Craftsman 917.388834 User Manual

Owner's Manual

(RRFTSMRN °

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

4.5 Horsepower 21" Rear Discharge

Model No.

917.388834

• Espahol, 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 ........................ 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.

ALook for this symbol to point out

important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_, WARNING: In order to prevent ac- cidental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs, always disconnect spark plug wire 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.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has

stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all

instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis- charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the instructions, to oper-

ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which

could be picked up and thrown by blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop machine if anyone

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the opera- tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel

surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories ap- proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the

mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade comes to complete stop before

removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating

mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents which can result in severe in-

jury. 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 foot- ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.

Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume

that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the watchful care of another

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes

and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain-

er where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on

other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the

ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable

container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• 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 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 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 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 governor set-

ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-

tion labels, as necessary.

AWARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity/Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 20 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RJ19LM or J19LM Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the lawn mower housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above.

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulations on making a smart pur- chase. Your new Craftsman@ product is

designed and manufactured for years of dependable operation. But like all prod-

ucts, it may require repair from time to time. That's when having a Repair Protec- tion Agreement can save you money and

aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement

now and protect yourself from unexpected

hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 profe-

sional repair specialists.

• Unlimited service and no charge for

parts and labor on all covered repairs.

• Product replacement if your covered

product can't be fixed.

• Discount of 10% from regular price of

service and service-related parts not covered by the agreement; also, 10%

off regular price of preventive mainte- nance check.

• Fast help by phone- phone support from a Sears technician on products

requiring in-home repair, plus conve-

nient repair scheduling. Once you purchase the Agreement, a simple phone call is all that it takes for you to schedule service. You can call anytime day or night, or schedule a service ap-

pointment online. Sears has over 12,000 professional repair specialists, who have access to over 4.5

million quality parts and accessories. That's the kind of professionalism you can count on to help prolong the life of your

new purchase for years to come. Purchase your Repair Protection Agreement today!

Some limitations and exclusions apply.

For prices and additional information call 1-800-827-6655.

Sears Installation Service

For Sears professional installation of home appliances, garage door openers, water

heaters, and other major home items, in the U.S.A. call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®.

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

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

AIR FILTERS

SPARK PLUGS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS

WHEELS

ENGINE OIL

Read these instructions and this manual in Operator its entirety before you attempt to assemble I

or operate your new lawn mower, control bar IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the excep-

tion of those parts left unassembled for LIFT

shipping purposes. To ensure safe and UP 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.

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.

MOWING

POSITION

Upper

handle

Handle

knob

Lower handle

HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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.

Vinyl Frame bindings 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.

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 control bar

Handle knob

Starter handle

Engine oil cap with dipstick

Spark plug

Grass catcher

Muffler

Air filter_

Gasoline filler cal

Wheel adjuster

Primer (on each wheel)

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the

American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Com-

mission. The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar- must

be held down to the handle to start the

engine. Release to stop the engine.

Starter handle - used for starting engine.

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

The operation of any lawn

SAFETYGLASSESmower 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.

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 _il,CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the

risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned

behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit

your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same set-

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

TO CONVERT MOWER Your 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-

_imove 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

Grass

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.

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

Grass

catcher

_-,_) frame

-_ handle

/ j

LEVER BACKWARD Plate tab

TO LOWER MOWER

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

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

near an open flame.

• ILCAUTION: 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 ,gine filler cap oil cap

Primer

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the 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

A CAUTION: Donotusede-thatcher

bladeattachmentsonyour mower.Such attachmentsarehazardous,will damage

your mowerandcouldvoid yourwarranty.

• 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.

MAXI_

• 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.

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

_,2

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to

operator abuse or negligence. To receive

full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain unit as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.

At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments

described in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

• At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

I I I

(_) Rear door

(_) 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

1 1graphite type lubricant sparingly.

Wheel

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 bent or damaged blades.

_, CAUTION: Use only a replacement

blade approved by the manufacturer of

your mower. Using a blade not approved

by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and

void your warranty. 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.

Blade adapter Key

Crankshaft

Lockwasher __

B_llade _ __dg !

bolt Harsdened ..

Crankshaft 12

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.

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

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100 C -30 -20 -10 0 1'0 20 10 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°E 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.

+ 28 hidden pages