Husqvarna 917384503 Owner’s Manual

Owner's Manual

Husqvarna

ROTARY LAWN MOWER

160cc Honda Engine

21" Multi-Cut

Model No.

917.384503

• EspaSol, p. 19

CAUTION'.

Read and follow all

Safety Rules and Instructions

before operating this equipment

Husqvarna, Charlotte, NC 28269

Visit our website: www.husqvama.com

U.S.A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!!

YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED. ,_WARNING: Inorderto 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. _I,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. A CAUTION" Muffler and other engine

hot during operation and

parts become extremely_

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 al! 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.

• Do not pull mower backwards 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 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.

• Mowonlyin 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.

• AIwayswearsafety goggles or safety glass-

eswith side shieldswhen 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 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. 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 fue! 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.

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 coo! 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 allowobjects 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.

Inthe state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 ofthe 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

Husqvama Forest & Garden Company ("Husqvama') warrants Husqvama 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, handhetd blowers, backpack blowers, hedge trimmers,

electrical products and power-assist collection systems for noncommercial nonl3rofessional, noninstitutional or

nonincome !0roducinq use, exce!0t 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

Husqvama 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 tong 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 Husqvama

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 Statesvitte Road

Charlotte, NC 28269

531 83 81-23 2002

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Gasoline Capacity / Type: Oil Capacity:

Oil Type (API SG-SL): Spark Plug (Gap: .030")

Valve Clearance (+ 0.04 mm): Blade Bolt Torque:

1.0 Quarts (Unleaded Regular)

18.5 Ounces

SAE 30 (above 32°F) or SAE 10W-30 NGK BPR6ES

Intake: 0.015 mm; Exhaust: 0.020 mm

35-40 ft. Ibs.

• The model and serial numbers wil! 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

_GAS

CANS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

REAR DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

MUFFLERS

BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS

GRASS CATCHERS

FOR

SIDE DISCHARGE

LAWN MOWERS

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 inthe 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

POSITION

control bar

/ //

///

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

Lower handle

NOW 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

Engine oil ca

with dipstick

Muffler

Mulcher door

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped (on each wheel)

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

Spark plug

Housing

Wheel adjuster

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 Mulcher door - allows conversion to

be held down to the handle to start the discharging or bagging operation. engine. Release to stop the engine. 7 Starter handle - used for starting engine.

The operationof any lawn

SAFETYGLASSESmowercan resultin 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 recom-

mend a standard safety glasses or wide

vision safety mask worn 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 ,II_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

Grass

catcher

handle

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Rear door must be closed.

• 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 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.

2. Discharge deflector installed.

ACAUTION" 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.

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 wil! 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. _, 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. ,A 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 gasoho! 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.

A 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 methanol) can

attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system ofan 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 carburetorare empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Neveruse engine

or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank 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 (1\1) 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 ,Choke lever

Fuel valve lever

MOWING TIPS

CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher

blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, wil! 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 yourwidth of cut by overlap- ping previously cut path and mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

• 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

10 and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE AFTER EVERY

EAC H EACH 10

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURS

Check for Loose Fasteners _#,

,_ Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * V'

Check Tires _V'

_ Check Drive Wheels ***

Clean Lawn Mower****

M Clean under Drive Cover ***

O Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***

W Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

_ ubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery ** Check Engine Oil level

E 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

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.

EVERY EVERY

25 HOURS 100 BEFORE

OR SEASON HOURS

STO RAG E

v' v'

v' v'3

v' v'

V_,2

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 wil! 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

(_ Wheel

adjuster (on

each wheel)

Engine oil

(_ Mulcher

door hinge

(_ 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 thatwill shorten the life of

the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they

must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered

graphite type lubricant sparingly.

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. A 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, Iockwasher 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 Ke, Crankshaft

Lockwasher

Blade

o i from running low on oil.

,. Change the oil after every 25 hours ofopera-

Blade ,:

bolt Hardened .....:::,, / \

washer Trailing edge

Crankshaft 12

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.

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

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

_:_Io]

°F -20 0 30 32 40 60 80 100 °C -30 -20 -t; ; t; 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

tion or at least once a year if the lawn mower

is not used for 25 hours in one year.

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