Craftsman 917389581 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

6.75 HORSEPOWER

21" REAR DISCHARGE

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

Model No.

917.389581

• Safety

• Assembly

• Operation
, Maintenance

• Espafiol

• Repair Parts

NOTE: Engines which are certified to comply with California and U.S, EPA emission regulations

for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment), are certified to operate on regular unlesdedgasoline,

and include the following emission control systems: Engine Modificatton (EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).

AVOSO: Los motores homologados para cumplir con la reglamentacibn sobm emisiones de
Cafffornia y de la Agencia de Protecci6n Ambiental estadounidenso (EPA) pera equipos

pequefios no circulantes (SORE) funcionan con gasoline normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientes sistemas de control de emistones: modificacibn del motor (EM) y cataflzador de tdple
accibn (TWC) (en caso de tenet/o).

The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of

your engine. This pedod relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPA/CARB. To
find the life pedod specification for your engine, please match one of the following letters with the

letter printed on your D.O.M. decal: (C) 125 hours, (B) 250 hours, (A) 500 hours.
La celcomanfa D.O.M. incluye especificaciones sobre la duracibn del motor para el perfodo de

vida util de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este periodo se relaciona con la duracibn en
conformidad con las emisiones segun Io certificedo por EPNCARB. Para haflar la especificecion

del perfodo de vida de su motor, mire cu_l de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su

calsomanfa D.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

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

Warranty ................................................. 2

Safety Rules ........................................ 2-4

Assembly ................................................ 5

Operation ............................................. 6-9

Maintenance Schedule ........................ 10

Maintenance .................................... 10-13

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 work-

manship.

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 dudng 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 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 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

Product Specifications .......................... 11

Service and Adjustments ...................... 14

Storage ............................................ 15-16

Troubleshooting .............................. 16-17

Repair Parts ..................................... 34-39

Parts Ordering ........................ Back Cover

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

throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in

sedous injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all
instructions on 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

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 instructions for
proper operation and installation of
accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

2

• 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 and walk; never

run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-

nism or drive c_utchon 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

operating 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.

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
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 plug wire, 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 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 governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

3

_,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means

CAUTIONt!! BECOMEALERTH! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

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

State of California 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.

CAUTION= Muffler and other engine

parts become extremely hot dudng

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

reproductive harm.

These acceseodse were availablewhen this lawn mower was produced. They are not
shipped with your mower, They are alsoavailable at most Sears retailo*._etsandsen/ice
centers. Most Sears stores canalso order repair parts for you, when you providethe model
number of your lawn mower. Some ofthese accessoriesmay notapplytoyour lawnmower.

LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE

CLIPPING DEFLECTOR

FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

GRASS CATCHERS

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES

MULCRER KITS

FOR

_1 GRASS CATCHERS

BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

AIR FILTERS

STABILIZER

GAS CANS

SPARK PLUGS

ENGINE OIL

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

assemble or operate your new lawn
mower.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is
shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in

the engine.
Your new lawn mower has been as-

sembled at the factory with the exception
of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts,
washem, 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 thorougly for additional

loose pads.

HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN

MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefuny 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
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

Lift L

position

Lower handle

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

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

in the Operation section of this manual.

5

KNOWYOUR LAWN MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULESBEFORE OPERATINGYOUR

LAWNMOWER. Compare the illustrationswithyourlawnmowerto familiarizeyourself

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 WANNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

presence control bar

Gasoline filler cap

Air filter

Grass c

Engine oil cap with dipstick.

Primer

Muffler

Housing

Wheel adjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on each wheel)
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 Commis-
sion. The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar - must be Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
held down to the handle to start the carburetor to the cylinder for use when

engine. Release to stop the engine, starting a cold engine.
Starter handle - used for starting the

engine. 6

Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign

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 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

ACAUTION: 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
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.

TO CONVERT MOWER

Yourlawn mower was shippedreadytobe
usedas a muk;her. Toconverttobagging:

REAR BAGGING

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place
the grass catcher frame hooks onto the

door pivotpins.

• To conved to mulching operation, remove
grass catcher and close rear door.

ACAUTION: Do not run 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 pins Rear Grass

"-""door catcher

handle

Catcher frame _. \ _ _\

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
frame

handle

RaiseWheels for LowCut Laver

Bag handle

I

7

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. 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

• 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.

_kWARNING: 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 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.

CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank

filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or

use gasoline near an open flame.

Gasoline

filter cap

Engine
oil cap

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

usualty 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 cooler weather it may be
necessary 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 attempting to start and do not
repeat priming steps.

8

MOWINGTIPS

• .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 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

overlap to collect the clippings on the
next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can
become fiUed 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 MOWINGTIPS

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 recur
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 wilt provide the
best recutting 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 and the newly cut area will not be

exposed to the 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 clumps 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 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.

MAX 1/3

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE ;ERVICE DATES

Check for Loose Fasteners _
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher

(If Equipped) I/ II/ ¥1

i Clean Lawn Mower ik/

(Power-Propelled Mowers)

O Clean Under Drive Cover

Check drive belt/pulleys

RE Power-Propelled Mowers) V'

CheclVSharperVReplace Blade II/3

Lubdcation ChaR _/' lJ#

Clean BaffeqdRechar le

Electric Start Mower V' 1/4

E Check Engine Oil Level

i/

iN Change Engine Oil V11,2

G Clean Air Filter I_ 2

I Inspect Muffler !/

N Clea_orReplaceSparkPlug

E ReplaceAirFilterPaperCartridge t/2

1 . Change more often when operating uP,def a heavy load or in high arr_ient temperatures

2 - Se_e more o_en when operating in dirty Or du$1y cond_lons

3 -Replace blades more o_en when mowing insandy soil¸
4 -Chairge ,$Bho_s at end olseason¸

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does

Rot cover items that have been subjected
to operator abuse or negligence. To

receive full value from the warranty,

operator must maintain mower as

instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your
unit.

All adjustments in the Service and
Adjustments section 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 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

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-

CATION CHART").

i/

LUBRICATION CHART

(D Wheel adjuster

(_) Handle bracket mounting pins

(D Spray lubricant

(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel beahngs, 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

10

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

(!) Brake

spnng

bracket

ne oil

Rear

door binge

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SERIAL NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE:

GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS UNLEADED REGULAR
OILTYPE (API-SF-SJ): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F)

OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZS.
SPARK PLUG (GAP: .045") CHAMPION RESISTOR TYPE RJ19LM4

BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 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 serial number and date of purchase in the space

provided above.

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when

performing any maintenance.
TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
control chemicars 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.

TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot

come in contact with spark plug.

2. Tum 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

t. 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 bolt is grade 8 heat

treated.

Blade Crankshaft

Blad

Blade _o shaft

bolt

washer Trailing edge Blade adapter

ank

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 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
damage or deterioration. Through

normal use it will wear. If catcher needs
replacing, replace only with a manufac-

turer approved replacement catcher.

Give the lawn mower model number
when ordering.

ENGINE
LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SF-SJ.
Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating
temperature.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or 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.

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 oil trapped inside of

engine.

4. Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower
and on 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.

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°F. Check your
engine oil level more frequently to avoid

possible engine damage from running

low on oil.

Container

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