atingmower.
H.SLOPE OPERATmON
Slopesare a majorfactorrelatedto slip
andfall accidentswhichcanresultin
severeinjury.All slopesrequireextracau-
tion.Ifyou feel uneasyon a slope,do not
mowit.
DO:
o Mowacrosstheface of slopes:never
upand down.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
o Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree
limbs,etc.
o Watchfor holes,ruts,or bumps.Tall
grasscan hideobstacles.
DONOT:
o Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose
footing or balance.
o Do not trim excessively steep slopes.
o Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-
ing could cause slipping.
HI. 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.
o Keep children out of the trimming area
and under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
o Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
o Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.
o Never allow children to operate the ma-
chine.
o Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
inV.SERVmCE
o 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.
o Never run a machine inside a closed area.
o 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.
o Keepnutsandbolts,especiallyblade
attachmentbolts,tight andkeep equip-
mentingoodcondition.
o Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Check
their properoperationregularly.
oKeep machine free of grass, leaves,or
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanoilorfuelspill-
age.Allowmachinetocoolbeforestoring.
o Stopandinspecttheequipmentifyou
strikean object.Repair,if necessary,
beforerestarting.
o Neverattempttomakewheelheightadjust-
o Grasscatchercomponentsaresubject
to wear,damage,and deterioration,
whichcouldexposemovingpartsor
allowobjectsto bethrown.Frequently
checkcomponentsandreplacewith
manufacturer'srecommendedparts,
whennecessary.
o Mowerbladesaresharpandcan cut.
Wraptheblade(s)or wear gloves,and
useextracautionwhen servicingthem.
o Do notchangetheenginegovernorset-
ting or overspeedthe engine.
meritswhiletheengine(motor)isrunning.
SerialNumber:
Dateof Purchase:
GasolineCapacity/ q_ype: t .5 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil q_ype (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.
o 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 yourseff from unexpected
hassle and expense.
Here's what's included in the Agreement:
o Expert service by our 12,000 profe-
sional repair specialists.
o Unlimited service and no charge for
parts and labor on all covered repairs.
o Product replacement if your covered
product can't be fixed.
o Discount of t0% from regular price of
service and service-related parts not
covered by the agreement; also, t0%
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 catl 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 1o800o827-665&
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 l o800-4-MY-HOME®.
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Sears retail outlets and
service centers, Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower,
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING
DEFLECTORS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
AIR FILTERS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
WHEELS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructions and this manual in
its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower,
iMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WFHOUT 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 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,
HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
iMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control cables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle sec=
tion locks into place in mowing position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise up=
per handle section into place on lower
handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove handle padding holding
operator presence control bar to upper
handle.
Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted
for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD=
JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust=
ments section of this manual.
Operator presence
control bar
LiFT
Mowing
position
Lower handle
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
Frame
opening
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,
KNOWYOUR 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
m
Operator presence control bar
Handle knob
Starter
handle
Grass
catcher
Engine oil cap
with dipstick
Gasoline filler cap
Primer
Muffler
Housing Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUmREMENTS
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 m
mission. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar- must Primer- pumps additional fuel from the
be held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine,
Starter handle - used for starting engine,
Theoperationof any lawn
SA_ETYGLASSESmowercan resultinforeign
objectsthrownintothe
eyes,which can resultin
severeeyedamage.Always
wearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhile
operatingyourlawnmoweror performing
anyadjustmentsor repairs.Werecomm
menda standardsafetyglassesor wide
visionsafetymaskworn overspectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGmNE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
Ai:_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.
o 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 HEmGHT
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.
o To change cutting height, squeeze adm
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 lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:
o Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks
onto the door pivot pins.
o 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,
Pivot pins Rear
Catcher frame hook
Grass
catcher
handle
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 handte and bag handle.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty_
ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
\
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever
Plate tab
Bag
handle
BEFORE STARTmNG ENGmNE
ADD OraL
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,
_, CAUTmON: 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:
o Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
o 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
o 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-
hess,
A CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
• IL CAUTmON: 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
Engine
oil cap
TO STOP ENGmNE
o 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,
MOWING TIPS
o Undercertainconditions,suchasvery
tall grass,it maybe necessaryto raise
theheightof cutto reducepushing
effortandto keepfromoverloadingthe
engineandleavingclumpsof grass clip-
pings.It mayalsobe necessaryto re=
ducegroundspeedand/or runthe lawn
mowerovertheareaa secondtime.
o Forextremelyheavycutting,reducethe
widthof cut by overlappingpreviously
cut pathand mowslowly.
o Forbettergrassbaggingandmostcut=
ting conditions,theenginespeed should
be set inthe FASTposition.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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,
?v
1/3
_b
1
o 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.
o 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
SCHEDULE
Check for Loose Fasteners
_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *
Check Tires
_ Check Drive Wheels
Clean Lawn Mower ....
M Clean under Drive Cover ***
O Check Drive Belt / Putleys ***
W Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
_ ubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
Check Engine Oil level
E Change Engine Oil
N Clean Air Filter
_ Inspect Muffler
N 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.
BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY BEFORE
EACH EACH 10 25HOURS 100
USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE
qb#_,2
GENERAL RECOMMENDATmONS
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.
o 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.
o Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
o Check engine oil level.
o Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRmCATION
Keep unit well lubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART"),
LUBRmCATmON CHART
Wheel
adjuster (on
each wheel)
Engine oil
_1_ Rear door
hinge
_1_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
11graphite type lubricant sparingly.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per-
forming any maintenance.
TIRES
o Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber,
o 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.
o The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.
iMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
Blade adapter
Key
Lockwasher
Blade /
_i /
Crankshaft
keyway
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.
o The blade can be sharpened with a file
or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
o 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
o The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
o 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.
LUBRmCATmON
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 VlSCOSITY GRADES
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
c -_0 -27 -_; ; 1'0 10 _0 4?
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
bolt Harden_
washer
Trailing edge
Crank
\
shaft
Blade adapter 12
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