Husqvarna 5521P Owner's Manual

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

Vous pouvez utiliser de l’essence contenant jusqu’à 10 % d’éthanol (E10) avec cet appareil. L’utilisation d’essence contenant plus de 10 % d’éthanol annulera la garantie du produit.

532 44 65-63 Rev. 2

Operator’s Manual

Manuel de L’Opérateur

5521P / 961330016

Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure

you understand the instructions before using the machine.

Lisez très attentivement et soyez certain de comprende

ces instructions avant d’utiliser cette machine.

English/French

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-

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. 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 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. 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.6 Quarts and Type: (Unleaded Regular Only)

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. 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.

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

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

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

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

OPERATION ...............................................................5-8

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ........................................ 9

MAINTENANCE ........................................................ 9-11

SERVICE AND AD JUST MENTS ................................. 12

STORAGE .................................................................... 13

TROU BLE SHOOT ING ................................................. 14

WARRANTY ............................................................15-18

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 Fig. 1)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CON TROL CABLES.

1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.

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

3. Remove handle padding holding operator pres ence control bar to upper handle.

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.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 2)

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.

FRAME

HANDLE

VINYL BINDINGS

FIG. 2

FRAME

OPENING

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

LIFT UP

LIFT

MOWING

PO SI TION

UPPER

HANDLE

KNOB

LOWER

HANDLE

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.

FIG. 1

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

STARTER HANDLE

GAS O LINE FILL ER CAP

GRASS CATCHER

EN GINE OIL CAP WITH DIPSTICK

MUFFLER

MULCHER DOOR

SPARK PLUG

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

HOUSING

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine.

The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

AIR FILTER

WHEEL ADJUSTER (ON EACH WHEEL)

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.

STARTER HANDLE – used for starting the engine. MULCHER DOOR – allows conversion to discharge or

bagging operation.

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 lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 3)

Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Me di um position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever to ward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your re quire ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

PIVOT PINS REAR

DOOR

GRASS

CATCHER

HANDLE

CATCH ER FRAME HOOK

FIG. 4

SIDE DISCHARGING (See Fig. 5)

• Rear door must be closed.

• Open mulcher door and install dis charge deﬂ ector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis charge deﬂ ector must be removed and mulcher door must be closed.

LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER

PLATE TAB

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER

LEVER

FIG. 3

TO CONVERT MOWER

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 4)

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.

• To convert to mulching or dis charg ing operation, remove grass catch er and close rear door.

OPEN MULCHER DOOR

INSTALL DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR

FIG. 5

OPERATION

MOWER IS NOW READY FOR

DISCHARGING OPERATION

FIG. 5

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER:

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Discharge deﬂ ector installed.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower with out rear door closed or ap proved grass catcher in place. Never at tempt to op er ate the lawn mow er with the rear door re moved or propped open.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL (See Fig. 7)

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see “EN GINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.

CAUTION: DO NOT overﬁ ll engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the mufﬂ er on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil dipstick from oil ﬁ ll spout.

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil ﬁ ll spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil ﬁ ll requires only 14 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 16 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 Maintenance section of this manual.

ENGINE OIL CAP

GASOLINE

FILLER CAP

PRIMER

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 6)

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame han dle.

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower han dle.

3. Empty clippings from bag.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

FRAME

HANDLE

FIG. 6

FIG. 7

ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 7)

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank ﬁ ller neck. Do not overﬁ ll. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open ﬂ ame.

OPERATION

Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and for ma tion 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 stor age 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 In struc tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence con trol bar.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 8)

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.

• To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start. Use a ﬁ rm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar down to the han dle 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 ﬂ ooding and engine will not start. If you do ﬂ ood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become ﬁ lled 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 ﬂ ow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER

HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. SEE “CLEANING” IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.

• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, 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 (See Fig. 9). 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

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.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

PRIMER

FIG. 8

MAX 1/3

FIG. 9

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the ﬁ rst 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.

Check for Loose Fasteners Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * Check Tires Check Drive Wheels *** Clean Lawn Mower **** Clean under Drive Cover *** Check Drive Belt / Pulleys *** Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade Lubrication Clean and Recharge Battery **

Check Engine Oil level Change Engine Oil Clean Air Filter Inspect Muffler Replace Spark Plug Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

BEFORE

EACH

USE

AFTER

EACH

USE

EVERY

HOURS

EVERY

25 HOURS

OR SEASON

EVERY

100

HOURS

BEFORE

STORAGE

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.

(if so equipped) Electric-Start mowers

Power-Propelled mowers Use a scraper

to clean under deck

***

****

MAINTENANCE

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 mower 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 Ad just ments section of this manual.

• At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air ﬁ lter element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air ﬁ lter 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

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See “LUBRICATION CHART”).

IMPORTANT: DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PLASTIC WHEEL BEARINGS. VISCOUS LU BRI CANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORT EN THE LIFE OF THE SELFLU BRI CAT ING BEARINGS. IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE LU BRI CATED, USE ONLY A DRY, POW DERED GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT SPAR INGLY.

LUBRICATION CHART

➁

REAR DOOR HINGE

➀

HANDLE BRACK ET MOUNT ING PINS

➀

SPRAY LUBRICANT

➀

SEE “ENGINE” IN MAINTENANCE SECTION

➁

WHEEL

➀

ADJUSTER

(ON EACH

WHEEL)

ENGINE OIL

MULCHER

➀

DOOR

HINGE PIN

MAINTENANCE

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing main te nance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chem i cals 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. Re place bent or dam aged blades.

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 (See Fig. 10)

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 ﬁ lter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and mower hous ing to prevent blade from turning when re mov ing 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 wash er and hardened wash er).

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 dam aged.

TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 10)

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crank shaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft key way are aligned.

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

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hard ened washer into blade adapter and crank shaft.

5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clock wise.

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

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 en ing blade - but if you

do, be sure the blade is balanced. An un bal anced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharp ened with a ﬁ le 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 ex posed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

BLADE ADAPTER

BLADE

LOCK

WASHER

BLADE BOLT

HARDENED WASHER

KEY

TRAILING EDGE

CRANKSHAFT

FIG. 10

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or de te ri o ra tion. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with ap proved replacement catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classiﬁ cation SG–SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

SAE 30

5W-30

-20 0 30 40

F C

-30

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

-20 0

-10

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each ﬁ ve (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

20 30 40

KEY WAY

100

MAINTENANCE

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 11)

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.

2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.

CONTAINER

FIG. 11

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil ﬁ ll 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 overﬁ ll, or engine will smoke heavily from the mufﬂ er on startup.

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

9. Re con nect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER (See Fig. 12)

Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air ﬁ lter. Replace the air ﬁ lter every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs ﬁ rst. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove cover.

2. Carefully remove cartridge.

3. Clean by gently tapping on a ﬂ at surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as ker o sene, are not to be used to clean car tridge. They may cause de te ri o ra tion of the cartridge. Do not oil car tridge. Do not use pres sur ized air to clean or dry car tridge.

SLOT

TAB

CARTRIDIGE

FILTER COVER

FIG. 11

MUFFLER

Inspect and replace corroded mufﬂ er as it could create a ﬁ re 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 ﬁ rst. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in the “PROD UCT SPEC I FI CA TIONS” section of this manual.

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER

HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN THE UNDERSIDE OF YOUR MOWER AFTER EACH USE.

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 ﬁ nished surfaces/wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.

• We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, mufﬂ er, air ﬁ lter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

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.

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

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