Owner's Manual
®
sqva
ROTARY LAWN MOWER
160cc Honda Engine
21" Multi-Cut
Model No.
917.384504
Product No.
5521CM
• Espafiol, 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 iscapable 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.
V.
GENERAL SERVICE
e
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).
3
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
4
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
5
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
POSITION
control bar
/ //
///
iX
UP
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.
6
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. _I,WARNING: 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.
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EVERY EVERY
25 HOURS 100 BEFORE
OR SEASON HOURS
STO RAG E
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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.
11
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.
4O