Husqvarna HU775H-96145000700, 96145000700 Owner’s Manual

Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

Vous pouvez utiliser de l’essence contenant jusqu’à 10 % d’éthanol (E10) avec cet appareil. L’utilisation d’essence contenant plus de 10 % d’éthanol annulera la garantie du produit.

532 44 59-31 Rev. 2

Operator’s Manual

Manuel de L’Opérateur

HU775H / 961450007

Please read the operator's manual carefully and make sure

you understand the instructions before using the machine.

Lisez très attentivement et soyez certain de comprende

ces instructions avant d’utiliser cette machine.

English/French

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Husqvarna 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.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new lawn mower. It has been designed, engineered and man u fac tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/ department. We have competent, well-trained tech ni cians 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”.

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS. FAILURE

TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

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

Look for this symbol to point out im por tant

safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFE TY IS IN VOLVED.

CAUTION: Always disconnect spark plug wire and

place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent ac ci den tal starting when setting up, trans port ing, adjusting or making re pairs.

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its

con stit u ents, and certain vehicle com po nents contain or emit chem i cals known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth defects or oth er re pro duc tive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related

ac ces so ries contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of Cal i for nia to cause can cer and birth defects or oth er re produc tive harm. Wash hands after handling.

CAUTION: Muffler and other engine parts become

extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thor ough ly 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 pull mower backwards unless absolutely nec es sary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. 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.

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

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the 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 catch er.

• 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 mechanism 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:

• 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. 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 re spon si ble 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.

WARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bus tion engine and should not be used on or near any un im proved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov ered 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.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest authorized service center.

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 container 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 a machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (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 if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never attempt to 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 com po nents and replace with manufacturer’s rec om mend ed 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 overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________

DATE OF PURCHASE: _______________________ THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND

ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Figure 1

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.

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

• Follow the instructions under “Maintenance” and “Stor age” sec tions of this operator's manual.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 1,8 Litres and Type: (Unleaded Regular Only)

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

Oil Capacity: Spark Plug (Gap: 0,5 mm): Champion 696073 Blade Bolt Torque: 35-40 ft. lbs.

SAE 5W-30 (below 0°C/32°F) 0,6 Litres

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3

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

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

SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL DECALS ................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 4-5

PRODUCT OVERVIEW ................................................ 6

OPERATION ............................................................7-12

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 13-17

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ........................... 18-19

STORAGE .............................................................. 20-21

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................ 22

WARRANTY ........................................................... 23-26

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER

READ THIS OPERATOR'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 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.

ASSEMBLY

Read these instructions and this man u al in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mow er. IMPORTANT: THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPED WITH OUT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE. Your new lawn mower has been as sem bled at the factory with the ex cep tion of those parts left unassembled for shipping

purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to com plete the as sem bly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mow er, all parts and hard ware you assemble must be tightened se cure ly. Use the correct tools as nec es sary to ensure proper tightness.

Setup

LOOSE PARTS

Use the chart below to verify that all parts have been shipped.

Description Qty. Handle Bolt Handle Knob Washout Adapter Grass Bag Grass Bag Frame

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 (Figure 2).

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.

2 2 1 1 1

Figure 2

1. Vinyl bindings

2. Frame handle

3. Frame opening

ASSEMBLY

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see “TO CON VERT MOWER” in the Operation section of this man u al.

TO RE MOVE LAWN MOW ER FROM CAR TON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.

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

3. Remove all packing materials ex cept padding be tween upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to up per handle.

4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thorougly for ad di tion al loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOW ER

TO UNFOLD HANDLE

IMPORTANT: UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS

NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CON TROL CABLES.

1. Raise lower handle section to operating position and align hole in handle with one of three height positioning holes (Figure 3).

2. Insert handle bolt through handle and bracket and secure with knob (Figure 4).

3. Repeat for opposite side of handle.

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

5. Remove any packing material from around control bar.

Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to “TO ADJUST HANDLE” in the Service and Ad just ments sec tion of this man u al.

LIFT

LIFT UP

Figure 3

1. Operator presence control bar

2. Upper handle

3. Handle knob

4. Lower handle

MOWING

PO SI TION

Figure 4

1. Knob

2. Bolt

3. Handle bracket

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

1. Drive control levers

2. Operator presence control bar

3. Grass catcher

4. Single point height adjuster

5. Engine oil cap with dipstick

6. Muffler

Figure 5

7. Spark plug

8. Housing

9. Air filter

10. Gas filler cap

11. Handle knob

12. Starter handle

OPERATION

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

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.

IMPORTANT: This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.

WARNING: The blade turns when the engine is

running.

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 un der any cir cum stanc es attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

NOTE: Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator

presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the mower handle to start and operate the mower.

DRIVE CONTROL

1. Self-propelling is controlled by hold ing the operator

presence control bar down to the handle and pulling either drive control lever rearward to the handle. The further toward the handle a lever is pulled, the faster the unit will travel (Figure 6).

2. Forward motion will stop when either the operator presence control bar or a drive control lever are released. To stop forward motion without stop ping engine, re lease a drive control lever only. Hold op er a tor presence control bar down against handle to con tin ue mowing without self-propelling (Figure 7).

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the mower will not roll backwards, push the mower forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

Figure 7

1. Operator presence control bar

2. Drive control levers

DRIVE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may become “loose”, resulting in decreased speed. There is a turnbuckle on the drive control housing to increase tension on the drive cable. Pro ceed as follows:

1. Turn unit off; disconnect spark plug wire from plug.

2. Rotate turnbuckle on drive control to increase drive speed (Figure 8).

3. Operate mower to test drive speed. Read just as required.

4. If condition fails to improve after the above steps (forward speed remains the same), your drive belt is worn and should be re placed.

TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL

Figure 6

1. Operator presence control bar

2. Drive control levers

Figure 8

1. Adjustment turnbuckle

OPERATION

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT

All four wheels are adjusted by a single lever.

1. Pull adjuster lever toward wheel. To raise mower, move lever forward to desired position. To lower mower, move the lever toward the rear (Figure 9).

Figure 9

1. Wheel adjuster lever

TO CONVERT MOWER

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

REAR BAGGING

1. Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the grass bag brackets (Figure 10).

2. To convert to mulching operation, remove grass catch er and close rear door.

REAR DISCHARGING (See Fig. 11)

1. Lift the rear door and install the clipping deflector (available accessory) legs into holes of handle brackets as shown (Figure 11).

• When the rear door is lowered it will rest on the top of the clipping deflector and secure it to the mower.

• Mower is now ready for rear discharging operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, clipping deflector must be removed.

Figure 10

1. Grass catcher frame hook

2. Rear door

3. Grass bag bracket

4. Grass catcher handle

Figure 11

1. Rear door

2. Deflector bar "leg"

3. Clipping deflector

4. Handle bracket holes

OPERATION

SIDE DISCHARGING

NOTE

: Rear door must be closed.

1. Unlock latch (Figure 12).

Figure 12

1. Latch

2. Open mulcher door and install dis charge deflector under door as shown (Figure 13).

3. Mower is now ready for side discharging operation (Figure 14).

NOTE

: To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis-

charge deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be closed and locked.

Figure 14

1. Mulcher door

2. Discharge deflector

Figure 13

CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without

rear door closed or ap proved grass catch er or clipping deflector in place. Nev er at tempt to op er ate the lawn mow er with the rear door re moved or propped open.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER:

FOR MULCHING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Mulcher door closed and locked. FOR REAR BAGGING -

1. Grass catcher installed.

2. Mulcher door closed and locked. FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

1. Rear door closed.

2. Discharge deflector installed.

OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see “EN GINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.

CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it

will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.

2. Remove dipstick from oil fill spout (Figure 15).

3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

IMPORTANT: Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.

IMPORTANT: 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 Maintenance section of this manual.

ADD GASOLINE

IMPORTANT: 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 quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness (Figure 15).

CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not

store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.

Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using

ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and for ma tion 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 stor age 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 In struc tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

1. To stop engine, release operator presence con trol bar (Figure 16).

Figure 15

1. Engine oil cap/dipstick

2. Gasoline filler cap

Figure 16

1. Operator presence control bar

OPERATION

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.

NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.

1. To start engine, hold operator presence control bar down to the han dle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back (Figure 17).

Figure 17

1. Operator presence control bar

2. Starter handle

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame han dle (Figure 18).

2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower han dle.

3. Empty clippings from bag using both frame handle and bag handle.

NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

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 nec es sary 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 re duce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a sec ond time.

• For extremely heavy cutting, re duce the width of cut by over lap ping previously cut path and mow slowly.

• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the FAST po si tion.

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.

• If a trail of clippings is left on the right side of a rear discharge mow er, mow in a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.

• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, reg u lar ly 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.

Figure 18

1. Bag handle

2. Grass catcher frame handle

OPERATION

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 recutting 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 (Figure 19). 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 mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

MAX 1/3

Figure 19

• 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 second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.

• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

Check for Loose Fasteners Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher * Check Tires Check Drive Wheels *** Clean Lawn Mower **** Clean under Drive Cover *** Check Drive Belt / Pulleys *** Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade Lubrication Clean and Recharge Battery **

Check Engine Oil level Change Engine Oil Clean Air Filter Inspect Muffler Replace Spark Plug Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer

BEFORE

EACH

USE

AFTER

EACH

USE

EVERY

HOURS

EVERY

25 HOURS

OR SEASON

EVERY

100

HOURS

BEFORE

STORAGE

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.

(if so equipped) Electric-Start mowers

Power-Propelled mowers Use a scraper

to clean under deck

***

****

MAINTENANCE

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 mower 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 Ad just ments 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

1. Check engine oil level.

2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated (See “LUBRICATION CHART”).

IMPORTANT: DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PLASTIC WHEEL BEARINGS. VISCOUS LU BRI CANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORT EN THE LIFE OF THE SELFLU BRI CAT ING BEARINGS. IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE LU BRI CATED, USE ONLY A DRY, POW DERED GRAPHITE

TYPE LUBRICANT SPAR INGLY.

SPRAY LUBRICANT SEE “ENGINE” IN MAINTENANCE SECTION

LUBRICATION CHART

HANDLE BRACK ET MOUNT ING PINS

MULCHER

DOOR HINGE

ENGINE OIL

REAR DOOR HINGE

MAINTENANCE

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any main te nance.

TIRES

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

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

DRIVE WHEELS

Check rear drive wheels each time you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the drive wheel and dust cover area and must be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean drive wheels, check both rear wheels.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Re place bent or dam aged 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.

4. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

5. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

6. 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. lbs.

IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS HEAT TREATED. IF BOLT NEEDS REPLACING, REPLACE ONLY WITH APPROVED BOLT.

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 hous ing to prevent blade from turning when re mov ing blade bolt.

CAUTION: Protect your hands with gloves and/

or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise (Figure 20).

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

6. Remove screw securing debris shield.

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crank shaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned; and that the drive belt is inside the tabs of the belt retainer (Figure 20).

2. Install debris shield using screw.

3. Position blade on the blade adapter.

IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER AS SEM BLY, CENTER HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON BLADE ADAPTER.

1. Crankshaft keyway

2. Key

3. Blade adapter

4. Debris shield

5. Screw

Figure 20

6. Blade

7. Belt retainer

8. Trailing edge

9. Hardened washer

10. Lock washer

11. Blade bolt

MAINTENANCE

TEMPERATURE RANGE ANTICIPATED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES

-20 0 30 40

100

-30

-20 0

20 30 40

F C

-10

5W-30

SAE 30

TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharp en ing blade - but if

you do, be sure the blade is balanced. An un bal anced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharp ened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone bal anc er, follow the in struc tions supplied with bal anc er.)

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.

1. Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is bal anced, it should remain in a horizontal po si tion. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced (Figure 21).

Figure 21

1. Center hole

2. 5/8" Bolt or pin

3. Blade

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.

• Check your grass catcher often for damage or de te ri o ra tion. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with ap proved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.

GEAR CASE

• To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season.

• The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.

ENGINE

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 (Figure 22).

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

Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.

Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

Figure 22

MAINTENANCE

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel

tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2. Remove engine oil cap/dipstick; lay aside on a clean surface.

3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine (Figure 23).

4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.

5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.

6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.

9. Re con nect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER

Your engine will not run properly using a dirty air filter. Replace paper cartridge every 100 hours of operation or every season, which ev er occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

NOTE: The air cleaner system uses a pleated filter with an optional pre-cleaner. The pre-cleaner can be washed and reused.

1. Loosen the fastener that holds the cover. Remove the cover (Figure 24).

2. Remove the pre-cleaner and the filter.

3. To loosen debris, gently tap the filter on a hard surface. If the filter is excessively dirty, replace with a new filter.

4. Wash the pre-cleaner in liquid detergent and water. Then allow it to thoroughly air dry. Do not oil the precleaner.

CAUTION: Petroleum solvents, such as ker o sene,

are not to be used to clean car tridge. They may cause de te ri o ra tion of the cartridge. Do not oil car tridge. Do not use pres sur ized air to clean or dry car tridge.

5. Assemble the dry pre-cleaner to the filter.

6. Install the filter and pre-cleaner into the base. Make sure filter fits securely in the base.

7. Install air filter cover and secure with fastener. Make sure the fastener is tight.

Figure 23

1. Oil fill cap/dipstick

2. Container

Figure 24

1. Fastener

2. Cover

3. Filter

4. Base

5. Pre-cleaner

+ 36 hidden pages