Craftsman 917389521 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
6.0 HORSEPOWER
21" REAR DISCHARGE
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No.
917.389521
• Safety
• Assembly
• Operation
• Maintenance
• Espa6ol
• Repair Parts
NOTE: Engines which are certified to onmply with Calitomia and U.S, EPA emission regutations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certifiedto operate on re_ular unleaded gasoline,
and uncludethe following emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped),
AVISO: Los motores homologadus para cumplir con la reglamantaolbn sobre emlsiones de
California y de ta Agencia de Protecci6n Ambientai estadounidense (EPA) pare equipes
ppque_os no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasoline normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
slguientes sistemas de controlde ernisiones: moditicacibn del motor (EM) y catalizador de tdple
accibn ('rwc) (en caso de tanerfo).
The D.O.M. decal includes engine life spec:ificationsfor the emissions-related useful life pedod ot
your engine. This period relales to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To
findthe life period specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the
letter pdnted on your D.OM. decal: (C) 125 hours. (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.
La catcomen[a D.O.M. incluye especificaciones sobre la duracibn dal motor para el periodo de
vLdaOtilde su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este pedodo se relaciona con la duraci6n en
conformidad con las emisiones seg0n Io certificado pot EPNCARB. Pare hallar la especificaci6n
del per[odo de ,.,idade su motor, mire cudl de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su
calcomanEaD,O.M.: (C) 125 horas, (B) 250 horas, (A) 500 horas.
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
VisitourCraftsmanwebsite: 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 ..................................... 34-39
Maintenance .................................... 10-13 Parts Ordering ........................ Beck Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTS MAN 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 instructionsin
the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or work-
manship.
Ifthis Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental puq0oses,this warranty
appliesfor 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
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 to the nearest
Sears Service CentarlDepartment in the United States. This warranty applies only
while this product is in usa in the United States.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
whichvary 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
throwingobjects. Failure to observe the following safety instructionscould resultin
sedous 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 controlsand
the proper use of the machine before
starting. •
• Do not puthands or feet near or under
rotating parts. 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 surethe 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 substantialfoot 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.
2
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel
ddves, walks, or roads.
• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you
leave the equipment, before cleaning
the mower or uncloggingthe chute.
• Shutthe engine (motor) off and waif
until the blade comes to complete stop
before removing grass catcher.
• Mow only in dayli_t 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
abnon'neny, stopthe 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
operating mower.
I1.SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip
and fall accidents whichcan resultin
severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If youfeel uneasy on a slope, do
not mowit.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes: never
up and down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as recks, tree
limbs,etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
• Do not trim near drop-otis, ditches or
embankments, The operator could lose
footing or balance.
• Do not tdm excessively steep slopes.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced
footing could cause slipping.
IlL CHILDREN
Tragic accidents con 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 tum machine off if children
enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards,
lookbehind 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.
- 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 plugwire, and keep the wire
away from the plug to prevent acciden-
tal 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 debds build-up. Clean oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
stodng.
• 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 governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
&Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTIONlll BECOME ALERTIll YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_IWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related acceseodes contain lead and
lead compounds, chemicals known to the
State of Califomia to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
A CAUTION: 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, soma 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
reproductive harm.
Theseaccesscdeswere av_lablewhenthisla_ mowerwas produced. They are not
shipped with your mower. They ara alsoavaiable_t mostSeararetaUoutletsandservise
centers. MostSeamstorescanalsoonJerrepairpads foryou,whenyco provide1hemodel
numberofyourlawn mower. Someof these accessoriesmaynutapplyto yourlawnmowen
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES
MULCHERK_S
FOR
SIDE DISCHARGE
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
AIR FILTERS
BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
SPARK PLUGS
ENGINE OIL
/ :
Read these instructionsand this manual
in its enlJretybeforeyou attempt to
assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shippedWITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in
the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-
sembled at the factory with the exception
ofthese parts left unassembled for
shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com-
plete the assembly have been placed in
the parts bag.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.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM
CARTON
1. Remove loose parts included with
mower.
2. Cut down two end comers 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 thorouglyfor additional
ioosa parts.
HOWTO SET UP¥OUR LAWN
MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so
as not to pinch or damage control sables.
1. Raise handles until lower handle
section locks into place in mowing
position.
2. Remove protective padding, raise
upper 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
Adjustments section of this manual.
control bar
Lilt u
pos_on
Lower handle
pin
3*Position
/
h;_Idle
bracket
TO iNSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convertmower
to bagging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"
in the Operation section of this manual.
5
KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrationswith your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location ofvadous 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 ENeJNE FAST SLC_/ CHOKE FUEL OfL DANGER, KEEP HANDS
ORWARNING ON OFF AND FEETAWAY
presencecontrolbar
zone control cable
Gasolins filler cap
Airfilter
Muffler
Engine oil cap
with di
Housing
Wheeladjustsr
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (oneach whsel)
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Sears rotary walk-behlnd power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the
Amedcan National Standards institute and the U,S. Consumer Product Safety Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Operator presence control bar- mustbe Primer. pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinderfor use when
engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for startingthe
engine. 6
Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objectsthrownintothe
eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields while operating your lawn mower
or performingany adjustments or repairs.
We recommend a wide vision safety
mask over spectacles or standard safety
glasses.
HOWTO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory
for optimum performance. Speed is not
adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE 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
clmumstancas 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 CuI"nNG HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cot and lower
wheels for high cut, adjust cuttingheight
to suityour requirements. Medium
positionis best for most lawns.
• To change cuttingheight, 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 propedy 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
TO CONVERT MOWER
Yourlawn mowerwas shippedreadytobe
usedas a mulcher. Toconvertto begging :
REAR BAGGING
• Liftrear doorofthe lawnn'_wer and place
the grasscatcharframehooksontothe
doorpivotpins.
• To converttomulcNngoperation,remove
_ grasscatcherand dose reardoor.
CAUTION: Do not runyour lawn mower
without clippingdeflector 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 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.
catcher
handle
/
Grass
catcher
frame
handle
Baghandle
I
RaiseWheelsfor Low Cut Lever
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. Engine holds 20 oz. of oil.
For type and grade of oil to 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. Fillto full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operationor each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel 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.
_-WARNING: Experience indicates that
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 untilthe fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel
nextseason. See Storage Instructionsfor
additionalinformation. Never use engine
or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tankor permanent damage may occur.
A CAUTION: Fillto bottom of gas tank
fillerneck. Donot overfill. Wipeoffany
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
Gasoline
fitter cap
Engine
oil cap
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings onthe
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 tryingto 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.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In coolerweather itmay be
necessary to repeat primingsteps. In
warmer weather over primingmay cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you
do flood engine, wait a few minutes
before attempting to startand do not
repeat priming steps.
8
40WINGTIPS
Under certain conditions,such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort andto 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 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.
]fa trail of clippingsis left on the dght
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 dirtand 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 clippingsand chaff.
This will help engine air flow and
extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWINGTIPS
IMPORTANT: Forbest 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 intothe
grass and not be noticed. Also,the
mulched grass will biodegrada quickly
to provide nutrients for the lawn.
Always mulch with your highest engine
(blade) speed as this will provide the
best recuttingaction of the blades.
• Avoid cuttingyour lawn when it iswet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn isthe eady
afternoon. At this time the grass has
dried and the newly cut area will not be
exposed tothe direct sun.
• 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 dumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a
second cut, mow across or perpendicu-
lar to the first cut path.
• Change your cuttingpattern 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
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE SERVICE DATES
Check for Loose Fasteners "t/' " ' " _#
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(If Equipped) V fl_ V /
Clean Lawn Mower li/ 1/
Clean Under Drive Cover
IPower-Propelled MowersJ _/
Check drive belt/ ulleys
(Power.Propelle_°Mowers) I_
Check]Sharpen/Replace Blade V/ :}
Lubdcation Chart _,/ 1/
Clean Batter//Rechart
IElec_cStartMowe_ Iv# I/4
Check Engine Oil Level 1/
Change Engine Oil V*I.t
Clean Air Filter If#' t
Inspect Muffler ¥1
Clean or Replace Spark Plug if
Replace AJrFilter Paper Cartridge f_2
1 . Charlge rr_n_ _ftel_ ,#_efl eperating L_der a heavy load or in high _ t mTlpemiu_
2 _ Service mornctten _ opem_g Ii; dirty or dUStyconditions
3 - RSpl,_ceblade_ more oftenwhen mowing in =mdy _,oll,
4 - C_arge 48 hours atend of w
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does
LUBRICATION CHART
(_) Wheelad uster
eachwhee
not cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To
receivefull value from the warranty,
operator must maintain mower as
instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made
periodicallyto properly maintain your
unit.
All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustmentssection of this manual
should be checked at least once each
season.
• 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 tilter element
assure proper air-fuel mixture and hell_
your engine run better and last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in
this manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART').
(_ Handlebracket mountingpins door hinge
(_) Spray lubricant
(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings, viscous
lubricants will attract dust and dirtthat
will shorten the life of the self-lubricat-
ing bearings. If you feel they must be
lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
10
graphite type lubricant sparingly.
(_) Rear
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
;ERIAL NUMBER:
DATEOF PURCHASE:
GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
PARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4
BLADE BOLTTORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and sedal numbers will be found on a decal attached to the rear of the
lawn mower housing. Record beth serial number and date of purchase in the spac_
provided above.
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when
performing any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil,or insect
controlchemicals which san 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,
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. Positionthe 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
w_ththe raisod 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 bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
Crankshaft
keyway
Lo
Blade
Blade shaft
bolt
washer Trailing edge Blade adapter
11
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpen-
ing 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 con be sharpened with a file
or on a grindingwheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, ddve a nail
into a beam or wall. Leave about one
inch ofthe straight nail exposed. Place
center hole of blade over the head of
the nail, If blade is balanced, it should
remain in a hodzontal 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
damage or detedoration. Through
normal use itwill wear. If catcher needs
replacing,replace only with a manufac-
turer approved replacement catcher.
Give the lawn mower model number
when ordedng.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
withAPI service classificationSF-SJ.
Select the ali's SAE viscositygrade
according to your expected operating
temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES !
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or at least once a year ifthe
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.
1. 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 oiltrapped inside of
engine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
and on side of engine.
5. Fill engine with oil. (See =ADDOIL" in
the Operation section of this manual,)
6. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark
plug.
•F .,?6" _ , _'_ 3_, 40* , _o" _o, , 1°0"
T_MpFJ_/_TU RE _GE i_ICIPAT _D BEFORE NEXt OIL (_,4_J4GE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosityoils
(5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in
coldweather, these muifi-viscosityoils
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.
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