Craftsman 917388690 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

ICRRFTSMRN°I

6.75 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No

917.388690

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation

• Maintenance

• EspaSol

• Repair Parts

CAUTION:

Read and followall
Safety Rulesand Instructions
before operatingthisequipment

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

visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman

Warranty ................................................. 2 Product Specifications .......................... 11

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4 Service and Adjustments ...................... 14

Assembly ................................................ 5 Storage ............................................ 15-16

Operation ............................................. 6-9 Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10 Repair Parts .......................................... 34

Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Parts Ordedng ........................ Back Cover

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER
For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained,

lubdcated, 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 workman-
ship.

Ifthis 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 dudng normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, includingbent
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions

contained in the owner's manual.

Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower tothe nearest
Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in use in the United States.

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

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 6O179

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of ampufating hands and feet and

throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructionson the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thor-
oughly familiar with the controls and the

proper use of the machine before

starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotatingparts. Keep clear ofthe
discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who
are familiar with the instructions,to
operate 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 ff
anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when

barefoot or weadng open sandals.
Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

• Do not operate the mower with proper

guards, plates, grass catcher or other

safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructionsfor

proper operation and installationof

accesaodes. Only use accessories
approved 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
untilthe 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 holdon the handle and wall<;never
run.

• Disengage the selt-propelled mecha-

nismor drive clutchon 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.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.

I1. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip

and fall accidentswhich can result in

severe injury. All slopes require extra
cautlan. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do

notmow it.
DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never

up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changk_g 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 trlm near drop-ads, 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.

IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occurif the operator

is notalert to the presence of children.
Children are of_ana_racted to the

machine and the mowing activity. Never

assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.

• Keep childrenout of the trimming area

and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and rum 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

machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

comers, 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.

-Neverstore 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 repairswith
the engine (motor) runnlt',g.Disconnect

the spark plug wire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-

tal starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachemant bolts, tight and keep
equipment 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 or fuel

spillage. 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

adjustments while the engine (motor) is
running.

• 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 ca_ion when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor

3 setting or overspeed the engine.

ALook for this symbol to point out
importantsafety precautions. It means

CAUTIONI!I BECOME ALERT!I! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED,

AWARNING: Batteryposts, terminals and

related acoessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the

State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductiveharm.

AWARNING: In order to prevent

Wash hands after handling.

accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark

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.

AWARNING: Engine exhaust, some of

its constituents,and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause

cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.

These accessorieswereavaila_ when this lawn mowerwas produced.They are not

shippedwith your mower.They are also availableat mostSearsretail outletsand service
centers. MostSearsstorescan alsoorder repairpartsforyou, when youprovide the model
numberofyourlawnmower. Someof theseaccessories maynot app_ to yourlawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MDLCHER KQS STABILIZER

FOR FOR

REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS _ GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS

GAS CANS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL

4

Read these instructionsand this manual in
its entiretybefore 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 withthe exceptionofthose

partsleft unasssmbled for shipping
purposes. To ensure safe and proper
operationof yourlawn mower, all parts and
herdware yon assemble must be tightened
securely. Use the correcttools as neces*
sary to ensure propartightness. All parts
suchas nuts,washers, bolts, etc., neces-
saryto completethe assembly have been
placed in the partsbag.

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 lower handle section to operat-
ing positionand 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
upper handle section into place on

lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from

around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your
mowing comfort. Referto =ADJUST
HANDLE" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

control bar

Liftu

position

Lower handle

pin

3-Position

handle
bracket

J

TO INSTALL ATACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher.To convert to
bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in

the Operation section of this manual.

KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER

READTHIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATINGYOUR LAWN
MOWER. Compare the ilustraSons withyour lawn mower tofamiliarize yourself with the

locationof various controlsand ac_ustments.Save this manualfor future referer_e.

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 WARNINQ ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

•Engine zone control cable

Starter handle

Gasoline filler cap

Handle I

Air filter

Pdmer

Engine oil cap

with dipstick

Housing

Wheeladjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower Is shipped (on each wheet)

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotarywalk-behindpower lawnmowerscooformto the safetystandardsof the American

NationalStandardsInstituteandthe U.S.ConsumerP_ SafetyCommission.The blade

toms when the engineis running.
Operator Presence Control Bar- must be Primer - pumpsadd_ fuelfromthe

helddown totbe handleto startthe engine, carberetorto thecySnderforusewhea
Release to stopthe engine, start_ga _ engine.

Starter Handle - ussd for starting the e_ine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn

mowercanresultinforeign

objectsthrown 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 wide vision safety mask over

spectacles or standard safety glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
The eegine speedwas setat thefactory for

optVnurnperformance. Speed is not adjust-
able.

ENGINEZONE CONTROL

_,CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine controlto be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk

of blade contact injury. Do not under any

circumstancesattempt to defeat the

function of the operator control.The blade
turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawnmower isequippedwithan
operatorpresencecontrolbar which

requiresthe operatorto be pesitloeed
behindthe lawnmowerhandleto startand

operatethe lawn mower.

TO ADJUST cu'n3NG HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut. Adjust cuttingheight
to suit your requirements. Medium

positionis best for most lawns.

• To changecuring height,squeezeac_uster

levertowardwheel. Move wheelup or
down_ suityourrequirements.Besure all
whealsare in the same setting.

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

Lower Wheels for High Cut Plate Tab

TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawn mowerwas shippedready to be

usedas a moP..her.To oonvertto bagging :
REAR BAGGING

• Liftreardoorofthe lawnmowerand place

thegrasscatcherframehooksontothe
deer pivotpins,

• To convertto mulching opera,an, remove
grasscatcher anddose reardoor.

ACAUTION: Do notrun your lawn mower

without clipping deflector or approved

grass catcher in place. Never attempt to
operate the lawn mower with the rear
door removed or propped open.

Pivot " Rear Grass

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 clippingsfrom bag using both
frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when
emptying; it willcause unnecessary wear.

cafchor

handle

Grass
frame

handle

RaiseWheels for LowCut Lever

Baghandle

I

7

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in

the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.

Fortype and grade of oilto use, see

"ENGINE" in Maintenance section of this

manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.

2, Remove engine oil cap and fill to the

full line on the dipstick. Pour oil slowly.

Do not over fill.

NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine
for accurate reading. To read proper level,

tighten engine oil cap, then remove it to

read the dipstick,

3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.

• 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.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular

unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gaso-
line, Purchase fuel in quantities that
can be used within 30 days to assure

fuel freshness.

AWARNING: Experience indicatesthat
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or

using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisturewhich 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. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use freshfuel

next season. See Storage Instructionsfor
additional information. Never use engine

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

_, CAUTION: Fill to bottom ofgas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any

spilled oil or fuel. Do notstore, spillor
use gasoline near an open flame.

Ga,O,c' ;

Engine _/_ _f,_Z.i_(T_L"ilnI

o=1cap

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present duringthe initial use ofthe
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 fora
few minutes.

2. Hold operator presence controlbar

down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter

rope to snap back.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator

presence control bar.

NOTE: In cooler weather itmay be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. In

warmer weather over priming may cause
floodingand engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.

MOWING'rIPS

• Undercertain conditions, such as very

tall gross, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut 1o reduce pushing

effort and to keep from ovedoading the
engine and leaving clumps of grass

clippings. It may also be necessary to
reduce ground speed and/or run the

lawn mower over the area a second
time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut by ovedapping previously

cut path and mow stow|y.

• For better grass bagging and most

cutting conditions,the engine speed
should be set in the fast position.

• When using a rear discharge lawn

mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of
cutgrass 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 clippingsis left on the right

side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small

ovedap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become filled with dirt and dust with use

and catchers will collect less grass. To

provent 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 MOWlNGTIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance,

keep mower housing free of built-up

grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the

Maintenance section of this manual

• The specialmulchingbladewil recat the
grassclippingsmany timesend reduce

them insizeso that as theyfal ontothe

lawnthey willdisperseintothegrass and
notbe noticed.Also,the mulchedgrasswill

biodegradequicklyto pr_de nutrientsfor
the lawn.Always mulchwithyour Nghest
engine(blade) speedas this will provide
the best recutiingactionof the blades.

• Avoidcuttingyour lawnwhen itis wet. Wet
grasstendsto form dumps and interferes

withthe mulchingaction.The best time to

mew your lawnis the eadyettemoon. At
thistimethe grasshas driedand the newly
cutarea wil not be exp<_;edto the direct

sun.

• For best results,adjust _ lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts

off onlythe top one-third of the grass
blades. Ifthe lawn is overgrown it wglbe
necessary to raise the height of cut to

reduce puchk_geffortand to keep from
overloading the engine and leaving

clumps of mulched grass. Forextremely
heavy mulching, reduce yourwidth of cut,

rr_N slowly and raisethe rearof the lawn

mowerone wheel a_uster set_nghigher

than_e fronL

• Certaintypesof grass end grass condk

tionsmay requirethatan areabe mulched

a secondtimetocompletelyhidethe

clippings.When doing a second cut, mow
acrossor perpondculartothetirst cutpath.

• Change yourcutiJngpatternfromweakto
week. Mc_wP_rthtoeau_ one weak then

changetoeast towest thenextweek."INs
wighelp preventmattingand grainingof

the lawn.

Max 1/3

9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners "t/ ' " ' if/

Clearvlnspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) I_ IV# t_
Clean Lawn Mower W/ i_/
Clean Under Drive Cover

(power-Propelled Mowers) V/

Check drive beJtl ulleys
(p ower.P ropellJ_eaPMowem) I_

ChecWSharpen/Replace Blade _3

Lubrication Chart _ it/

Clean Batte_//Rechar, e
IElectrlc Start Mowers f_/ 11/4

Check Engine Oir Level

Chanqe Engine 0 b/1.2
Clean Air Ftlter I_

Inspect Muffler

Clean or Replace Spark Plug ¥/

Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge 11_2

1 - Cl_mge n'_ reoften whe_ 0t0erattlg under a heavy Iced or Ii_high ambierd t_rt_"

2 - Ser_ mo_l oftl_ when opecatit_g_ dirtyor dL_ty CCJldi_ons.
3 - Replace blades r_,to often when mowing in wdy _

4 - Ckarge 48 hours at I_,r_dof w.

GENERAL RECOMMENDA'I1ONS
The warrantyon _is lawnrr_wer does nct

coverffernsthat havebeen subjectedto
operatorabuseor negiigence.Toreceivefull

(_)Whoel adjusters )Brake spring bracket

LUBRICATION CHART

(on each wheel)

valuefromthe warrant_operatormust
maintainmoweras ins'a'uctedinthismanual.

Some a_us_nentsv_l need to be made
periodicallyto properlymaintain your u_.

All adjus_nents inMe Service and
Aclustments section of this manual should be

checkedat least once each season.

• Once a year, replacethe sparkplug,

replaceairfilterelement and check blade
forwear.A newsparkplugand clea_-_ew

airfilter elementassureproperair-fuel
mixtureand help your engine run better

and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in tNs
manual.

BEFORE EACH USE
I. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keepunitwelllubricated(See

"LUBRIC,_'ION CHART").

Handle bracket mounting pins

(_) Spray LUbricanl
_) Refer to "ENGINE"in 1heMaintenancesection.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

Rear door hinge

attract dust and dirtthat willshorten the
life ofthe self lubricatingbearings. If you

feel they must be lubduated, use only a
dry,powdered graphite type lubricant

loSparingly -

) Engine oil

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER:

DATEOF PURCHASE:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS

Z)ILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32=F)

_)ILCAPACITY: 20 OZS.

;PARKPLUG(GAP: .045") CHAMPION RJ19LM4

BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 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 sedal number and date of pumhase in the space
provided above.

LAWN MOWER
Alwaysobsewe safetyruleswhen performing

any maintenance.
TIRES

• Keaptiresfreeof gasoine, oil, orinsect
controlchemicalswhich canharm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep nJts,sharp

objects and other hazardsthat may cause
tire damage.

BLADE CARE
For best results,mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged

blades,

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

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

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Usa a wood blockbetween blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your handswith gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade boltby 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 conditionto work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

UNLEADED REGULAR

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the
engine 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
(opposite 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 bait is grade 8 heat
treated.

Bladeadapter _ Crankshaft

Key._. _.1 "_ keyway

__j' _ _C_rank

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

11

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend

sharpening 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
Intoa beam or wall. Leave about one

inchof 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 catcherrnay be _ with
water, but mustbe dry when used.

• Ch_:_ your grass catcher often for damage
or deterioratien.Through normal use it will

wear.If catcherneeds replacing,replace
onlywitha manufacturerapproved
replacementcatcher.Give the lawn mower

model numberwhen ordering.

ENGINE
LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated
withAPI serviceclassification SF-SJ.

Select the oil's SAE viscositygrade
according to your expected operating

temperature.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of

operationor at least once a year if the
lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in

one year.

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

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to

drain oil, drain fuel tank by rUnning

engine until fuel tank is empty.

t. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

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

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a

clean surface.

3. 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 trepped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn

mower or side of engine.

5. Fill engine with oil (see "ADD OIL" in
the Operation section of this manual).

6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.

L T_TUR_ _IGE ANT1CpAT_ BIE,_ Rll NE_ _ _i_ E

NOTE: Although muiti_viscosity oils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

coldweather, 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

12