Craftsman 9179998A Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

OTARY LAWN

550 Series Briggs & 21" Rear-Discharge

Model No.

917.9998A

MOWER

Stratton Engine

• EspaSol, p. 18

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

Operation ............................................. 7-10

Maintenance Schedule ........................... 11

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 ...................................... 11-13

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

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

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

Repair Parts ....................................... 34-41

Sears Service .......................... Back Cover

IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throw- ing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

al: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 ac-

cidental starting when setting up, trans- porting, adjusting or making repairs,

always disconnect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact

with plug. _,WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State

of California tocause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive 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.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the

manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the instructions, to oper- ate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks,

toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade.

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

enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare-

foot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless

absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward

anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material

may richochet back toward the opera-

tor. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or

other safety protective devices in place.

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

accessories. Only use accessories ap-

proved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until

the blade comes to complete stop before

removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech-

anism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibra-

tion is generally a warning of trouble.

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

mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

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

jury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot- ing could cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator

is not alert to the presence of children.

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

that children will remain where you last saw them.

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

responsible adult.

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

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

• Never allow children to operate the ma- chine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects

that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

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

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes

and other sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain-

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

other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.

Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

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

ground. If this is not possible, then

refuel such equipment with a portable

container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do

not use a nozzle lock-open device.

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

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

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire

away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight and keep equip- ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel

spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration,

which could expose moving parts or

allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts,

when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set- ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc- tion labels, as necessary.

&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.

In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on

federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest Sears

Parts & Repair Center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).

Serial Number:

Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.6 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F); SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 16 Ounces Spark Plug (Gap: .030") Champion RC12YC

Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

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

Repair Protection Agreements

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

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

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

aggravation.

Purchase a Repair Protection Agreement

now and protect yourself from unexpected

hassle and expense.

Here's what's included in the Agreement:

• Expert service by our 12,000 profe- sional repair specialists.

• Unlimited service and no charge for parts and labor on all covered repairs.

• Product replacement 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

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.

Operator MOWING

f POSITION control bar

///

///!

Upper

UP handle

Handle

knob

Lower handle

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.

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 Frame

bindings opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or

discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER"

in the Operation section of this manual.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize

yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for

future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OIL DANGER, KEEP HANDS

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Handle knob

Starter

handle

Gasoline filler cap

Grass catche

Engine oil ca

with dipstick

Muffle

Spark plug

Primer

Air filter

Wheel adjuster

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on each wheel)

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 Com- mission. _I,WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.

Operator presence control bar- must Primer- pumps additional fuel from the be 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 engine. 7

The operationof any

SAFETYGLASSESlawnmowercan result

inforeignobjectsthrown intothe eyes,which can resultin severe eyedam-

age. Alwayswear safety glassesor eye shieldswhile operatingyour lawn mower or performinganyadjustmentsor repairs.

We recommenda standardsafetyglasses orwide visionsafety maskworn 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.

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging:

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

onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and

close rear door.

Pivot pins Rear

Catcher frame hook

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.

3. Empty clippings from bag.

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

Grass

catcher

handle

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

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

Plate tab

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 heavily from the muffler on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.

3. You receivea containerof oilwith the unit. Slowly pourthe entirecontainer

downthe oil fill spout intothe engine.

NOTE: Initial oilfill requiresonly 14 oz.

due to residualoil inenginefrom the

manufacturers100%qualitytesting.

When changingoil you mayneed 16oz.

4. Insertandtightendipstick. IMPORTANT:

• Check oil level beforeeach use. Addoil

if needed. Fillto full line ondipstick.

• Changethe oil afterevery25 hoursof

operationor eachseason. Youmay

needto change theoil moreoften underdusty,dirtyconditions. See "TO

CHANGE ENGINEOIL"in the Mainte-

nancesectionofthis manual.

Engine oil cap Gasoline filler cap

Primer

TO STOP ENGINE

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

TO START ENGINE

NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the

engine, a small amount of smoke may be

present during the initial use of the 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.

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.

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.

& CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

& 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.

Starter

handle

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 dumps 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.

MAINTENANCE BEFOREAFTEREVERY

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS

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

(_ 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. Ifyou feel they

must be lubricated, use only adry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per-

forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept

sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

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 hazardous, could damage your mower and

void your warranty. TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and / or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, Iockwasher and hardened washer).

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position blade on the blade adapter

aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.

2. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

3. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

4. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. Ibs.

Blade adapter Ke

Lockwasher

Blade

bolt Hardened .....::',::, / \

washer Trailing edge

Crankshaft

keyway (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in

', level more frequently to avoid possible

Crankshaft 12

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

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

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening the 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, 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.

GoRASSCATCHER

The grass catcher may be hosed with

water, but must be dry when used.

Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal

use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace-

ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn

mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated

with API service classification SG-SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade

according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100

C -30 -2; -1; & 110 20 30 4;

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils

cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will

result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil

engine damage from running low on oil.

Check the crankcase oil level before

starting the engine and after each five (5)

hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug

securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINEOIL

NOTE: Beforetipping lawn mowerto drain oil, emptyfueltank by runningengineuntil

fuel tankis empty.

1. Disconnectspark plug wire fromspark plugand placewire where it cannot come in contactwith plug.

2. Removeengineoil cap; layaside on a cleansurface.

3. Tip lawn moweron its side as shown and drain oil into a suitablecontainer.

Rocklawn mowerbackand forthto re-

move any oil trappedinsideof engine.

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 muf- fler on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Reconnect spark plug wire to plug.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of

operation or every season, whichever oc- curs first. Service air cleaner more often

under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER ELEMENT

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove foam element.

3. Wash foam element in liquid detergent and water.

4. Wrap foam element in cloth and squeeze dry.

5. Lightlycoatfoam elementwith clean engine oil. Squeeze intowel to re-

moveexcessoil. Do not saturate.

6. Installfoam element,then replace cover.

Slot

Foam element

Cover _J

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded muffler as

it could create a fire hazard and / or dam- age.

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.

,I_CAUTION" 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 lawn mower unless the

electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in short-

ened engine life.

,_ WARNING" Toavoid seriousinjury,

beforeperformingany serviceand adjustments:

1. Releasecontrol barand stop engine.

2. Makesurethe bladeand all moving parts have completelystopped.

3. Disconnectspark plug wire fromspark plugand placewire where it cannot

come in contactwith plug.

LAWN MOWER

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in

the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR

The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator mowing position. If the

deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO ADJUST HANDLE

The handle can be mounted in a high or

low position. The mounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for

raising or lowering the handle.

1. Remove upper handle and all wire tie(s) securing cable(s) to lower handle.

2. Remove hairpin cotters from lower handle bracket mounting pin.

3. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.

4. Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle.

5. Squeeze lower handle in and position holes onto mounting pins on handle

bracket.

6. Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

SQUEEZE i

TO ADJUST

Lower handle""'-- I

'l:0u Mounting pin ---_

_... Handle tt_r /

bracket Hairpin cotter

Mowing r-'q Mowing

_.Niposition,, position

Hairpin

___ _Handle

Mounting"_ .... LL_ bracket

pin LOW POSITION HIGH POSITION

Lower handle

ROTATE

ENGINE

ENGINE SPEED

Your engine speed has been factory set.

Do not attempt to increase engine speed

or it may result in personal injury. If you

believe that engine is running too fast or too slow, take your mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair

and adjustment. CARBURETOR

Your carburetor is not adjustable. If your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your

lawn mower to a Sears or other qualified service center for repair and / or adjustment.

IMPORTANT: Never tamper with the engine governor, which is factory set

for proper engine speed. Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous. If you think

the engine-governed high speed needs adjusting, contact a Sears or other qualified service center, which has proper equipment and experience to make any

necessary adjustments.

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