Craftsman 9179994B Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual
®
OTARY LAWN MOWER
725 Series Briggs
Power-Propelled,
22" Multi-Cut
917.9994B
& Stratton Engine
Electric Start
EspaSol, p. 21
CAUTION'.
Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions
before operating this equipment
Sears Brands Management Corp., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
Warranty ................................................... 2
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-4
Product Specifications .............................. 4
Assembly / Pre-Operation ..................... 6-7
Operation ............................................. 8-12
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 13
CRAFTSMAN 2-YEAR FULL WARRANTY
For TWO YEARS from the date of purchase, this product is warranted against any
defects in material or workmanship. Defective product will receive free repair or
replacement if repair is unavailable. For warranty coverage details to obtain free repair or replacement, visit the web site:
www.craftsman.com This warranty covers ONLY defects in material and workmanship.
Warranty coverage does NOT include:
Expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period, such as blades, blade adapters, belts, filters or spark plugs.
Product damage resulting from user attempts at product modification or repair or caused by product accessories.
Repairs necessary because of accident or failure to operate or maintain this product according to all supplied instructions.
Preventative maintenance, or repairs necessary due to improper fuel mixture, contaminated or stale fuel.
This warranty is void if this product is ever used while providing commercial services or
if rented to another person.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Maintenance ...................................... 13-16
Service and Adjustments ................... 17-18
Storage .............................................. 18-19
Troubleshooting ................................. 19-20
Repair Parts ....................................... 40-47
Sears Service .......................... 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
serious injury or death.
_i,Look for this symbol to point out impor-
tant safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
,& WARNING" In order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, transport- ing, adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and place wire
where it cannot come in contact with plug.
_i, CAUTION: Muffler and other engine
parts become extremely ,4Fk,,-, hot during 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 compo-
nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
_,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.
&WARNING: 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.
2
In the state of California the above is re-
quired by law (Section 4442 of the Califor-
nia 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 RE- PAIR PARTS section of this manual).
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 richo-
chet back toward the operator. Stop 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 prop-
er operation and installation of accesso-
ries. 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; walk, never run. 3
Disengage the self-propelled mecha- nism 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
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 opera- tor 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 corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.
AWARNING: CHILDREN CAN BE
INJURED BY THIS EQUIPMENT. The
American Academy of Pediatrics recom-
mends that children be a minimum of 12
year of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a minimum of
16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.
When loadingor unloadingthis ma- chine,do not exceedthe maximum
recommendedoperationangle of 15°.
Wearproper PersonalProtectiveEquip-
ment(PPE)while operatingthis ma-
chine, including(at a minimum)sturdy footwear,eye protection, andhearing
protection. Donot mow in shortsor
opentoed footwear.
Alwayslet someone knowyouare outside mowing.
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 acciden- tal 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.
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F) Oil Capacity: 18 Ounces
Spark Plug (Gap: .020") Champion RJ2YLE
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.
4
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 ifyour 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 sup- port from a Sears representative on products requiring in-home repair, plus
convenient 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
5
WHEELS
ENGINE OIL
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble
or operate your new lawn mower.
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the
engine.
Your new lawn mower has been assem-
bled at the factory with the exception of
those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts
and hardware you assemble must be tight- ened 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 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.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR 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 posi-
tion.
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.
Operator MOWING
f POSITION
control bar
////
Upper
handle
Handle
knob
Lower handle
Bolt
Handle
bracket
/
/
6
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.
Vinyl bindings
Frame
opening
TO PREPARE BATTERY
NOTE: Your battery must be charged before you can start your lawn mower.
1. Disconnect engine battery connector (male) from battery connector (female)
2. Connect battery charger connector (male) to battery connector (female).
3. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet.
4. Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine
for the first time.
5. After charging, connect engine con- nector (male) to battery connector (female).
Connect your battery charger to charge
battery as required. IMPORTANT: The engine will not re-
charge your battery. At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to
,_[otect the battery during winter storage.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the
harness connector to prevent accidental
starting when transporting or storing your
lawn mower after the season.
Engine battery Battery connector (male) charger
Charger
connector
(male)
Battery connector (female)
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.
7
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 C)FF AND FEET AWAY
-Operator presence control bar
Drive control lever
Key
start Handle knobs
Auxiliary starter
handle
G rass catcher
Gasoline filler cap
Air filte
Mulcher door
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped
Engine oil cap with dipstick
Spark plug
Muffler
Drive
cover
Wheel adjuster
(on each wheel)
Housing
WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (El0) is acceptable for use in this machine.
The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (El0) will void the product warranty.
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. _I,WARNING" The blade turns when the engine is running.
Key start switch = used for starting engine. Operator presence control bar - must
Auxiliary starter handle = used for start- be held down to the handle to start the ing engine, engine. Release to stop the engine.
Mulcher door = allows conversion to Drive control lever = used to engage
discharging or bagging operation. 8 power-propelled forward motion of mower.
The operation of any lawn
SAFETYGLASSESmower can result in foreign
objectsthrownintotheeyes, whichcanresultinsevereeye damage.Alwayswearsafety
glassesoreye shieldswhile operatingyour lawnmowerorperforminganyadjustments orrepairs.Werecommendastandardsafety
glasses or wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. It 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.
DRIVE CONTROL
Self-propelling is controlled by hold-
ing the operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pulling the drive control lever rearward to the handle.
The further toward the handle the lever
is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.
Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or
drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine,
release the drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing without self-propelling.
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control
the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.
To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on the
handle to lift the front wheels off the I: / "-._,_,,_ .........J
ground while turning lawn mower. ------I ',\! ,
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to increase drive speed.
3. Operate mower to test drive speed.
Readjust as required.
4. If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.
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.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
Adjustment turnbuckle
Plate tab._
Operator presence control bar Drive controllever X "_-__
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
TO
ENGAGE DRIVE
DRIVE CONTROL
CONTROL DISENGAGED
9
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 grass bag brackets.
To convert to mulching or discharging
operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.
door
Grass bag bracket
\_. handle
Grass frame hook
Grass
catcher
\
Open I
mulcher door I
Discharge
deflector
\
NOTE: Rear door will remain open until operator presence control bar is held
down to the handle. &CAUTION: Do NOT force rear door to
close. Serious damage to your mower could result.
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 and locked.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked. FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed and locked. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear door closed.
2. Discharge deflector installed.
,_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow- er 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.
10
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 empty- ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.
Grass
catcher
frame
_i, CAUTION" Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
Al_CAUTION: 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.
Bag handle
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 itwill 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.
Engine
oil cap
Gasoline filler cap
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 product
and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.
To start engine, hold operator presence
control bar down to the handle and turn the start key.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continous seconds between each
time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds
between each attempt.
To start engine using the rope starter,
hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.
11
MOWING TiPS
_, CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower and could void your warranty.
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 cut- ting 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 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.
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 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.
12
MAINTENANCE BEFOREAFTEREVERY
SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS
m
Check for Loose Fasteners
_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *
Check Tires
_ Check Drive Wheels I_
Clean Lawn Mower ....
M Clean under Drive Cover ***
O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
_ Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
R Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level
IE 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.
EACH EACH 10
EVERY EVERY
25 HOURS 100
OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE
BEFORE
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
(_ Wheel
adjuster (on
each wheel)
(_ Engine oil
(_ Mulcher
door hinge
pin
(_ Rear door
hinge
(_ 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
3graphite type lubricant sparingly.
1
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.
DRIVE WHEELS Check front drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are inthe drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be sure to clean both front wheels.
1. Remove hubcaps, Iocknuts & washers.
2. Remove wheels from wheel adjusters.
3. Remove any trash or grass cuttings
from inside the dust cover, pinion and/ or drive wheel gear teeth.
4. Put wheels back in place. NOTE: If after cleaning, the drive wheels
do not turn freely, contact a Sears or other qualified service center.
BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept
sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.
A 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 haz-
ardous, 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, hardened washer). NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter.
The key must be in good condition to work
properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position the blade adapter on the en-
gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.
2. Position blade on the blade adapter. 14
IMPORTANT: To ensure proper assembly, center hole in blade must align with star on blade adapter.
3. Be sure 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 heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.
Blade adapter y Crankshaft
Lockwasher
Blade
/
Blade
bolt Hardened
washer Trailin/edge retainer
\ \
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp- ening blade - but if you do, be sure the
blade is 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, you will need
a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer,
follow the instructions supplied with it.)
NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing
blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.
Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion
of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. 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.
Center hole
5/8" bolt or pin
Blade
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.
GEAR CASE
To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around
the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive
cover twice a season.
The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time
the lubricant needs attention is if service
has been performed on the gear case.
ENGINE LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL. Se-
lect 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 -_o -2; -1; ; 1'o _o _o 4;
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 op-
eration orat least once a year if the 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, empty 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 plug.
.
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 re- move any oil trapped inside of engine.
/ /
Container
/
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.
5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout,
stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.
6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a
minute to allow oil to settle.
7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level
settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the
muffler on startup.
8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.
9. 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 cartridge every
100 hours of operation or every season,
whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner
more often under dusty conditions. TO CLEAN AIR FILTER
1. Loosen screw and tilt cover to remove.
2. Carefully remove cartridge.
3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur-
face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.
,ACAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such
as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration
of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.
4. Install cartridge, then replace cover making sure the tabs are aligned with
the slots in the back plate. Fasten screw securely.
15
Lip Back plate
/
Cart_ _ / ,
"-,-z _" Cover
Cover tab
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG Replace spark plug at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs
first. Spark plug type and gap setting
are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC- ATIONS" section of this manual.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-grass and trash. Clean the underside of your
mower after each use.
ACAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it
cannot come in contact with plug.
Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass
and trash.
Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs
hotter and shortens engine life.
Keep finished surfaces and wheels free
of all gasoline, oil, etc.
We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean the outside of your lawn
mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are cov-
ered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.
WATER WASHOUT FEATURE Your lawn mower is equipped with a fitting
that allows quick and easy cleaning of the underside of the housing. To use this
feature, proceed as follows:
1. Move lawn mower to an area of cut grass or another hard surface.
NOTE: Water, grass and other debris will
drain from beneath the mower housing during the washout process.
2. Remove grass catcher and discharge chute assembly from lawn mower.
3. Close mulcher door (if equipped).
4. Connect a garden hose to the fitting
where shown.
IMPORTANT: Be sure the garden hose is not routed under the lawn mower housing
or entangled inthe wheels.
5. Turn on water supply and check for leaks at the fitting.
If no leaks are present, start engine (as
described in the Operation section of this
manual) and let engine run until the under-
side of the lawn mower is clean. A WARNING: Do not engage the drive system during the washout process.
6. Shut off the engine.
7. Shut off water supply and remove hose from fitting.
CAUTION: Do not remove hose from fitting while engine is running. Water in
engine can result in shortened engine life.
8. Start engine (as described in the Op- eration section of this manual) and let engine run for a full minute to remove
excess water from mower.
Hose
......J
Fitting
CLEAN UNDER DRIVE COVER Clean under drive cover at least twice a
season. Scrape underside of cover with
putty knife or similar tool to remove any build-up of trash or grass on underside of
drive cover.
16
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