Husqvarna 96143006700, 7021RB Owner’s Manual

®

Owner's Manual

532 43 46-36 02.18.10 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

iMPORTANT: THiS CUTTING MACHINEIS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATINGHANDSAND FEETAND THROWING OBJECTS.
TO OBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETYiNSTRUCTiONSCOULD RESULTiN SERIOUSiNJURYOR DEATH.

portant safety precautions. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR

Look for this symbol to point out ira=
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug
wire and place wire where it cannot contact

&
&

&

spark plug in order to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of itscon-
stituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories contain lead and lead

compounds, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts
become extremely hot during operation
and remain hot after engine has stopped.
Toavoid 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 discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar
with the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and
thrown by the blade.

• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-
ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear substantial foot wear.

• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec-
essary. Always look down and behind before and
while moving backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone.
Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruc-
tion. Material may richochet back toward the operator.
Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the mower without proper guards,
plates, grass catcher or other safety protective devices
in place.

• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation
and installation of accessories. Only use accessories
approved by the manufacturer.

SAFETY RULES

• Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,

or roads.

• Stopthe engine (motor) whenever you leavethe equip-
ment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the

chute.

• Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the blade
comes to complete stop before removing grass

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 and

walk; never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mecha-
nism or drive clutch on mowers so

equipped before starting the engine (motor).

• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

• Mowacrossthe face ofslopes: never up and down. Exer-
cise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.

• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide

obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.
The operator could lose footing or balance.

• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could

cause slipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to

the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the trimming area and under the
watchful care of another 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 the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE

Use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is ex-
tremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

• Use only an approved container.

2

FAILURE

• 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 container where there
is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water

heater or on other appliances.
Never fill containers inside avehicle, on atruck 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 iton the ground. Ifthis 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 immedi-
ately.

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

V. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine

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 authorized service center.

(motor) running. Disconnect spark plug wire, and keep
wire away from plug to prevent accidental starting.

• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachement
bolts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.

• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to

cool before storing.

• Stop and inspect the equipment ifyou strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attemptto make wheel height adjustments while
the engine (motor) is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-
age, and deterioration, which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer's recom-
mended parts, when necessary.

Mower blade is sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing it.

Do not change the engine governor setting or over-
speed the engine.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new lawn
mower. Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured

to giveyou the best possible dependabilityand performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service

center/department. We have competent, well-trained

technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this

lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower
properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

SERIAL
NUMBER:

DATE OF PURCHASE:

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

0 N A DECAL ATTACH ED TO THE REAR OF TH ELAWN
MOWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND

DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1.0 Quarts

and Type: (Unleaded Regular Only)

Oil Type (API SG-SL): SAE 30 (above 0°0 / 32°F)

SAE 10W-30 (below 0°0 / 32°F)
Oil Capacity: 18.5 Ounces
Spark Plug: NGK BPR6ES (Gap: .030")

Valve Clearance: Intake: 0.015 mm

(_+0.04 mm) Exhaust: 0.020 mm
Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. Ibs.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your lawn mower.

• Followthe instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this owner's manual.

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2=3

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

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

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

OPERATION ............................................................ 5=10

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ..................................... 11

MAINTENANCE .................................................... 11=13

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ................................ 14

STORAGE ............................................................. 14=15

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 16

WARRANTY ................................................................ 18

3

ASSEMBLY

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 assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping
purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts
bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened

securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE 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 thor-
ougly for additional loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Figs. 1 & 2)

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS NOT
TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CONTROL CABLES.

1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and
squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards
each other until the pin in handle can be inserted into
one of the three height adjustment holes.

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

knobs.

3. Remove any packing material from around control
bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort.
Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE" inthe Service and Adjustments

section of this manual.

OPERATOR MOWING

PRESENCE POS|T|ON

CONTROL / _ .....

BAR

SQUEEZE

FIG. 2

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

(See Fig. 3)

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: Ifvinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm

water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before
usin .

PiN

HANDLE
BRACKET

FRAME

¢

/ / /

\,_y / UPPER

//_r_ HANDLE

HANDLE

KNOB

LOWER

HANDLE

FIG. 1 4

VINYL FRAME

BINDINGS _ OPENING

FIG. 3

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

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

see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of
this manual.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER.
Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjust-

ments. 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

THROTTLE /

ENGINE
CONTROL

STARTER HANDLE

GRASS

MULCHER
PLUG

SINGLE POINT HEIGHT ADJUSTER HANDLE

__BLADE/BRAKE CONTROL

=DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS

KNOBS

DRIVE COVER

GASOLINE FILLER CAP

VALVE LEVER

AIR FILTER

SPARK

PLUG

ENGINE OIL CAP WITH

HOUSING

DOOR

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped

MUFFLER

WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute
and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR - must be
held down to the handle to start the blade. Release to

stop the blade.
DRIVE CONTROL LEVERS - used to engage power-

propelled forward motion lawn mower.
BLADE / BRAKE CONTROL- used to engage the blade

after the engine is started.
SINGLE POINT HEIGHT ADJUSTER - used to adjust

cutting height of lawn mower. 5

THROTTLE / ENGINE CONTROL- used for starting and
stopping the engine; and allows you to select either FAST
or SLOW engine speed.

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

bagging operation.
MULCHER PLUG-located atthe discharge opening, must

be removed when converting to bagging operation.

OPERATION

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result

in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or
performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety

mask over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER BLADE CONTROL (See Fig. 5)

THROTTLE / ENGINE CONTROL (See Fig. 4)

The engine is controlled by a throttle control located on the
side of the upper handle. CHOKE position isfor starting a
cold engine; FAST position is for starting a warm engine,

normal cutting, trimming and better grass bagging; SLOW
position is for light cutting, trimming and fuel economy,

and STOP position is for stopping the engine.

SLOW 0

FIG. 4

engaged, the blade turns.

CAUTION: When the blade control is

* Tostart the blade, hold the operator presence control

bar down to the handle and push the blade/brake
control lever forward until it latches. Tostop the blade,
release the operator presence control bar. Do not
pull the blade/brake lever rearward with the operator
presence control bar down against the handle. Allow
a cold engine to warm up in high idle position for one
minute before engaging the blade.

NOTE: It is normal to hear the belt slip as the blade is
engaged and comes up to speed.

* Do not start the blade in uncut grass. Move the mower

out of uncut grass before starting the blade.

CAUTION: Federal regulations require
this blade/brake control to minimize

the risk of blade contact injury. Do not
under any circumstances attempt to

defeat the function of this control.

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR

BLADE / BRAKE

CONTROL LEVER

TO ENGAGE BLADE BLADE DISENGAGED

FIG. 5

6