Craftsman 987.889000 User Manual
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
987.889000
CRAFTSMAM
A Caution;
Read and Follow
All Safety Rules
and Instructions
Before Operating
This Equipment.
8 HORSEPOWER 33-INCH MOWER
Assembly
Operation
Customer Responsibilities
Service and Adjustments
Repair Parts
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179 U.S.A.
FORM 1905122 (3/98)
SAFETY RULES
A
CAUTION: ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PLACE WIRE WHERE IT
AA CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL STARTING WHEN SET- Ak
TING UP, TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR MAKING REPAIRS. **
IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Fail
ure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
8. Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicais known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or
other reproductive harm.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow alt instructions on the
machine and in the manuals. Be thoroughly familiar
with the controls and the proper use of the mower
before starting.
2.
Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the mower blade and discharge open
ing at all times.
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective de
vices in place.
9. Refer to provided instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use acces
sories approved by Sears, Roebuck and Co.
10. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.
11. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire
from the spark plug whenever you leave the unit, be
fore cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.
A
FI
3.
Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the mower.
4.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.
5.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters the area.
Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away from the area
of operation.
6.
Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.
7.
Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec
essary. Look down and behind before and while
moving backwards.
12. Shut the engine off, wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire
before installing or removing the mulcher cover or
the optional grass catcher. Make certain that the
grass catcher is securely attached before operating
the mower. Empty the grass catcher after each use-
decomposing debris could generate enough heat to
catch fire.
13. Mow in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or daigs.
15. Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.
16. Disengage the Wheel Drive Lever on self-propelled
models before starting the engine.
17. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the
engine and disconnect the spark plug wire. Then
check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gener
ally a warning of trouble.
A
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS-ATTENTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
SAFETY RULES
18. Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating mower.
19. Watch for traffic when operating near, or when cross
ing roadways.
20. Never attempt to carry children or other passengers
on the mower. They could fall off and be seriously in
jured, or they could interfere with the safe operation
of the mower.
21. Check the operation of the Operator Presence Con
trol before each use. See the Customer Responsibili
ties Section of this manual for instructions. If the
mower blades rotate longer than three seconds after
the Operator Presence Control is released, the sys
tem is not working properly. Immediately contact
your local Sears Service Center/Department for in
structions. Do not use the mower until the mecha
nism is repaired.
22. The mower is equipped with a safety discharge
chute, comes with a special mulcher cover and offers
an optional grass catcher. The safety discharge
chute must be working properly at all times. Never
attempt to disconnect or othenwise cause this dis
charge chute to cease working. If used, mulcher
cover or grass catcher attachment must be installed
properly and function correctly. Do not use your
equipment othenwise.
23. Never run the engine in an enclosed area. Engine ex
haust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is
odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Always run the en
gine outdoors and make sure there is adequate
ventilation.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall acci
dents 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. Avoid slopes greater than 150.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles. .
DO NOT:
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The operator could loose footing or balance.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often at
tracted to the mower and to the mowing activity.
Never assume that children will remain where you
iast saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of a responsible adult.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if children enter the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. Never allow children to operate the mower.
5. Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and their vapors are explosive.
a) Use only an approved container.
b) Never remove gas cap or add fuel when the en
gine is running. Allow engine to cool before refu
eling. Do not smoke.
c) Never refuel the machine indoors.
d) Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as a water
heater, etc.
e) Move mower away from any gasoline fumes be
fore starting the engine.
2. Never run an engine inside a closed area.
3. Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine
running. Disconnect the spark plug wire and keep
the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental
starting.
4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially the blade attach
ment bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condi
tion.
5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their opera
tion regularly. .
SAFETY RULES
6. Keep mower free of grass, leaves or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow mower to
cool before storing.
7. After striking an object, stop the engine and discon
nect the spark plug wire. Inspect the mower and re
pair, if necessary, before restarting.
8. Never attempt to make mower cutting height adjust
ments whiie the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam
age and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with Sears recommended
parts, when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
PI
11. Do not change the engine governor setting or over
speed the engine.
12. Do not touch engine parts which may be hot from
operation. Allow parts to cool completely before in
specting, cleaning or repairing the mower.
13. To access the underside of the mower, tip the mower
rearward. Do not tip the mower forward or on either
of its sides, uniess specifically advised to do so in
this manuai.
14. Maintain or replace safety and instructional decals.
Refer to the Repair Parts Section for replacement
decal information.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Craftsman
33-lndi Mower. It has been designed, engineered and
manufactured to give you the best possibie dependability
and performance.
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest Seam Service
Center/Department. We have competent, well-trained
technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this
machine.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
help you assemble and maintain your machine properiy.
Always observe the “SAFETY RULES.”
MODEL NUMBER: 987.889000
SERIAL
NUMBER:
_____________________________________
DATE OF
PURCHASE:___________________________________
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE
FOUND ON A DECAL LOCATED RIGHT SIDE OF
THE MOWER DECK.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH THE SERIAL NUM
BER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A
SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:
DISPLACEMENT:
8 HP
19.43 CU. IN.
FUEL CAPACITY: 3 Quarts
SPARK PLUG (GAP .030-in.):
Champion RJ-17LM
or equivalent
IGNITION
■ Electronic
NET ENGINE WEIGHT 57 LBS.'
' in Canada, replace spark plug with a resistor plug.
WARNING: This machine 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 lo
cal or state taws (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. This engine is not equipped with a
spark arrestor for the muffler. A spark arrester for the
muffler is available through your nearest Sears autho
rized service center. See the REPAIR PARTS section of
this manual.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A Sears maintenance agreement is avaiiable on this
product. Contact your nearest Sears store for details.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
□ Read and observe the safety rules.
□ Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using this product.
□ Follow the instmctlons under "CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES” and “STORAGE" sections of
this manual.
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 workmanship.
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
sparlLDlug.
• 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® MOWER TO THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/ DE
PARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY WHILE THIS PRODUCT IS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
One year warranty on the following: #38700, #38607. #38712. #38720, #38721, #38725 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS.
INDEX
Accessories and Attachments
Adjustments:
B
Blade:
,.7
.15
.25
. .8
32
32
..........
2
C OQ
.0|
....
5
c
............
7
............
8
...
13
.5,23
Features/Controls ......................
Fuel Storage
Fuel Type..................................
Gear Select Lever ........
Handlebar;
14
Assembly...............................
.....
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS....
^TnRAOF ...............................
TROUBLESHOOTING
DECALS
...................................
REPAIR PARTS - MOWER......................................
REPAIR PARTS - ENGINE
PARTS ORDERING/SERVICE
F
__ _
13
.......................
G
H
.17, 34
___
17
... .14
.........
.....................
.................
Recoil Stert Rope
Repair Parts
Responsibilities, Customer .. .5, 23
Safety Decals
Safety Rules
Service and Adjustments
Spark Plug........................................26
Specifications
Starting/Stopping Engine....................19
9
Storage
............. .
..............
..............
.....................................36
.
.....................................37
.....................................46
...
.............
Back Cover
R
.............................
.....................................
S
..................................
......................................
....................
.....................................
...........................................
26
34
35
16
37
36
2
26
5
34
Controls:
Customer Responsibilities:
Decals
Engine:
Oil
.26
. 14
. 15
. 16
. 14
. 13
. 15
.25
.32
i-25
.23
.26
.36
. .25
. .24
. .24
. .13
. .16
. .26
. .34
L
Lubrication:
Engine
.....
...........................
Mower
.................................
M
Maintenance:
Agreement ...........................
Schedule
Mowing Tips
Mulching Cover
Off-Season Storage..................
Oil ..........................................
Operation
Operator Presence Control
Options
Parts List
Product Specifications ....
...........................
............................
.......................
0
................................
..................................
P
...............................
.17, 23
........
..........
........
.........21
. .15, 18
.........34
..17, 23
........
.........13
...........
,. .21-27
.
...........
23
23
T
Troubleshooting
Unpacking..........................................8
5
................................
U
W
Warranty
Wheel Drive Control ...........................15
13
7
4
...........................................
OPERATOR’S POSITION
All references in this Manual
to LEFT and RIGHT sides of
thè mower are given from the
operator’s position behind the
handlebars (unless specified
: otherwise).
35
5
ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
These accessories and attachments were available when the mower was purchased. They are also available at most
Sears retail outlets, catalog and service centers. Most Sears stores can order repair parts for you when you provide
the model number of your unit.
ENGINE
Spark Plug
MOWER
Grass Catcher
Gas Can
Belt
Fuel Stabilizer
Blade
Motor Oil
©
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Parts Bag Contents
Flat Washer,
5/16”
Qty;4
Hex Flange Lock Screw,
1/4”-20 X1/2"
Qty:2
PI
Shift Link - Gear Select Lever
{shown reduced size)
Qty:1
Cotter Pin,
3/32" X 5/8”
Qty:6
Hex Flange Lock Nut,
1/4-20”
Qty:2
Plastic Cable Tie
(shown reduced size)
Qty:1
Hex Flange Lock Screw,
5/16”-18 X 3/4”
Qty:2
Qty: 1
Shift Rod Mounting Plate
(shown reduced size)
Qtytl
ASSEMBLY
Read these instructions in their en
tirety before you attempt to assem
ble or operate your new equipment.
Your new equipment has been as
sembled at the factory with the ex-
Toots Needed For Assembly:
(1)7/16’ Wrench
(1) 3/8“ Wrench
(2) 1/2“ Wrenches
(1) Needle-nose Pliers
(1) Wire Cutter Pliers
(1) Tire-Gauge
(1) Scissors or Pen Knife
UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS
• Inspect your machine immediate
ly. Be sure neither the carton nor
contents have been damaged. If
you find or have reason to sus
pect damage, contact your near
est Sears Service Center/Department for assistance.
• Cut plastic banding with scissors.
Open box flaps and remove any
packing material from around the
machine. Remove any staples
securing bottom of carton to wood
pallet. Lift off carton. Cut metal
straps securing unit to base.
Leave unit on base of pallet dur
ing assembly steps (to safely re
move unit from base, wait until
you have completed assembly
steps 1-2). Before disposing of
the carton or any of the packing
materials, be sure to check them
thoroughly for any small parts.
• Cut plastic tie straps holding three
long control rods to handlebars.
Also remove any packaging
around the handlebars.
• Perform the assembly on a clean,
level surface. If you need to
move the machine, be careful not
to severely bend any of the con
trol cables on the equipment.
ception of those parts left unassem
bled for shipping purposes. To en
sure safe and proper operation of .
your machine, all parts and hard
ware you install or adjust must be
ASSEMBLY STEPS
Before starting any assembly
steps, disconnect the engine
spark plug wire from the spark
plug.
STEP1: Attach Handlebars
• If applicable, cut and remove any
plastic ties holding wheel drive rod
(F, Figure 2-5) to left handlebar and
blade drive rod (C, Figure 2-5) to
right handlebar. Put rods aside.
• Handlebars (A, Rgure 2-2) are
shipped partially assembled with two
screws (Y, Rgure 2-2) loosely instEjIed. It may be necessary to
loosen screws (Y) further to allow the
handlebars to clear the engine air
cleaner.
• Rotate handlebars over engine
and position as shown in Figure 2-2.
Be careful that the handlebars clear
the unit while unfolding. Also, put
end of control rod (E, Figures 2-3
and 2-5) into cut-out (W, Figures
2-2 and 2-3) in back of frame while
rotating handlebars into position.
• Install two 5/16“-18 X 3/4" hex
flange screws (B, Figure 2-2).
• Tighten all four screws (B and Y).
• Secure the engine throttle cable
to the left handlebar with a cable tie
from the hardware bag. Clip off any
excess tie length.
tightened according to the assem
bly instructions. Use the correct
tools as necessary to ensure proper
tightness. .
Figure 2-2: Attach handlebars.
STEP 2: Attach Control Rods
WARNING
The control rods are adjusted
at the factory and should not
require additional adjustment
during assembly. After as
sembling unit, control rod ad
justment should be checked
(and re-adjusted, if neces
sary) according to information
in “Customer Responsibili
ties” Section. Severe person
al injury or property
damage could result from
not following this
instruction.
A. Attach Wheel Drive Control
Rod
• Locate the wheel drive control
rod (F, Figures 2-3 & 2-5) that you
removed from the left handlebar in
Step 1. This rod has a swivel block
(H, Figure 2-3) on one end.
• At left side of engine frame,
insert swivel block (H, Figures 2-3
& 2-5) on wheel drive control rod
into wheel drive control arm (U,
Figure 2-3).
• Add one 5/16” washer (A. Figure
2-3). Secure with cotter pin (B,
Figure 2-3). Bend ends of cotter
pin to secure.
• At upper end of control rod,
secure angled end to Wheel Drive
Control lever (V, Figure 2-4), using
a cotter pin (BB). Bend ends of
cotter pin to secure.
Figure 2~4: Attach wheel drive con
trol rod to lever.
ASSEMBLY
B. Attach Operator Presence
Control Rod:
• Locate control rod (E, Figures.
2-3 & 2-5) attached at upper end
to Operator Presence Control (W,
Figure 2-5).
• At bottom of control rod, insert
swivel block (G, Figures 2-3 &
2-5) into control arm {T, Figure
2-3).
• Add one 5/16” washer and se
cure with cotter pin. Bend ends of
cotter pin to secure.
C. Attach Blade Drive Control
Rod:
• Locate the blade drive control
rod (C, Figure 2-5) that you re
moved in Step 1. Insert one end of
control rod into blade drive bracket
(D, Figure 2-5). Add one 5/16”
washer and secure with cotter pin
(CC). Bend ends of cotter pin to
secure.
• Insert upper end of rod into bot
tom end of Blade Drive Control
lever (J). Add one 5/16” washer
and secure with cotter pin (AA).
Bend ends of cotter pin to secure.
• W
D. Attach and Adjust Gear Select
Lever:
• To remove unit from shipping
crate, hold down Operator Pres
ence Control lever (W, Figure 2-5)
which releases the wheel brake.
• Using the edge of a piece of flat
wood (such as a ruler), remove
the vinyl grip (B, Figure 2-6) from
the gear select lever (I). Place the
wood edge against the edge of the
grip and slowly pull off the grip.
• Insert nylon bushing (Z, Figure
2-6) up into console (L).
• Slide spring and washers (J)
down onto gear select lever.
• Insert gear select lever (I) up
through nylon bushing (Z) in han
dlebar console (L, Figure 2-6).
Guide pin (K) on gear select lever
into groove in shift quadrant (EE).
• Hold lower part of gear select
(ever (I) against bracket (M, Figure
2-7). Position retaining plate (N)
from parts bag in place as shown
in Figure 2-7 (plate below brack
et). Secure plate with two 1/4”-20
X 1/2” long screws (O) and 1/4”-20
locknuts.
• Slide grip (B, Figure 2-6) back
onto upper end of gear select
lever (I).
10
ASSEMBLY
• Rotate gear select lever (I, Rgures 2-6 & 2-7) clockwise until pin
(K) on gear select rod stops in the
neutral position detent on the shift
pattern quadrant (Figure 2-6).
• Thread shift link (P, Figure 2-7)
partially into ball-joint (Y).
• Move shift arm (X, Figure 2-7)
from side to side as necessary into
each transmission gear detent un
til transmission is in neutrai.
NOTE: Moving shift arm (X) all
the way to the left, and then one
notch back to the right, should put
transmission into neutral. When ~
transmission is in neutral, unit will
move freely when pushed while
holding the Operator Presence
Control iever (W, Figure 2-5)
down. If transmission is NOT in
neutral, there will be a slight drag
on the wheels when pushing unit.
EE
• When shift arm (X) is in neutral
position, rotate shift link (P) toward
end of gear select lever rod (I).
Adjust length of shift link (P) as
necessary to fit into hole in bottom
of gear select lever (I).
NOTE: Pin (K) on Gear Select
Lever (I) must be held in the neu
tral position detent on the shift
quadrant (see Figure 2-6) while
shift link (P, Figure 2-7) is
adjusted. .
I
Pin (K) must be in this detent
when transmission neutrai is
adjusted.
Figure 2-6: Detail - Gear Select Lever in Neutral (N) position.
11
• Insert hooked end of shift link (P,
Figure 2-7) into hole in bottom end
of gear select lever (I) and secure
with cotter pin (Q). Bend ends of
cotter pin. NOTE: It may be nec
essary to lift gear select lever (I) to
install shift link (P).
* Hold down Operator Presence
Control lever (W, Figure 2-5) and
push unit forward and backward.
The wheels should move freely. If
not, adjust length of shift link {P,
Figure 2-7) as necessary.
E. Test Wheel Brake:
Put the Gear Select Lever in in
neutral (N), release all of the con
trol levers, and try to push the unit
forward and backward. The
wheels should not turn. If they do
turn, an adjustment is necessary.
DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT
UNTIL THE WHEEL BRAKE
MECHANISM HAS BEEN
ADJUSTED AND IS WORKING
PROPERLY. See "Wheel Brake
Adjustment’ in “Customer Respon
sibilities.”
ASSEMBLY
WARNING
Do not use the mower if the
wheels continue to turn after
releasing the Operator Pres
ence Control and the Wheel
Drive Control. Severe per
sonal injury or property dam
age could result if this in
struction is not followed.
WARNING
The control rods are adjusted
at the factory and should not
require additional adjustment
during assembly. After
assembling unit, control rod
adjustment should be
checked {and re-adjusted, if
necessary) according to
information in “Customer Re
sponsibilities” Section. Se
vere personal injury or prop
erty damage could result from
not following this
instruction.
STEP 3: Check Tire Pressure
• Use a tire gauge to check №e air
pressure in the rear tires. The air
pressure should be between 15-20
PSI (20 PSI maximum).
• Keep both tires equally inflated
to help prevent machine from
pulling to one side.
STEP 4: After Assembling and
Before Using Unit
• Read this entire Owner’s Manual
for proper safety, operation and
maintenance information.
• Make sure spark plug wire is
connected to spark plug before
starting unit.
IMPORTANT: MOTOR OIL MUST
BE ADDED TO THE ENGINE
CRANKCASE BEFORE START
ING THE ENGINE. OIL FILLING
INSTRUCTIONS ARE COVERED
IN THE “OPERATION” SECTION.
CAUTION
Unit is shipped without oil in
engine crankcase. DO NOT
start engine until oil has been
added. Severe engine dam
age will result if this instruc
tion is not followed. See “Op
eration” Section ot this man
ual for oil filling procedure.
12
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know the
location and function of all features and controls on the equipment. Save this manual for future reference.
MEETS ANSI B71.1 -1996
SAFETY STANDARD
This machine meets voluntary
safety standard B71.1 - 1996,
which is sponsored by the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute, Inc.,
and is published by the American
National Standards Institute, Inc,
Operating Symbols
Various symbols are used on the
mower to indicate control settings
(your model may not have all of the
symbols). These symbols are
shown below with a description of
their meaning.
V
FAST SLOW
s 6
ENGINE
STOP
ENGAGE DISENGAGE
ENGINE
START
9
N
CHOKE
S
ENGINE
RUN
IP
IMPORTANT: The mower is
equipped with a blade-brake-clutch
control system which is designed
to stop the mower blades within
three (3) seconds after release of
the Operator Presence Control.
This system will stop the blades
but not the engine. Therefore, you
can disengage the blade drive at
anytime without having to stop and
restart the engine. This feature is
particularly useful when you need
to cross gravel drives or rough ter
rain and you do not want the spin
ning blades to strike stones or hid
den obstacles.
LOCATION AND USE OF
CONTROLS
Operator Presence Control
This lever (A, Figure 3-1) regu
lates the operation of the rear
wheel brake and the separate
Blade Drive Control.
To engage the Operator Pres
ence Control, press and hold the
lever against the handlebar grip.
Engaging the lever releases the
brake on the rear wheels (allows
wheels to turn). The engaged po
sition also permits the separate
Blade Drive Control to lock In its
engaged position (allows the mow
er blades to turn).
Releasing the lever (disengaged
position) applies the rear wheel
brake and quickly stops the
wheels. Releasing the lever will
also disengage the Blade Drive
WARNING
The blade-brake-clutch con
trol system should stop the
mower blades within three (3)
seconds after release of the
Operator Presence Control. If
the blades do not stop within
three'(3) seconds, put the En
gine Throttle Control in the
STOP position. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and do not
operate the mower until the
blade-brake-clutch control
system has been repaired!
Control, which will apply a brake
that stops the blades within three
(3)seconds.
Always disengage the Operator
Presence Control before starting
the engine. Always engage this
control before engaging the sepa
rate blade drive or wheel drive
controls. ■
A-OPERATOR
PRESENCE CONTROL
Disengaged
Engaged
Figure 3~1
13
OPERATION
Blade Drive Control
Use this lever (B, Figure 3-2) to
engage drive to the mower blades.
To engage the blades, first en
gage the Operator Presence Con
trol (A, Figure 3-2). Then, push the
spring-loaded Blade Drive Control
lever (B) forward until it stays in the
engaged position.
To stop the blades, release the
Operator Presence Control (A).
Doing so will disengage the Blade
Drive Control (B) and automatically
apply the brake that stops the
blades.
. When starting the engine, the
Blade Drive Control should be dis
engaged (released). This helps to
ensure that the blades will not start
turning when the engine starts.
NOTE: Pushing the Blade Drive
Control fonward will engage the
blades even though the Operator
Presence Control is not engaged.
However, this procedure is NOT
RECOMMENDED as you must
maintain constant pressure on the
lever (releasing lever disengages
blades). Always engage the Oper
ator Presence Control before en
gaging the Blade Drive Control.
Gear Select Lever
This lever (C, Figure 3-3) is used
to select any of three forward
ground speeds (1 - Slow, 2 - Medi
um and 3 - Fast), N (Neutral) and
R (Reverse). The gear shift pattern
is shown in Figure 3-4.
To avoid damaging the trans
mission, do not shift gears when
the mower is moving. Select for
ward ground speeds according to
mowing conditions and terrain (use
slower speeds in high grass or on
rough terrain).
For fonward travel, move the
lever into one of the three num
bered settings. To select reverse,
shift to neutral and then puli up on
the lever. Turn the lever to the R
(reverse) position and release the
lever.
Put the lever in N (neutral) to
manually push the mower and
when the mower is not in use.
LIFT FOR
REVERSE
Figure 3-4; Shift pattern on console.
14
OPERATION
Wheel Drive Control
Use this lever {D, Figure 3-5) to
engage and disengage drive to the
wheels.
To engage the wheels, first select
a fonward or reverse gear with the
Gear Select Lever and press the
Operator Presence Control (A, Fig
ure 3-5) against the handlebar
grip. Then, squeeze the Wheel
Drive Control lever (D) up against
the handlebar grip. The ground
speed can be varied in any gear by
increasing (to go faster) or de
creasing (to go slower) pressure
on the lever. To avoid sudden ac
celeration, slowly squeeze the
lever when first engaging the
wheels.
Release the Wheel Drive Control
to disengage the wheels. The
Cutting Height Control Lever
This lever (E, Figure 3-6) is used
to adjust the mower cutting height.
The cutting height can be adjusted
from 1 to 4 inches.
Turn the lever clockwise to raise
the cutting height or counterclock
wise to lower the cutting height. A
decal and pointer (not illustrated)
wheels will gradually slow to a
stop. NOTE; To stop the wheels
quickly, release the Operator Pres
ence Control along with the Wheel
Drive Control.
When starting the engine, the
Wheel Drive Control should be dis
engaged (released). This helps to
ensure that the wheels will not start
turning when the engine starts.
CAUTION
Do not engage the Wheel
Drive Control without first en
gaging the Operator Presence
Control. Doing so could re
sult in wear or damage to the
wheel brake mechanism.
on the right side of the mower deck
show the cutting height settings
ranging from A (highest) to G (low
est). Note that the actual cutting
heights will vary according to soil
conditions.
A ~ OPERATOR
PRESENCE CONTROL
Disengage
Engage
Engage
)isengage
/”
D-WHEEL
DRIVE CONTROL
Figure 3-5
Mulcher Cover
To use the mulching feature, in
sert the mulcher cover (Figure 3-7)
securely in the right side of the
deck beneath the discharge chute.
Insert the front tab of the cover
into the mower front support brack
et (AA, Figure 3-7). Then push the
cover into place by sliding the
cover rearward, making sure that
the slot (BB) in the cover is com
pletely engaged in the rear edge of
the deck opening.
Remove the mulcher cover if you
want to do side-discharge mowing.
The mulcher cover is
pre-installed at the factory.
NOTE: The mulcher cover is
designed to keep the discharge
chute raised up while you mow.
When the cover is removed, the
discharge chute lowers.
DANGER
Before installing or re
moving mulching cover,
stop engine, wait for parts
to stop moving, and dis
connect spark plug wire.
15
Figure 3-7
OPERATION
Engine Thrnttle Control
This lever (F, Figure 3-8) is used
to adjust engine speeds and to
stop the engine. Always run en
gine at fast speed setting for best
mower performance. The throttle
settings are shown to the right.
Kl
CHOKE - Use when
starting a cold engine.
FAST - Use during mower
operation.
SLOW - Use when idling
engine.
STOP - Stops engine.
s
BEFORE OPERATING
Pre-Operation
Checklist
Perform the following checks before each use of your
machine;
□ Review; “Safety” and “Operation” sections of manual.
□ Check for loose or missing hardware. Tighten or replace
before starting engine.
□ Check the engine oil level. Refer to “Customer Respon
sibilities” section for instructions.
□ Check the fuel level in the fuel tank (refer to next page
for instructions).
□ Check all levers for freedom of movement. Do not start
engine if any lever does not function correctly.
■B>
Figure 3-8
Engine Recoil Starter
The engine recoil starter (H, Fig
ure 3'9) is used to "pull-start" the
engine. Do not pull the recoil
starter until you have read the Oper
ation Section.
□ Adjust the blade cutting height (refer to this Section for
instructions).
□ Inspect the area to be mowed and remove any debris.
□ Check that all guards and shields are in place and prop
erly secured.
□ Check the installation of the mulcher cover in the right
side deck opening. Remove the mulcher cover if you
want to side discharge the grass.
□ Check air pressure in rear tires at first use and every 25
operating hours. Maintain 15-20 PSI (maximum 20 PSI)
in each tire. Keep tires inflated equally or mower may
pull to one side.
□ Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Figure 3-9
16
Loading...