Craftsman 917389612 Owner’s Manual
Owner's Manual
ICRAFTSMAN+I
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
6.0 Horsepower
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
917.389612
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 unleaded gasoline, and
include the following emission control systems: Engine Modification(EM), and Three-way
Catalyst (TWC) (If so equipped).
AVISO: Los motores homologadospara cumplir con la reglamentaci6n sobre emisiones de
California y de la Agencia de Protecci6n Ambiental estadounidense (EPA) para equipos
pequefios no ciroulantes(SORE) funcionan con gasolina normal sin plomo, e incluyen los
siguientessistemas de control de emisiones: modificaci6n del motor (EM) y catalizador de triple
acci6n (TWC) (en caso de tenerlo).
The D.O.M. decal includes engine life specifications for the emissions-related useful life period of
your engine. This period relates to the emission compliance life as certified by EPNCARB. To
find the life period 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 calcomanfa D.O.M. incluye especificaciones sobre la duracibn del motor para el perfodo de
vida _til de su motor relaccionado con emisiones. Este perfodo se relaciona con la duraci6n en
conformidad con las emisiones seg_n Io certificado por EPA/CARB. Para hallar la especificaci6n
del perfodo de vida de su motor, mire cu_l de las siguientes letras viene impresa en su
calcomanfa 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
Seam, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 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 .................................... 1013
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 workman-
ship.
Product Specifications ......................... 11
Service and Adjustments ................ 13-14
Storage ........................................... 14-15
Troubleshooting ............................. 16-17
Repair Parts .................................... 34-39
Sears Service ........................ Back Cover
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
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 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 instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
_,Look for this symbol to point out
important safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
_,, CAUTION: Always disconnect spark
plug wire and place wire where it cannot
contact spark plug in order to prevent
accidental starting when setting up,
transporting, adjusting or making repairs.
&WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of
its constituents, and certain vehicle
components contain or emit chemicals _)"/__ j
known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other repro-
ductive harm.
_I,WARNING: 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.
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.
2
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 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 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.
• 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-propelledmecha-
nism or driveclutchon mowers so
equipped before startingthe 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-oils, 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 down for small
children.
• Never allow childrento operate the
machine.
• Use extracare when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees, or other 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 governor
setting or overspeed the engine.
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. Most Sears stores can also order repair parts for you, when you
provide the model number of your lawn mower. Some of these accessories may not
apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR
MULCHER KITS
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
MUFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
I SIDE DISCHARGE
FOR
GRASS CATCHERS
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GAS CANS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
4
Readtheseinstructionsandthis 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,
washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete
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.
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
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.
Operator
control bar
UP
LIFT
UI
Mowing
position
Lower handle
TO INSTALL ATI'ACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section
of this manual.
5
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
presence control bar
knob
Gasoline filler cap
Starter handle
Air filter
Grass catcher
Engine oil cap with di
Mulch{
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 held down to the handle to start the
engine. Release to stop the engine.
Mulcher door - allows conversion to
discharge or bagging operation.
Primer - pumps additional fuel from the
carburetor to the cylinder for use when
starting a cold engine.
Starter Handle - used for starting the
6 engine.
Theoperationof anylawn
mowercan resultinforeign
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 standard safety glasses
or a wide vision safety mask worn over
spectacles.
HOWTO USE YOUR 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 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 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
...__.__. _
RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT Lever
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to
be used as a mulcher. To convert to
bagging or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and
place the grass catcher frame hooks
onto the door pivot pins.
• To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and
close rear door.
Pivot pins Rear Grass
catcher
handle
Catcher frame hook "
SIDE DISCHARGING
• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install dis-
charge deflector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging
operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging
operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be
closed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN
CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Side discharge deflector installed.
/I, CAUTION: Do not run your lawn
mower without rear door closed or
approved grass catcher in place.
Never attempt to operate the lawn mower
with the rear door removed or propped
open.
7
Discharge
defh
door
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
and 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
• 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
Adays 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.
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.
- Gasoline
filler cap
Engine
oil cap
8
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 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.
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.
• 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 c_ear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This wilt 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 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, tf 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.
MAX 1/3
• 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.
9
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL IN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
Check for Loose Fasteners _ _'
Clean/Inspect Grass Catcher
(ff Equipped) _ _
a Clean Lawn Mower
Clean Under Drive Cover
Check drive belt/pulleys
W (Power-Propelled Mowers) t_'
(Power-Propelled Mowers) If
R Check]Sharpen/Replace Blade 11/3
LubricationChart _,_ If
Clean Battery/Recharge
IElectricStart Mowers / _ I_4
BE Check Engine Oil Level
Change Engine Oil 1_1.2
Inspect Muffler
G Clean Air Filter _ 2
N Clean or Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge if2
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions,
3 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy SoJJ.
4 - Charge 48 hours at end of season.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower cloes
not 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 I f
periodically to properly maintain your I / \
unit.
All adjustments in the Service and I \
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
(_) Handle bracket mountingpins
your engine run better and last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in
(_) Spray lubricant
this manual.
BEFORE EACH USE
1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.
LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRI-
CATION CHART").
(_) See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease
plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubri-
cants 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
10graphite type lubricant sparingly.
LUBRICATION CHART
(_ Wheel adjuster
each wheel)
_ERVICE DATES
(_ Brake spring
bracket
Mulcher
door hinge
pin
Engine oil
(_) Rear
door hinge
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.5 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 serial numbers will be found on a decal on the rear of the mower
housing. Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above
LAWNMOWER
Always observe safety rules when perform-
ing 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.
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
tuming 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. lbs.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.
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.
Blade adapter Crankshaft
keyway
Blade
Blade
bolt
1 1 washer
Trailing edge Blade adapter
shaft
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.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
-20
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 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°F. 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 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 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.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may
be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Replace the air filter every year or after
every 100 hours of operation, more often
if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions.
Do not wash air filter.
TO CHANGE AIR FILTER
1. Remove the air filter by turning
clockwise to the stop and pull away
from collar.
2. Remove filter from inside of cover.
3. Clean the inside of the cover and the
collar to remove any dirt accumula-
tion.
4. insert new filter into cover.
5. Put air filter cover and filter into collar
aligning the tab with the slot.
6. Push in on cover and turn counter-
clockwise to tighten.
Collar
Clip
TURN CLOCKWISE
TO
REMOVE
\
Slot
Air filter
TURN
COUNTER-
Air filter cover
CLOCKWISE TO TIGHTEN
12
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