Craftsman 917388760 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
ICRnFTSMnN"I
ROTARYLAWNMOWER
6.5 Horsepower
21" Rear Discharge
Model No.
917.388760
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ................................................. 2
Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ...................... 5
Operation ............................................. 6-9
Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10
Maintenance .................................... 10-13
Product Specifications .......................... 11
Service and Adjustments................. 13-14
Storage ............................................ 15-16
Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17
Repair Parts..................................... 34-39
Sears Service ......................... Back Cover
LIMITED "TWOYEAR 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 workman-
ship.
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 wom 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
crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions
contained in the owner's manual.
Warranty service is available by retuming the Craftsman power mower to the nearest
Sears Service Canter/Department 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
IMPORTANT- This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould result in
serious injury or death.
&Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERTI!I YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Califomia to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
&WARNING: In order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire and
place wire where it cannot contact spark
plug.
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 bums on
contact, stay away from these areas.
&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of Califomia to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
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 orfeet near or under
rotating pads. Keep clear of the
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 if
anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate the mower when
barefoot or wearing 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 without
proper guards, plates, grass catcher or
other safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructionsfor
proper operation and installation of
accessories. 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 uncloggingthe chute.
• Shut the engine (motor) offand 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 hold on the handle and walk; never
run.
• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism 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.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when operat-
ing mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents which can result in
severe injury.All slopes require extra
caution. 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
footing could cause slipping.
IlL 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 downfor small
children.
• Never allow children to operate the
machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, orother objects
that may obscure vision.
3
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.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade
attachment 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 caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine govemor
setting or overspeed the engine.
These accessorieswere availablewhenthis lawn mowerwas produced. _ are not
shipped with your mower.They are alsoavailableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservice
centers. Most Sears storescan alsoorderrepairpartsfor you,when youprovidethemodel
numberofyourlawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CUPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWNMOWERS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS GRASS CATCHERS
MULCHERKITS STABILIZER
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
GAS CANS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
AIR RLTERS
SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
4
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
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled 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, 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 comers ofcarton
and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove allpacking materialsexcept
padding between upper and lower
handle and padding holding operator
presence controlbar to upper handle.
4. Rolllawn mower out ofcarton and
check carton thoroughlyforadditional
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
section 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
UADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.
control bar
Upper
LIFT
UF
Mowing
position
Lower handle
TO PREPARE BA'I-rERY
NOTE: Your battery must be charged
before you can start your lawn mower,
1. Disconnect engine battery connector
(male) from battery connector (female)
2. Connect battery charger connector
(male) to battery connector (female).
3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.
4. Leave battery charger connected for
24 hours before starting your engine
for the first time.
5. After charging, connect engine
connector (male) to battery connector
(female).
Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery
charger to charge battery as required.
IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a discharged battery.
At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.
_t, CAUTION: Always disconnect the
engine connector (male) from the battery
connector (female) to prevent accidental
starting when transporting or storing your
lawn mower after the season.
Charger connector
Battery connector
(female)
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging, see =1"O CONVERT MOWER" in
the Operation section of this manual).
Engine Battery
5 connector (male) charger
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAl_ANDALLSAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER. ComparetheillustraUonswithyourlawnmowertoferni]iarizeyourselfwith
the Iocalionofvariouscontrolsand adjustments.Save this manualfor future reference.
These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or In literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
& i',,Il
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
-Operator presence control bar
Auxiliary
starter
Handle knob
G rass
catcher
Muffler
Gasoline filler cap
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE inthe 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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence conlxol bar - must be Auxiliary starter handle - used for
held down to the handle to start the engine, starting the engine.
Release to stop the engine. Palmer - pumps additional fuel from the
Key start switch- used for starting the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
engine. 6 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 recommend a standard safety
glasses or wide vision safety mask worn
over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
ACAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the dsk
of blade contact injury. Do not under any
circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
tums 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
adjuster lever toward wheel. Move
wheel up or down to suit your require-
ments. Be sure all wheels are in the
same setting.
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.
LOWER WHEELS FOR HIGH CUT
TOCONVERTMOWER
Yourlawnmowerwas shippedreadyto be
usedas a mulcher.Toconverttobegging:
• Lifttsardoorof _te lawn mowerand place
thegrasscatcherframe hooksontothe
doorpivotpins.
• To convertto mulchingoperation,remove
grasscatcher and closereardoor.
ACAUTION: 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 Rear Grass
catcher
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
emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever
Bag
handle
7
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.
A CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with
oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area
around oil fill is clean.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
Make sure that rim of spout is clean.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour 3/4 (15 oz.) of the oil
from the container down the oil fill
spout into the engine.
4. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle.
Insert and tighten dipstick, then
remove it to check oil level.
5. Continue adding small amounts of oil
end rechecking the dipstick until it
reads full. DO NOT overfill, or engine
will smoke on startup.
6. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick
before starting engine.
• 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
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove
and discard the debris plug that is inside
the tank.
• 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 freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
A CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or
methanol) 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. Drain 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.
oilcap
filler cap
(Discard
debris plug
inside)
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 turn the start
key.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more
than five continous seconds between
each time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10
seconds between each attempt.
• To start engine using the rope starter,
follow the steps above. Exchange the
use of the starter rope for start key. Pull
starter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
8
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In
warmer weather over pdming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
• Under 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
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 overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• 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 inmoist, 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 trailof clippingsis left on the right
side of a rear discharge mower, mow in
a clockwise direction with a small
overlap 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 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 bestperformance,keep
mowerhousingfree of built-upgrass and
trash.See "CLEANING"inthe Maintenance
sectionofthis manual.
• The specialmulchingbladewillrecutthe
grassclippingsmanylimes and reduce
them ins'B_esotha_asthey fallontothe
lawnthey will disperseintothe grassand
not be noticed. Also,the mulchedgrass
will biodegradequickly to providenutrients
for the lawn. Alwaysmulchwithyour
highestengine (blade)speed as thiswill
providethe bestrecuttingactionofthe
blades.
• Avoklcuttingyourlawnwhen itisweL Wet
grasstendsto formclumpsandinterferes
withthe mulchingaclJon.The besttimeto
mow yourlawn isthe earlyafternoon.At
this time thegrasshasdriedandthe newly
cut areawill not be exposedto the direct
sun.
• For bestresults,adjust the lawnmower
cuttingheightso thatthelawnmowercuts
offonlythe topone-thirdofthe grass
blades. If the lawn isovergrownitwill be
neceesaryto raise thehe'_jhtof cutto
reducepushingeffortand to keepfrom
overloadingthe engine and leaving
dumps of mulchedgrass.Forextremely
heaW grass,reduceyourwidthof cutby
overlappingpreviouslycutpath and mow
slowly.
• Certaintypesof grassand grasscondi-
tionsmay requirethatan area be mulched
a secondtimeto completelyhidethe
clippings.When doinga secondcut,mow
acrossor perpendiculartothefirstcutpath.
• Changeyourcuttingpettem fromweek to
week. Mow north tosouth oneweek then
changeto east towestthe next week. This
will help preventmatting and grainingof
the lawn.
9
,sYOUCOMPL
REGULARSERVICE ___i_v_ERVlGE DATES
Check for Lo_e Fasteners _ l/
Clean/InspectGrass Catcher
(if Equipped) !_' i_ _
a clean Lawn MowerClean Under Drive Cover
(Power-Propelled Mowers_ _'
(Power-PropelledMowers)
R Check/She_m/Fleplece Blade
LubricationChart
CleanBatteryRlechar_e
IElectdc Start Mowerst I_ 1_4
E Check En_ne Oil Level
Change EngineOil
? Clean Air Filter _/2
InspectMuffler
N Clean = Raplece S= Plug _,
ReplaceAir Filter Paper Cartridge 2
1. Cha_je moreoltmtwhenopera_ngurid_ra heavyk_adorIn high_ tomperaturo_
2. Selvlcemornoftenwhenopera,nO111dlrtyordusty condltloas.
3. Replaceblad_ moreorionwhenmowingInsar,dyso_.
4 - Charge48 houmatend_ season.
i/u
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on thislawnmowerdoes not
cover items that have been subjectedto
operatorabuseor negligence. To receivefull
valuefrom the warranty,operator must
maintainmoweras instructedin thismanual.
Some a_usb'rentswillneed to be made
periodicallyto propertymaintain your unit.
Alladjustmentsin theServiceand Adjust-
mentssectionof thismanual,shouldbe
checkedat leastonceeach season.
• Onoea year, replacethe spark plug,dean
or replaceairfilterelementand check
blade for wear. A new sparkplugand
clean/newairfilter element assureproper
air-fuelmixture and helpyour enginerun
betterand last longer.
• Followthe maintenanceschedulein this
manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
• Check engine oil level.
• Check for loose fasteners.
(I) Spray lubricant
(_) See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.
LUBRICATION CHART
adjuster (on
each wheel)
/
)
Rear door
hinge
(_) Handle bracket mounting pins
LUBRICATION
Keep unitwell lubricated (See "LUBRICATION
CHART3.
IMPORTANT:. Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous
lubricants will attract dust and dirt that
will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-
ing bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
graphite type lubdcant sparingly.
10
SPECIFICATIONSPRODUCT
Serial number:.
Date of pumhase:
Gasoline capacity / type: 1.6 quarts (Unleaded Regular)
Oil type (API-SF-SJ): 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 sedal numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower
housing. Record both sedal number and date of purchase in space provided above.
LAWNMOWER
Always observe safety rules when perform-
any
"RRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
• AvoU mm, mon ,romprum,shorn
objects and other hazards tha_may cause
tire darnage.
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. 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 condi-
tion to work properly. Replace adapter if
damaged.
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 boltis grade 8 heat
treated.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing blade - but ifyou 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 untilthe blade
is balanced.
Blade ada Crankshaft
Blade
Blade shaft
bolt Hard
11
washer Trailingedge Blade adapter
GRASS CATCHER
• The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for
damage or detedoration. Through
normal use it will wear. If catcher
needs replacing, replace only with a
manufacturer approved replacement
catcher. Give the lawn mower model
number when ordedng.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SF-SJ.
Select the oirs SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
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.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation orat 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 untilfuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plugwire from spark
plug and place wire where itcannot
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 trapped 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,
Container
12
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