Husqvarna 917374461 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual
Husqvarna
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
875 Series Briggs & Stratton Engine
Power-Propelled
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
917.374461
CAUTION:
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Visit our Craftsman website: www.sears.com/craftsman
U.S.A.
Safety Rules .......................................... 2-3
Warranty ................................................... 4
Product Specifications .............................. 5
Assembly ! Pre-Operation ........................ 6
Operation ............................................. 7-11
Maintenance Schedule ........................... 12
IMPORTANT: This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing ob-
jects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
_i,Look for this symbol to point out im-
portant safety precautions. It means CAUTIONN! BECOME ALERTH!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. &WARNING: In order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad- justing 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 compo- nents contain or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
&WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
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
operate 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 the machine if anyone enters the area.
Maintenance ...................................... 12-15
Service and Adjustments ................... 15-16
Storage .............................................. 17-18
Troubleshooting ................................. 18-19
Repair Parts ....................................... 38-46
Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always
wear substantial foot wear.
Do not pull mower backwards unless abso- lutely necessary. Always Iookdown and be- hind before and while moving backwards.
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material againstawall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
Do not operate the mower without prop- er 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.
Mowonly in daylight orgood 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 wearsafety goggles or safetyglass- es with side shields when operating mower.
II. SLOPE OPERATION Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If
2 you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
DO:
Mowacrosstheface ofslopes: never up anddown.Exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Removeobstaclessuchas rocks,tree limbs,etc.
Watchfor holes,ruts,or bumps.Tall grasscanhideobstacles.
DONOT:
Donottrimneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments.Theoperatorcouldlose
footingor balance.
Donottrimexcessivelysteepslopes.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Reduced
footingcouldcauseslipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheoperatoris
notalerttothepresenceofchildren.Children areoftenattractedto the machineand the
mowingactivity.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 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 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.
Removegas-powered equipmentfromthe truck or trailer and refuel iton the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equip- ment 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 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 spill-
age. Allow machine to coot 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 compo- nents 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.
AWARNING: 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 Husqvarna or other authorized service center (See the REPAIR PARTS section of this manual).
3
SECTION 1: LIMITED WARRANTY
Husqvarna Forest & Garden Company ("Husqvarna")
warrants Husqvarna product to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship
from the date of purchase for the "Warranty Period" of the product as set forth below:
2 YEAR NON-COMMERCIAL WARRANTY: Auto-
matic Mower, Riding lawn mowers, yard and garden tractors, walk behind mowers, tillers, chain saws, trimmers, brushcutters, clearing saws, snow blowers,
handheld blowers, backpack blowers, hedge trimmers, electrical products and power-assist collection systems
for noncommercial, nonorofessional noninstitutional or
nonincome producinq use, except as herein stated.
Emission control system components necessary to comply with CARB-TIER-II and EPA regulations.
Husqvarna Safety Apparel carries a 90-day warranty from the date of the customer's original purchase for defects in material and workmanship. Normal wear, tear or abuse is not covered under warranty. Product
must be returned to Charlotte with a warranty claim form. All care and maintenance instructions must be
followed as stated by the manufacturer on the care
label. The fit of the protective apparel/boot is not covered under warranty.
SECTION 2: HUSQVARNA'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE WARRANTY
Husqvarna will repair or replace defective components without charge for parts or labor if a component fails
because of a defect in material or workmanship during the warranty period.
SECTION 3: ITEMS NOT COVERED BY THIS WAR-
RANTY The following items are not covered by this warranty:
(1)Normal customer maintenance items which become
worn through normal regular use, including, but not limited to, belts, blades, blade adapters, bulbs, filters, guide bars, lubricants, rewind springs, saw chain, spark plugs, starter ropes and tines;
(2) Natural discoloration of material due to ultraviolet
light;
(3)Lawn and garden attachments are covered by a
third party which gives a warranty, all claims for warranty should be sent to the manufacturer; and
(4)Emission Control System components necessary
to which are manufactured by third party engine manufacturer.
SECTION 4: EXCEPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS This warranty shall be inapplicable to defects resulting
from the following:
(1)Accident, abuse, misuse, negligence and neglect,
including stale fuel, dirt, abrasives, moisture, rust, corrosion, or any adverse reaction due to incorrect
storage or use habits;
(2)Failure to operate or maintain the unit in accor-
dance with the Owner's/Operator's manual or instruction sheet furnished by Husqvarna;
(3)Alterations or modifications that change the
intended use of the product or affects the product's performance, operation, safety, or durability, or
causes the product to fail to comply with any ap- plicable laws; or:
(4)Additional damage to parts or components due to
continued use occurring after any of the above.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE PURCHASER. HUSQVARNA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN- TIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THESE PRODUCTS EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY AP- PLICABLE LAW. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICU- LAR PURPOSE ON THESE PRODUCTS IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD AS DEFINED IN THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATE- MENT. HUSQVARNA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE OR IMPROVE THE DESIGN OF THE
PRODUCT WITHOUT NOTICE, AND DOES NOT ASSUME OBLIGATION TO UPDATE PREVIOUSLY
MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental
or consequential damages, or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
SECTION 5: CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES The product must exhibit reasonable care, mainte-
nance, operation, storage and general upkeep as written in the maintenance section of the Owner's/
Operator's manual. Should an operational problem or failure occur, the product should not be used, but delivered as is to an authorized Husqvarna dealer for evaluation. Proof of purchase, as explained in section 6, rests solely with the customer.
SECTION 6: PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN WARRANTY CONSIDERATION
It is the Owner's and Dealer's responsibility to make certain that the Warranty Registration Card is properly filled out and mailed to Husqvarna Forest & Garden
Company. This card should be mailed within ten (10) days from the date of purchase in order to confirm the
warranty and to facilitate post-sale service. Proof of purchase must be presented to the authorized
Husqvarna dealer in order to obtain warranty service. This proof must include date purchased, model num- ber, serial number, and complete name and address of the selling dealer.
To obtain the benefit of this warranty, the product believed to be defective must be delivered to an
authorized Husqvarna dealer in a timely manner, no later than thirty (30) days from date of the operational
problem or failure. The product must be delivered at the owner's expense. Pick-up and delivery charges are
not covered by this warranty. An authorized Husqvarna dealer can be normally located through the "Yellow
Pages" of the local telephone directory or by calling 1-800-HUSKY62 for a dealer in your area.
HUSQVARNA
7349 Statesville Road
Charlotte, NC 28269
531 83 81-23 2002
4
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: 20 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.
These accessories were available when this lawn mower was produced. They are not shipped with your mower. They are also available at most Husqvarna retailers and
service centers. Some of these accessories may not apply to your lawn mower.
LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING
DEFLECTORS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
STABILIZER
GRASS CATCHERS
FOR
REAR DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
MUFFLERS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS
AIR FILTERS
GRASS CATCHERS
SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS
WHEELS
FOR
SPARK PLUGS
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. All parts such as nuts, washers,
bolts, etc., necessary to complete the as- sembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely.
Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
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 thorougly 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 lower handle section to operat- ing 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 up- per handle section into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs.
3. Remove any packing material from around control bar.
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.
MOWING
POSITION
////
Upper
UP handle
Handle
knob
Lower handle
Handle pin
SQUEEZE Handle
J
bracket
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.
TO PREPARE BATTERY NOTE: Your battery must be charged
before you can start your lawn mower.
1. Connect battery charger connector (male) to harness connector (female).
2. Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C. outlet.
3. Leave battery charger connected for 24 hours before starting your engine
for the first time.
4. After charging, disconnect harness connector (female) from battery char- ger connector (male).
Connect your battery charger to charge battery after each use. IMPORTANT: The engine will not re- charge your battery.
At the end of the mowing season the
battery should be charged for 48 hours to
_lotect the battery during winter storage.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the engine connector (male) from the battery connector (female) to prevent accidental starting when transporting or storing your
lawn mower after the season.
Battery charger Battery
box
Charger
Harness connector connector (male)
(female)
Vinyl Frame
bindings opening
Engine connector (male)
TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see "TO CON-
VERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.
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
Drive control
Key start
Operator presence control bar
Handle knob
Drive cover
Auxiliary
starter handle
Engine oil cap with dipstick
Grass catcher .Air filter
Muffler
Single point height adjuster
handle
Gasoline filler cap
Housing
Mulcher door
Primer
park plug
IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine. 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. 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.
Key start switch - used for starting the engine. Auxiliary starter handle - used for start-
ing engine.
Mulcher door - allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation.
Drive control lever - used to engage power-propelled forward motion of mower. Primer- pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when
8 starting a cold engine.
The operationof any lawn
SAFETYGLASSESmowercan resultin foreign
objectsthrownintotheeyes,
which can result in severe
eye damage.Atwayswear safety glassesor eye shields while oper- ating your lawn moweror performingany
adjustmentsor repairs.We recommenda
standardsafetyglassesorwidevisionsafety
maskwornoverspectacles. 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
,I_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.
Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.
DRIVE CONTROL
Self-propelling is controlled by hold- ing the operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pulling the drive control lever rearward to the handle.
The farther toward the handle the lever is pulled, the faster the unit will travel.
Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or
drive control lever are released. To stop
forward motion without stopping engine,
release the drive control lever only. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to continue mowing
without self-propelling
NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage
drive wheels.
DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive control housing to increase tension on the
drive cable. Proceed as follows:
1. Turn unit off and disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to increase drive speed.
3. Operate mower to test drive speed. Readjust as required.
4. If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be replaced.
'/ Adjustment
turnbuckle
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
All four wheels are adjusted by a single
lever.
Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To
raise mower, move lever forward to
desired position. To lower mower, move the lever toward the rear.
LEVER BACKWARD
TO LOWER MOWER
Height adjuster
Operator presence control bar
TO
ENGAGE
DRIVE
CONTROL
Drive control
lever
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE
MOWER
DRIVE
CONTROL
DISENGAGED
TOCONVERTMOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging
or discharging:
REAR BAGGING
Open rear door and remove mulcher plug. Store mulcher plug in a safe place.
You can now install the grass catcher or optional clipping deflector.
To convert to mulching or discharging operation, install mulcher plug into rear discharge opening of mower.
\
\
\
Discharge deflector
\
Mulcher plug
SIDE DISCHARGING
Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge opening of mower.
Open mulcher door and install dis- charge deflector under door as shown.
Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door closed.
Open mulcher door
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1. Rear mulcher plug installed.
2. Mulcher door closed. FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Rear mulcher plug removed.
2. Grass catcher installed.
3. Mulcher door closed. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Rear mulcher plug installed.
_lb Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without mulcher plug or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.
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.
10
\ \
catcher
frame
/__ Grass
handle
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance
section of this manual. 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 receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick. IMPORTANT:
Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL" in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.
Engine oil cap
/
Primer
Gasoline
filler cap
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. Pur-
chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
i, CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
A 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.
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 turn the start
key.
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more than five continous seconds between each
time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds between each attempt.
To start engine using the rope starter,
follow the steps above. Exchange the
use of the starter rope for start key. Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow
starter rope to snap back.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be neces- sary 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 at- tempting to start and do not repeat priming
11 steps.
MOWING TIPS
Ai_CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.
Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
It may also be necessary to reduce
ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously
cut path and mow slowly.
For better grass bagging and most cut- ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set in the FAST position.
Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance,
keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. See "CLEANING" in the
Maintenance section of this manual.
The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recut-
ting action of the blades.
Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and
interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early
afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be
exposed to direct sunlight.
For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower
cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and
mow slowly.
Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be
mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a sec-
ond cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.
12
1/3
SCHEDULE
Check for Loose Fasteners
I Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher*
_ Check Tires
N Check Drive Wheels ***
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
Change Engine Oil
N Clean Air Filter
_ Inspect Muffler
N Replace Spark Plug
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.
BEFORE AFTER EVERY EVERY EVERY
EACH EACH 10 25HOURS 100 BEFORE
USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE
v' v'
v' v'3
vl
v'
v'
v'
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.
LU BRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").
LUBRICATION CHART
Wheel
adjuster (on
each wheel)
@ Engine oil
Mulcher
door hinge
pin
Rear door
hinge
Handle bracket mounting pins
_ Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" in Maintenance section.
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will
attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating bearings. Ifyou feel they
must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered
3graphite type lubricant sparingly.
1
LAWN MOWER
Alwaysobservesafety ruleswhenper- forminganymaintenance.
TIRES
Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
DRIVE WHEELS Check rear drive wheels each time before
you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area
and must be cleaned to free drive wheels. If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be
sure to clean both rear wheels.
BLADE CARE For best results, blade must be kept
sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade. _, CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is haz- ardous, could damage your mower and
void your warranty. TO REMOVE BLADE
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.
5. Remove blade & attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer & 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 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.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with
approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.
Blade adapter Key Crankshaft
Lockwasher
Blade
Blade bolt Hardened
washer Trailing edge Crankshaft
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 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.
GRASS CATCHER
The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.
Check your grass catcher often for dam-
age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual. Give the lawn
mower model number when ordering.
GEAR CASE
To keep your drive system working
properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive
cover twice a season.
The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only
time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear
case. If lubricant is required, use only Texaco
Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.
750369. Do not substitute.
14
ENGINE LU BRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated
with API service classification SG-SL. Se-
lect the oil's SAE viscosity grade according
to your expected operating temperature.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level
settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the
muffler on startup.
8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.
9. Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100
TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.)improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will
result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil
level more frequently to avoid possible
engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of op-
eration orat least once a year if the mower
is not used for 25 hours in one year. Check the crankcase oil level before
starting the engine and after each five (5)
hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug
securely each time you check the oil level. TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot
come in contact with plug.
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 re-
move any oil trapped inside of engine.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every
season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty condi-
tions.
1. Loosen screws and remove cover.
2. Carefully remove cartridge.
3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat sur- face. If very dirty, replace cartridge.
_I, CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as kerosene, are not to be used to clean cartridge. They may cause deterioration of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use pressurized air to clean or dry cartridge.
4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.
Cartridige
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.
Base
MUFFLER Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it
could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of
each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs
first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in the "PRODUCT SPECIFIC-
ATIONS" section of this manual.
15
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