Husqvarna 917384502 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

Husqvarna

ROTARY

160cc Honda Engine

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.384502

MOWER

• Espa_ol, p. 19

CAUTION'.

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Husqvarna, Charlotte, NC 28269

Visit our website: www.husqvarna.com

U.S.A.

Warranty ................................................... 4

Safety Rules .......................................... 2-3

Product Specifications .............................. 5

Assembly / Pre-Operation ........................ 6

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

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

IM PORTANT: 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 CAUTION!H BECOME ALERT!H

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. _I, 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.

_I,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. _i, 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 ...................................... 11-14

Service and Adjustments ................... 14-15

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

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

Repair Parts ....................................... 34-39

• Do not operate the mower when bare- foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantial foot wear.

• Donotpull mowerbackwards unless abso- lutely necessary. Always look down and be-

hind before and while moving backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against awall orobstruction. 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.

• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

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

• Never operate machine in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech- anism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and

check immediately for the cause. Vibra- tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glass- eswith 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:

• Mow acrosstheface ofslopes: never up and down. Exerciseextremecaution whenchangingdirectionon 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. Neverassume 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.

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

ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline

dispenser nozzle.

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

not use a nozzle lock-open device.

. If fuel is spilled on clothing, change

clothing immediately.

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

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run 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 cool before storing.

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

before restarting.

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

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

could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check 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).

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, nonprofessional, noninstitutional o_

nonincome producing 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: HUSQ_VARNA'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 Husqvama 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

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: 1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular) Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces

Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 10W-30 Spark Plug (Gap: .030") NGK BPR6ES

Valve Clearance (_+0.04 mm): Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm

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

CANS

GAS

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 as-

sembled at the factory with the excep- tion of those parts left unassembled for

shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all

parts and hardware you assemble must be

tightened securely. Use the correct tools

as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc.,

necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM

CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

2. Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.

3. Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional

loose parts.

Operator MOWING presence POSITION

control bar

LIFT UP

Lower handle

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.

// \ - // \ handle

Upper

handle

Handle

knob

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN

MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

iMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables.

1. Raise handles until lower handle sec- tion locks into place in mowing position.

2. Remove protective padding, raise up- per handle section into place on lower

handle and tighten both handle knobs.

3. Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper

handle.

Your lawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "AD- JUST HANDLE" in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

Vinyl Frame bindings opening

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS Your lawn mower was shipped ready to

be used as a mulcher. To convert to bag-

ging or discharging, see "TO CONVERT

MOWER" in the Operation section of this manual.

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND ALL SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING

YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for

future reference.

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

product. Learn and understand their meaning.

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

OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY

Operator presence control bar

Handle knob

Starter handle Gasoline filler cap

Fuel valve lever

Grass catchel

Engine oil ca Housing

with dipstick

Muffler

Spark plug

Air filter

Wheel adjuster

(on each wheel)

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.

Mulcher door = allows conversion to discharging or bagging operation. Starter handle = used for starting engine.

The operationof any lawn

mowercan result in foreign objectsthrown intothe eyes,whichcan result in severeeyedamage.Always

wearsafetyglassesor eye shieldswhile operatingyour lawn moweror performing any adjustmentsor repairs.We recom- menda standardsafetyglassesorwide

visionsafety maskworn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER

ENGINE SPEED Engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. It is not adjustable. ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

_CAUTiON: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this

lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under

any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade

turns when the engine is running. * Your lawn mower is equipped with an

operator presence control bar which

requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start

and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit

your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.

* To change cutting height, squeeze ad-

juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel

up or down to suit your requirements. Be

sure all wheels are in the same 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.

LEVER BACKWARD

TO LOWER MOWER

Plate tab

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

close rear door.

Pivot pins Rear

Catcher frame hook SIDE DISCHARGING

* Rear door must be closed. o Open mulcher door and install dis-

charge deflector under door as shown.

* Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

o To convert to mulching or bagging opera-

tion, discharge deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be closed.

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.

_ Discharge deflector installed.

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear door closed, clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never

attempt to operate the lawn mower with the

rear door removed or propped open.

Grass

catcher

handle

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

TO CONVERT MOWER Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be

used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging

or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

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

onto the door pivot pins.

Open mulcher door

Install

discharge

8 deflector

MOWERISNOWREADYFOR

DISCHARGINGOPERATION

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the

frame handle.

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

3. Empty clippings from bag. NOTE: Do not drag the bag when empty-

ing; it will cause unnecessary wear.

Grass

catcher

- frame 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.

• ll CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove oil fill cap/dipstick from spout.

3. You recieve a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container

down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Insert and tighten oil fill cap/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.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck.

Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of

87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel fresh-

ness.

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline

near an open flame.

_Ik 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.

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. _Ib CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called

gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) 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 tan k

or permanent damage may occur.

Oil fill cap / Gasoline dips filler cap

Upper Lowe

9 mark mark

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar. Wait until blade and

all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not

intend to restart the engine soon.

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. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.

2. Move choke lever to ON ( I"kl ) position.

3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter

handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to the OFF position when

operator presence control bar is held down to handle.

OFF

Fuel valve lever

MOWING TIPS

_, CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage

your mower and could void your warranty.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort

and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving 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 overlap-

ping previously cut path and mow slowly.

II/

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.

1/3

MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULE

Check for Loose Fasteners

_ lean / Inspect Grass Catcher *

Check Tires

_ 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

I_ Change Engine Oil N Clean Air Filter

_ Inspect Muffler

N Replace Spark Plug I_ 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

_t_t _t

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 25 HOURS 100 BEFORE

USE USE HOURS OR SEASON HOURS STORAGE

11_,2

14 I/

i/ 14

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence, To receive full value from the warranty, operator must

maintain unit as instructed in this manual,

Some adjustments will need to be made

periodically to properly maintain your unit,

At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

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

plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

LUBRICATION CHART

adjuster (on

each wheel)

I Engine oil I // Mulcher

I \ / doorhinge

[" J (_ Rear door

(_ 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, If you feel they

must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

11 graphite type lubricant sparingly,

Wheel

hinge

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept

sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement

blade approved by the manufacturer of

your mower. Using a blade not approved

by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and

void your warranty. TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark

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

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

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

turning when removing blade bolt.

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

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.

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

TO REPLACE BLADE

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

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

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

blade adapter and crankshaft.

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

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

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

Blade adapter Key Crankshaft

keyway

Lockwasher

Blade

Blade bolt Hardened

washer Trailing edge

Crankshaft

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

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

TO SHARPEN BLADE

NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-

ening the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. An unbalanced

blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt

to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of

the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail.

If blade is balanced, it should remain in

a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end until the blade is balanced.

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.

ENGINE

Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense,

may be performed by any non-road engine

repair establishment or individual. Warranty

repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet.

LUBRICATION

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SG-SL.

Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

°F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100 °C -30 -2; -1; ; 1'0 20 30

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, and you should check your engine oil level fre- quently to avoid possible engine damage

from running low on oil. Change the oil after every 25 hours of opera- tion or at least once a year if the lawn mower

12is not used for 25 hours in one year.

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