Husqvarna 7021RC, 96143005700, 532 43 13-45 User Manual

7021RC

Operator's Manual / 96143005700 / 2009-12

532 43 13-45 12.08.09 BY Printed in U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

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.

Look for this symbol to point out im­ por tant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFE TY IS IN VOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact
spark plug in order to prevent ac ci den tal
starting when setting up, trans port ing,
adjusting or making re pairs.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its
con stit u ents, and certain vehicle com po ­nents contain or emit chem i cals known to
the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and
birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related ac ces so ries contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State
of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth
defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm. Wash
hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffl er 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 thor­ ough ly familiar with the controls and the proper use of
the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown
by the blade.

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

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec­ es sary. 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 operator.
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
approved by the manufacturer.

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equip­ ment, 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 catch er.

• Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence
of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of
your footing: keep a fi rm hold on the handle and walk;
never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch
on mowers so equipped before starting the engine (motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

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

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

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

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

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

DO NOT:

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

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could cause
slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another re spon si ble 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.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is ex­tremely fl ammable 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 run-

2

ning. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open fl ame, spark or pilot light such as a water
heater or on other appliances.

• Never fi ll 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 fi lling.

• 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 overfi ll 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 spark plug wire, and keep

WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and should not be used on or near any
un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov ered 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.
A spark arrester for the muffl er is available through your nearest authorized service center.

wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

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

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to
cool before storing.

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

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

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam­ age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
com po nents and replace with manufacturer’s rec om ­mend ed parts, when necessary.

• Mower blade is sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing it.

• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed
the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new lawn
mower. It has been designed, engineered and man u fac tured
to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center/department. We have competent, well-trained
tech ni cians and the proper tools to service or repair this
lawn mower.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will
enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the “SAFETY RULES”.

SERIAL
NUMBER: _________________________________

DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE LAWN
MOWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.0 Quarts
and Type: (Unleaded Regular Only)

Oil Type (API SG–SL): SAE 30 (above 0°C / 32°F)
SAE 10W-30 (below 0°C / 32°F)

Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces
Spark Plug: NGK BPR6ES (Gap: .030")
Valve Clearance: Intake: 0.015 mm

(± 0.04 mm) Exhaust: 0.020 mm
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your lawn mower.

• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor­ age” sec tions of this own er’s manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES .........................................................2-3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 3

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 3

ASSEMBLY .................................................................... 4

OPERATION ...............................................................5-9

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 10

MAINTENANCE ...................................................... 10-12

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ............................13-14

STORAGE ............................................................... 15-16

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ................................................. 17

WARRANTY ................................................................. 18

3

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this man u al in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mow er.
IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPED WITH OUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.
Your new lawn mower has been as sem bled at the factory with the ex cep tion of those parts left unassembled for shipping

purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com plete the as sem bly have been placed in the parts
bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mow er, all parts and hard ware you assemble must be tightened
se cure ly. Use the correct tools as nec es sary to ensure proper tightness.

TO RE MOVE LAWN MOW ER FROM CAR TON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of car ton and lay end panel
down fl at.

3. Remove all packing materials ex cept padding be tween
upper and lower handle and padding holding operator
presence control bar to up per handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thor­ougly for ad di tion al loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOW ER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 and 2)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CON TROL CABLES.

1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and
squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards
each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment holes.

2. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sec­ tion into place on lower handle and tighten both handle
knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort.
Refer to “ADJUST HANDLE” in the Service and Ad just ments
sec tion of this man u al.

OPERATOR
PRESENCE
CONTROL
BAR

LIFT

UP

MOWING

PO SI TION

SQUEEZE

FIG. 2

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER
(See Fig. 3)

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.

HAN DLE PIN

HANDLE

BRACKET

FRAME

HANDLE

LIFT
UP

FIG. 1

UPPER

HANDLE

HANDLE

KNOB

LOWER

HANDLE

VINYL
BINDINGS

OPENING

FIG. 3

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 man u al.

4

FRAME

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND 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.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CON TROL BAR

HANDLE KNOB

DRIVE
CONTROL
LEVERS

DRIVE COVER

STARTER
HANDLE

GRASS
CATCHER

EN GINE OIL CAP
WITH DIPSTICK

MULCHER
DOOR

MUFFLER

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

GAS O LINE FILL ER CAP

SINGLE POINT HEIGHT
ADJUSTER HANDLE

FUEL VALVE LEVER

SPARK PLUG

AIR FILTER

HOUSING

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is running.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR – must be held
down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop
the engine.

DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS – used to engage power­propelled forward motion lawn mower.

STARTER HANDLE – used for starting the engine.
SINGLE POINT HEIGHT ADJUSTER – used to adjust

cutting height of lawn mower.
MULCHER DOOR – allows conversion to discharge or

bagging operation.

5

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or per­forming any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask
over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum per­formance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the risk
of blade contact injury. Do not un der
any cir cum stanc es 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 mower handle to start and operate the mower.

DRIVE CONTROL (See Fig. 4)

• Self-propelling is controlled by hold ing the operator
presence control bar down to the handle and pulling
either drive control lever rearward to the handle. The
further toward the handle a lever is pulled, the faster
the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the operator pres­ence control bar or a drive control lever are released. To
stop forward motion without stop ping engine, re lease a
drive control lever only. Hold op er a tor presence control
bar down against handle to con tin ue 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.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

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 re placed.

ADJUSTMENT TURNBUCKLE

FIG. 5

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 6)

Both rear wheels are adjusted by a single lever on the left
rear wheel.

• Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raise mower, move
lever forward to desired position. To lower mow er, move
the lever toward the rear.

NOTE: There are seven (7) height adjustment positions
for the rear wheels.

Both front wheels are adjusted as follows:

1. Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and reassemble in
desired ad just ment hole.

2. Reinstall wheel components in the same order as they
were before removal. Tighten securely.

NOTE: There are seven (7) height adjustment holes for
the front wheels. Be sure both front wheels are in the
same hole.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to adjust both front and rear wheels
to the same height.

DRIVE
CONTROL
LEVERS

TO ENGAGE

DRIVE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL

DISENGAGED

FIG. 4

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT (See Fig. 5)

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. Pro ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from plug.

2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to increase drive
speed.

LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER REAR
OF MOWER

LOCKBAR
(“LOCKED”
POSITION)

WING NUT

6

SPACER

O-RING

WASHER

FIG. 6

HEIGHT AD JUST ER LEVER

LEVER FORWARD

TO RAISE REAR

OF MOWER

BOLT

LOCKBAR
(“FREEWHEEL”
POSITION)