MTD 12A-764M799 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manuam

CRAFTSMAN°

10.5 Horse power

33-inch Wide Cut Mower

Model No. 247.889330

CAUTION: Before using this product, read this

manual and follow aim

safety fumes and operating

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, U.S.A.

Visit our web site: www.craftsman.com FORMNO,769-02963

o SAFETY

ASSEMBLY

OPERATION

MAINTENANCE PARTS LISTS ESPANOL R 40

1/15/2007

CraftsmanTwoYearLimited Warranty

If thisCraftsmanproductfailsdueto adefectinmaterialorworkmanshipwithintwoyearsfromthedateofpurchase,returnittoany Searsstore, SearsServiceCenter,orotherCraftsmanoutletintheUnitedStatesforfree repair,

Thiswarrantydoesnotinclude:

Expendableitemswhichcanwearout fromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,suchasrotarymowerblades,bladeadapters,belts,air cleaners,andsparkplug,

, Repairsnecessarybecauseof operatorabuseornegligence,includingbentcrankshaftsandthe failuretooperateormaintaintheequip_

mentaccordingtoallsuppliedinstructions,

Thiswarrantyappliesforonly 90 daysifthis productiseverusedforcommercialor rentalpurposes,

This warrantyappliesonlywhilethisproductis usedintheUnitedStates,

This warrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate,

Sears, Roebuckand Co., Hoffman Estates,[L 60179

Repair Protection Agreements

Congratulationson makinga smart purchase,YournewCraftsman® productisdesignedand manufacturedforyearsofdependableopera= fion,Butlikeallproducts,it mayrequirerepairfromtimetotime,That's whenhavinga RepairProtectionAgreementcansaveyoumoneyand

aggravation,Here'swhat'sincludedintheAgreement:

• Expertservice byour12,000professionalrepairspecialists = Unlimitedserviceand nochargefor partsand laboronall covered

repairs

= Productreplacementifyourcoveredproductcan't befixed

• Discountof 10%fromregularpriceofserviceandservice=related partsnotcoveredby theagreement;also,10%off regularpriceof

preventivemaintenancecheck

• Fasthelpbyphone- phonesupportfroma Searstechnicianon productsrequiringin=homerepair,plusconvenientrepair scheduling

Purchasea RepairProtectionAgreementnowandprotectyourself fromunexpectedhassleandexpense,

Onceyou purchasetheAgreement,asimplephonecallis allthat it takesforyouto scheduleservice,Youcancall anytimedayor night,or schedulea serviceappointmentonline,

Searshasover12,000professionalrepairspecialists,who have accesstoover4,5millionqualitypartsandaccessories,That'sthe kindof professionalismyoucan countontohelp prolongthelifeof yournew purchaseforyearsto come,PurchaseyourRepairProtection Agreementtoday!

Some[imitations andexclusions apply. For prices and additional informationca[[1-800-827-6655.

SearsInstallation Service ForSearsprofessionalinstallationofhomeappliances,garagedoor

openers,waterheaters,and othermaiorhomeitems,inthe U,S,A,call 1-800-4-MY-HOME®

HorsePower: 10,5 EngineOil: SAE30

Fuel: UnleadedGasoline SparkPlug: Champion®RC12YC

Engine: Briggs& StrattonPowerBuiltTM

©SearsBrands,LLC

Mode[Number

Serial Number

Dateof Purchase

Recordthe modelnumber,serialnumber,

anddateof purchaseabove,

Thissymbolpointsoutimportantsafetyinstructions which,ifnotfollowed,couldendangerthepersonal safetyand/orpropertyofyourselfandothers,Read

andfollowallinstructionsinthismanualbefore

attemptingtooperatethismachine,Failuretocomplywiththese instructionsmayresultinpersonaliniury,Whenyouseethissymbol,

HEEDITSWARNING!

Thismachinewasbuilttobeoperatedaccordingtotherulesfor safeoperationinthismanual,Aswithanytypeofpowerequipment,

carelessnessorerroronthepartoftheoperatorcanresultinserious iniury,Thismachineiscapableofamputatinghandsandfeetand

throwingobiects,Failuretoobservethefollowingsafetyinstructions couldresultinseriousiniuryordeath,

YourResponsibility:Restricttheuseofthispowermachineto personswhoread,understand,andfollowthewarningsandinstruc-

tionsinthismanualandonthemachine,

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifoperatorisnotalert topresenceofchildren.Chil- drenareoftenattractedto mowerandmowingactivity.Theydonotunderstand

thedangers.Neverassumethat childrenwillremainwhereyoulast sawthem. o Keepchildrenoutofthe mowingareaand underwatchfulcareof a

responsibleadult otherthanthe operator.

o Bealertandturnmoweroffif a child entersthe area. o Beforeandwhile movingbackwards,lookbehindand downfor small

children.

o Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,

trees,orotherobjectsthatmayobscureyourvision ofa childwhomay runintothe mower.

o Keepchildrenawayfromhotor runningengines.Theycansufferburns

fromahot muffler.

o Neverallowchildrenunder 14years oldto operatea powermower.

Children14years oldand overshouldreadand understandoperation instructionsandsafetyrulesin thismanualandshouldbetrained and supervisedbya parent.

GENERAL OPERATmON

Readthis operator'smanualcarefullyinits entiretybeforeattempting toassemblethismachine.Read,understand,and followall instructions

onthe machineand inthe manual(s)beforeoperation.Becompletely familiarwiththe controlsandthe properuseofthis machinebefore operatingit. Keepthismanualin a safeplaceforfutureand regular referenceandfororderingreplacementparts.

o Thismachineisaprecisionpieceof powerequipment,not aplaything.

Therefore,exerciseextremecautionatalltimes.Yourunithasbeen designedto performonejob:to mowgrass.Do notuseit for anyother purpose.

o Neverallowchildrenunder 14years oldto operatethis machine.

Children14years oldand overshouldreadand understandthe instruc- tionsinthis manualandshouldbetrainedand supervisedbya parent. Onlyresponsibleindividualswhoare familiarwiththese rulesof safe operationshouldbeallowedto usethismachine.

o Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentisto beused.Remove

allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toysandotherforeignobjectswhichcould betrippedover or pickedupandthrownby the blade.Thrownobjects cancauseseriouspersonalinjury.Planyourmowingpatternto avoid

dischargeofmaterialtowardroads,sidewalks,bystandersandthe like. Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainstawall orobstructionwhichmay causedischargedmaterialto ricochetbacktowardthe operator.

EngineExhaust,someofitsconstituents,andcertainvehicle componentscontainoremitchemicalsknowntoStateofCaliforniato causecancerandbirthdefectsorotherreproductiveharm,

Tohelpavoidbladecontactor athrownobjectinjury,stayinoperator zonebehindhandlesandkeepchildren,bystanders,helpers,and petsat least75feetfrom mowerwhile itis in operation.Stopmachineif anyone

entersarea.

o Alwayswearsafetyglassesor safetygogglesduringoperationandwhile

performingan adjustmentor repairto protectyoureyes.Thrown objects whichricochetcancauseserious injurytothe eyes.

o Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.

Shirtsandpantsthatcoverthe armsand legs andsteel-toedshoes arerecommended.Neveroperatethismachinein barefeet,sandals,

slipperyorlightweight(e.g.canvas)shoes.

,, Donotput handsor feet nearrotatingpartsor undercuttingdeck.

Contactwith bladecanamputatehandsandfeet.

o Amissingor damageddischargecovercan causebladecontact or

thrownobjectinjuries.

o Manyinjuriesoccurasa result ofthe mowerbeingpulledoverthe foot

duringafall causedbyslippingortripping. Donot holdontothe mowerif youarefalling;releasethe handleimmediately.

o Neverpullthe mowerbacktowardyou whileyouare walking.If youmust

backthe mowerawayfromawallor obstructionfirstlookdownand behindtoavoidtrippingandthenfollowthesesteps:

a.Step backfrommowertofullyextendyourarms. b.Besureyouarewell balancedwithsure footing. c. Pull backslowly,nomorethan halfwaytowardsyou. d.Repeatthesestepsasneeded.

o Donotoperatethemowerwhile undertheinfluenceof alcoholordrugs. o Donotengagethe self-propelledmechanismonunits soequippedwhile

startingengine.

o Thebladecontrolhandleisa safetydevice.Neverattemptto bypassits

operation.Doingso makesthe safetydeviceinoperativeandmayresult in personalinjurythroughcontactwiththe rotatingblade.Theblade controlhandlemustoperateeasilyin bothdirectionsandautomatically

returntothe disengagedpositionwhenreleased.

o Neveroperatethemowerinwetgrass.Alwaysbesureof yourfooting. A

slip andfall cancauseseriouspersonalinjury. Ifyoufeelyouare losing yourfooting,releasethe bladecontrolhandleimmediatelyandthe blade

will stoprotatingwithinthree seconds.

Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.Walk,neverrun.

o Stopthe bladewhencrossinggraveldrives,walksor roads.

Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,stoptheengineand checkimmediatelyforthecause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningof

trouble.

o Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomestoacompletestop

beforeremovingthegrasscatcheroruncloggingthechute. Thecuttingbladecontinuestorotateforafewsecondsaftertheengine

isshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebodyinthebladeareauntilyou aresurethebladehasstoppedrotating.

o Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,dischargecover,grass

catcher,bladecontrolhandle,orothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamagedsafetydevices.Failure todosocanresultinpersonalinjury.

o Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch. o Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadeforthismachinebymanufacturer.

Failuretodosocanresultinpersonalinjury.

o Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthismanual,usecareand

goodjudgment.ContactyourSearsServiceCenterforassistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopesarea majorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhichcan resultin severeinjury'.Operationon slopesrequiresextracaution.Ifyoufeeluneasyon aslope,donotmowit.Foryoursafety,usethe slopegaugeincludedas part ofthis manualtomeasureslopesbeforeoperatingthis uniton aslopedor hilly

area.Ifthe slopeisgreaterthan15degrees,do notmowit. Do:

o Mowacrossthefaceof slopes;neverupanddown.Exerciseextreme

cautionwhenchangingdirectionon slopes.

o Watchfor holes,ruts,rocks,hiddenobjects,or bumpswhichcancause

youto slipor trip.Tallgrasscan hideobstacles.

o Alwaysbe sureof yourfooting.A slipandfall cancauseseriouspersonal

injury.If youfeelyouarelosingyourbalance,releasethe bladecontrol handleimmediately,and thebladewill stop rotatingwithin3 seconds.

Do Not: o Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesor embankments,whereyoucould

loseyour footingor balance.

o Donotmowslopesgreaterthan15degreesas shownonthe

slopegauge.

o Donotmowonwet grass.Unstablefootingcouldcauseslipping.

SERVICE

Safe Handling Of Gasoline: o Toavoidpersonalinjuryorpropertydamageuseextremecarein

handlinggasoline.Gasolineis extremelyflammableandthevaporsare explosive.Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledon yourselfor yourclotheswhichcan ignite.

o Washyourskin andchangeclothesimmediately. o Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.

o Neverfill containersinsideavehicleor ona truck ortrailerbedwitha

plasticliner.Alwaysplacecontainerson the groundawayfromyour vehiclebeforefilling.

o Removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruck ortrailerandrefuelit on

theground.Ifthis isnot possible,thenrefuelsuch equipmentonatrailer witha portablecontainer,ratherthanfroma gasolinedispensernozzle.

o Keepthe nozzleincontactwith the rimofthe fueltankor container

openingat alltimesuntilfueling iscomplete.Donot useanozzle lock-opendevice.

o Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersources

ofignition.

o Neverfuel machineindoorsbecauseflammablevaporswillaccumulate

inthearea.

o Neverremovegascapor addfuelwhile engineishotor running.

Allowenginetocoolat leasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.

o Neveroverfill fueltank. Filltank to nomorethan_ inchbelowbottom

offiller neckto provideforfuel expansion.

o Replacegasolinecapand tightensecurely. o Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit offthe engineandequipment.Moveunit

to anotherarea.Wait5 minutesbeforestarting engine.

o Neverstorethe machineorfuelcontainernearanopenflame, spark

or pilotlight as ona waterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothesdryer, or othergasappliances.

o Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeof grass,leaves,orother

debrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilor fuelspillageand removeanyfuel soakeddebris.

o Allowa mowertocoolat least5 minutesbeforestoring. General Service:

o Neverrunanengineindoorsor ina poorlyventilatedarea.Engine

exhaustcontainscarbon monoxide,an odorlessand deadlygas.

o Beforecleaning,repairing,or inspecting,makecertainthebladeand

all movingparts havestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireand groundagainsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.

o Checkthe blade andenginemountingboltsat frequentintervals

forpropertightness.Also,visuallyinspectbladefor damage(e.g., bent,cracked,worn)Replacebladewith theoriginalequipment

manufacture's(O.E.M.)bladeonly,listedin this manual.Use ofparts whichdonot meetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafetyE"

o Mowerbladesare sharpandcancut.Wrapthe bladeorweargloves,

anduseextracautionwhenservicingthem.

o Keepall nuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besure the equipmentisin

safeworkingcondition.

o Nevertamperwith safetydevices.Checktheirproper

operationregularly.

o Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stopthe engine,disconnectthe spark

plug wireand groundagainstthe engine.Thoroughlyinspectthe mowerforanydamage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingand operatingthe mower.

o Neverattemptto makea wheelor cuttingheightadjustmentwhilethe

engineis running.

o Grasscatchercomponents,dischargecover,andtrailshieldare

subjectto wear anddamagewhichcould exposemovingpartsor allowobjectsto bethrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheck

componentsandreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis manual."Useofparts whichdonot meetthe originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto improperperformanceandcompromisesafetyE"

o Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingor overspeedthe engine.

Thegovernorcontrolsthe maximumsafeoperatingspeedofthe engine.

o Maintainor replacesafetylabels,as necessary. o Observeproperdisposallawsand regulations.Improperdisposalof

fluidsand materialscanharmtheenvironment.

Sight and how this levelwith avertical tree...

15°

cd 09

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WARNING

Thissymbol pointsout important safety instructions which,if not followed,could endanger the personal safetyand/or property of yourself and others. Read and

followall instructionsin this manual beforeattempting tooperatethis machine.Failuretocomply with these

instructionsmay result in personalinjury.Whenyou see this symbol HEEDITS WARNING!

Your ResponsibiJity Restrictthe useof this power machineto personswho

read, understand,and followthe warningsand instruc- tionsin this manualand on the machine.

IMPORTANT:This unitis shippedwithoilintheengine,After assembly,seepage12for fuelandoildetails,

IMPORTANT:Referencetorightor left sideofthemowerisobserved fromtheoperatingposition,

Themowingdeckis capableof throwingobiects,Failureto operate themowerwithoutthedischargechuteinthe properoperatingposi- tioncould resultin seriouspersonaliniuryand/or propertydamage,

Disconnectthesparkplugwireand grounditagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstarting,

LOOSE PARTS mNCARTON

Thefollowingitemsarepackagedin abag: Operator'sManual,Oildrainhose,Waterhosecoupler

TOOLS NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY

A setofadiustablewrenchesandtiregauge

REMOVmNG THE UNmT FROM THE CRATE

1, Cutstraps,if present,securingunitto pallet,Leaveuniton pallet

duringassembly(tosafelyremoveunitfrompallet,waituntilyou haveassembledthe handle),

2, Removeanyprotectivepackagingandplastictiestraps,

REMOVING THE CHUTE HOLDER

Thechuteholdermustbe removedand discardedbeforeoperating themower,

1, Locatethechuteholderwhichsecuresthedischargechutein a

verticalposition,Figure1,

2, Pullchutebacktowardstheengine,Whileholdingthe chutewith

onehand,removethechuteholderusingyourotherhand,

3, Carefullylowerthechuteagainstthe deckanddiscardthechute

holder,

Figure1

Figure2

ASSEMBLING THE HANDLE

1, Removelowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsfromlowerhandle,

Figure2,

2, Pivotupperhandleintooperatingposition,Figure3,Be careful

notto bendor kinkthecanes whenpivotingthe handle,

3, Installcarriagescrewsandknobsremovedearlier, 4, Tightentheupperandlowerstarknobsandcarriagescrewsto

securetheupperhandleto the lowerhandle,Figure3,

Figure3

mNSTALLmNG THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER

1, Removethe5/16=18screwandthelocknutthat holdtheshift

leverto theshift leverplate,Figure4,

2, Removethe remainingscrewandnutfromthe lowershiftlever

plate,Figure4,

3, Positiontheuppershiftleverintoa verticalpositionaligningthe

holesin thelevertothe holesintheshiftplate,Figure5,

4, Securethelevertothe plateusingthetwoscrewsandtwo nuts

removedearlier,Figure5,

FINAL ADJUSTMENTS Rear Tire Pressure

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownonthe sidewall oftire,

The recommendedoperatingreartirepressureisapproximately20

psiforthe reartires,Checkthetire pressureperiodicallyandmaintain equalpressurein bothreartiresatalltimes,

IMPORTANT:Refertothe tiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedor maximumpsi,Do notoverinfiate,Uneventirepres=

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly,

Figure4

_f ""X

/ /

// //

,.. j

Figure5

GasCap

Figure6

Throttb/Choke

ControlLever

GearShiftLever

Blade Control

DriveControl

Befamiliarwithall thecontrolsandtheirproperoperation,Know howto stopthe machineanddisengagethe controls,

Theoperationofany lawnmowercanresultinforeignobiectsbeing thrownintothe eyes,whichcandamageyoureyesseverely,Always wearsafetyglasseswhileoperatingthemower,orwhileperforming anyadiustmentsor repairsonit,

THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL LEVER

IMPORTANT:When operatingthemowerwiththe cuttingdeckengaged,becertainthatthethrottle/ chokecontrolleveris alwaysinthefastposition,

Thisleveris usedtoadiustenginespeeds,toapply theenginechoke,andtostopthe engine,Always runengineatfast speedsettingforbestmower performance,

Choke:Usewhenstartinga coldengine Fast:Useduringmoweroperation,

Slow:Usewhenidlingengine, Stop:Stopstheengine,

Be surenooneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthelawn mowerwhilestartingengineoroperatingmower,Neverrunengine

indoorsor inenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas,Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,an odorlessand deadlygas,Keephands,

feet,hairand looseclothingawayfromany movingpartson engine and lawnmower,

DECK HEIGHT LEVER

Usethis levertoadiustthecuttingheight,Touse,move

thelevertothe left,thenplacetheleverin thenotchbest suitedforyour application,

GAS CAP

Removethegas captoaddfueltothefueltank, Useclean,fresh,regularunleadedgasolinewitha

minimumof85 octane,

Turntheengineoff andlettheenginecoolat bast two minutes beforeremovingthegas cap,

Choke Fast Slow/Idle EngineOff

BLADE CONTROL

The bladecontrolis usedtoengagethe

mowerdeck,Toengagethiscontrol, pressand holdtheleveragainstthe handlebargrip,Tostopthe blades, releasethebladecontrol,Always disengagethebladecontrolbefore startingtheengine,Thishelpstoensure thatthebladeswillnot startturningwhen theenginestarts,

DRIVE CONTROL

Thedrivecontrolisusedtoengage

anddisengagedriveto thewheels,To engagethiscontrol,squeezethedrive controlagainstthehandlebargrip,To stopthedrive,releasethedrivecontrol

IMPORTANT:Alwaysreleasethe drive controlbeforechangingspeeds,

GEAR SHIFT LEVER

Usethis levertoselectanyoffourforwardgroundspeeds,neutral,or reverse,

Forward

Therearefour forwardspeeds,Positionone (1)isthe slowestand

positionfour (4)is thefastest, Reverse

Toselectreverse,putthe leverintheReverse(R) position,

Neutral Putthe leverinneutral(N)beforestartingthemower,to manuallypush

themower,andwhenthe mowerisnotinuse,

Toavoiddamagingthetransmission,donotshiftgears whenthe mowerismoving,Releasedrivecontrolbeforeshiftinggears,

ENGmNE CONTROLS

RefertoFigure7 forlocationsoftheenginecontrols,

Recoil Starter

The recoilstarterisusedtopull=starttheengine,

Oil Drain Vamve Usetheoildrainvalveto drainoilfromthe engine,Refertothe

Maintenancesectionforinstructions,

Air Cleaner Handme

Theair cleanerhandleis usedtogainaccesstotheaircleaner,The air

cleanercartridgecanbe removedandcleanedor replaced,Referto theMaintenancesectionfordetails,

Ifcartridgeor coverareinstalledincorrectly,seriousiniuryordeath

couldresultfrombackfire,Donotattemptto startyourenginewith themremoved,

Spark Plug/Spark Plug Wire Refertothe Maintenancesectionfor instructionson sparkplug

replacement,

Oil Cap/Dipstick Refertothe Maintenancesectionfor instructionson checkingtheoil,

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation,Stop themowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse,

RecoilStarter

Oil Cap/_ Handle

Dipstick

Oil Drain

Valve Mufflerand SparkPlug

MufflerGuard

Figure7

SparkPlug

Wire

Besureno oneotherthantheoperatorisstandingnearthe lawn I mowerwhile startingengineoroperatingmower,Neverrunengine l

indoorsorinenclosed,poorlyventilatedareas,Engineexhaust containscarbonmonoxide,anodorbss anddeadlygas,Keephands,I

feet,hair,andlooseclothingawayfromanymovingparts

Useextremecarewhenhandlinggasoline,Gasolineis extremely flammableandthevaporsareexplosive,Neverfuelmachineindoors orwhilethe engineishotorrunning,Extinguishcigarettes,cigars, pipes,andothersourcesof ignition,

GAS AND OIL FILL°UP

Gas Fill

acidsduringstorage,Acidicgas candamagethefuelsystemofan enginewhilein storage,

Toavoidengineproblems,thefuel systemshouldbeemptiedbefore

storagefor 30 daysorlonger,Drainthegastank, starttheengine andbt itrununtilthefuellinesandcarburetorareempty,Use

freshfuelnextseason,SeeSTORAGEInstructionsforadditional information,

ge mayoccur,

IMPORTANT:The mowerisshippedwithoutgasin thefuel tank,

• Neverfill thefueltankcompletely,Fill thetanktonomorethan

1/2=inchbelowbottomof fillernecktoprovidespaceforfuel

expansion,

• Alwaysuseclean,fresh,unbadedgradeautomotivegasoline, Fillthefueltankoutdoorsandusea funnelorspouttoprevent spilling,Makesurethatthe containerfromwhichyoupourthe gasolineiscleanandfree fromrustorotherforeignparticles, Makesureto wipeoffanyspilledfuelbeforestartingtheengine,

• At theendofthejob, emptythefueltankifthemoweris not goingto beusedfor 30 daysorlonger,Storegasolineina cban containerandkeepthecap in placeonthecontainer,SeeSTOR=

AGEinstructionsforadditionalinformation,

Oil Fill IMPORTANT:The mowerisshippedwithmotoroilintheengine;

however,you MUSTchecktheoil levelbeforeoperating,Oil shouldbe changedonceafterthefirst twohoursofoperationandevery25hours ofoperationthereafter,Usethegradeofengineoil specifiedinthe

Maintenancesection,

1, Removetheoilfill cap/dipstickfromtheoilfill tube, 2, Checkthatthelevelof oil isuptothe FULLmarkon the dipstick,

Ifneeded,pouroil slowlyintotheoilfill tubeuntila FULLoil level isachieved,

3, Replacethe oilfillcap/dipstick,

STARTmNG THE MOWER

1, Rebaseallcontrolsonthemowertopreventwheelsorblades

fromrotating,

2, Movegearshift levertoneutral(N)position, 3, Movethe throttb/chokecontrolleverfullyupwardtochokesetting

I_1 tostarta coldengineorto fast(rabbit)setting_11 tostarta warmengine,

4, Tostartengineusingrecoilstarter:

a, Standonbft side(asviewedfrombehindhandbbars)ofma-

chine,Besureyour feetaresafelyawayfromtheunderside ofthe mowerdeckandall mowercontrolsarereleased,

b, Graspstarterropehandb andpullslowlyuntilropepulls

slightlyharder,Letroperewindslowly,Then pullropewitha

rapid,fullarmstroke,Letropereturnslowly,Ifenginefailsto startafterthreepulls,repeatinstructions(trysettingthrottle atfast setting),

c, Whenenginestarts,operateinfastthrottlesetting_1_

(movethrottle/chokecontrolbver fromchokesettingtofast setting),

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation,Stop themowerbladesbeforeoperatingin reverse,

Ifyoustrikea foreignobiect,stoptheengine,Removewirefromthe sparkplug,thoroughlyinspectmowerforany damage,andrepair damagebeforerestartingandoperating,Extensivevibrationof mowerduringoperationisanindicationof damage,Theunitshould bepromptlyinspectedandrepaired,

Lookbehindthe mowerbeforeandduringreverseoperation.Stop themowerbladesbeforeoperatinginreverse.

USmNG THE MOWER

IMPORTANT:Alwaysreleasethe drivecontrolbeforechanging speeds.Referto"KnowyourMower"sectionformowercontroldetails.

Besurelawnischar of stones,sticks,wire,orother obiectswhich coulddamagelawnmowerorengine.Suchobiectscouldbeaccidently thrownbythe mowerinanydirectionandcauseseriouspersonaliniury tothe operatorandothers.Forbestresults,donotcutwetgrassand nevercutoff morethanone=thirdofthetotalbngth of the grass.

1. Oncetheengineis running,slowlysqueezethedrivecontrol againsttheupperhandleto propelthe unit.Toactivatethe cutting blades,squeezethe bladecontrolagainsttheupperhandle.

2. Tochangegears,releasethedrivecontrolbverand movethe gearshiftlevertothe desiredsetting.Whenfirstpracticingwith themower,put theleverinNo.1 position.Sebctforwardspeeds accordingto mowingconditionsandterrain.Useslowerspeeds on roughterrainorwhengrassis heavyor thick.Theforward speedcanbe increasedonsmoothterrainorifthegrasscoveris light.Mow thewheelsto stopcompbtelybeforeshiftingfromone speedintoanother.

iMPORTANT:Beawarethatwhenengagingthe drivecontrolleverwith thegearshift bver in 3rdor4thgear,thepowerandtorquegenerated maycausetheunitto lurchforward.To avoidthis,slowlysqueezethe drivecontrolleveragainsttheupperhandb.

3. Tostoptheblades,rebasethe bladecontrol.Tostopthedrive controltothe wheels,releasethedrive control.

MULCHING OR SmDE-DISCHARGE MOWmNG

Youcan usethe mowereitheras a mulchingmowerorasa side= dischargemower.Tousethemulchingfeature,insertthe mulchplug asdescribedbelow.Removethe mulchplugtoside=dischargegrass clippings.

Themulchplugis designedto keepthedischargechuteraisedup whilemowing.Whentheplugis removed,thedischargechutewill

loweritselfforside=dischargemowing.

Beforeinstallingorremovingmulchplug,stopengine,waitfor parts

to stopmoving,anddisconnectsparkplugwire.

Toinstallor removemulchplug:

1. Stopthe engineandwaitfor all partstostopmoving.

2. Disconnectthespark plugwirefromthe sparkplug.

3. Toinstallthemulchplug,insertthe right=sidetab(A) ofthe plug intothe bracketonthedeck,Figure8.

4. Insertthecoverintothe dischargeopening(B), Figure8.

5. Afterthemulchplughasbeenplacedintothedeckopening,push theplugtowardstherearof themower(C)tofit theplugproperly intothe opening,Figure8.

6. Toremovetheplug,slidethe coverto theright(frontof mower)to disengagetheslotfromthemowerdeckandthen prythe left=side

ofthe coveroutandoff.

STOPPING THE MOWER

1. Releasebladeanddrivecontroltostopwheelsanddeck blades.

2. Movethrottle/chokecontrolleverdowntoslow(turtb) position.Wheneverpossible,graduallyreduceenginespeed

beforestoppingengine.

3. Movethrottle/chokecontrolbver allthewaydownto stop position.

4. Disconnectsparkplugwirefromsparkplugandgroundagainst theengine.

MOVmNG THE MOWER WITHOUT ENGmNE POWER

The mowercan be manuallypushedorpulledbyplacingthegearshift

leverintoN (neutral)positionandpressingthedrivecontrolagainstthe handlebargrip.

Figure8

Keephandsandfeetawayfromthedischargeopeningof thecutting

deck.

Alwaysstopengine,disconnectsparkplug,andgroundagainst enginebeforeperforminganytypeof maintenanceon the mower,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATmONS

Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenperforminganytypeof maintenanceon themower,

• Thewarrantyonthislawnmowerdoesnot coveritemsthathave beensubiectedtooperatorabuseor negligence,To receivefull valuefromwarranty,operatormustmaintainthe lawnmoweras

instructedin thismanual

• Changingof engine-governedspeedwill voidenginewarranty,

• Alladiustmentsshouldbecheckedat leastonceeachseason,

, Periodicallycheckall fastenersand makesuretheyaretight,

ENGmNE MAINTENANCE

Checking the Spark Plug Cleansparkplugandresetthe electrodegapto0,030"atleastoncea

season;replaceevery100hoursof operation,

1, Cleanareaaroundthe sparkplugbase,Do notsandblastspark

plug,Sparkplugshouldbecleanedbyscrapingorwire brushing andwashingwitha commercialsolvent

Removeandinspectthesparkplug,Checkgapto makesure itis setat,030",SeeFigure9,

Replacethe sparkplugifelectrodesarepitted,burned,orthe porcelainiscracked,

f Electrode

Porcelain

Servicing the Air Cleaner

If filters,or coversarenotinstalledcorrectlyseriousiniuryordeath couldresultfrombackfire,Donotattemptto starttheenginewith

themremoved,

Donot usepressurizedairor solventstocleantheaircleaner cartridge,

Cleanor replacetheaircleanerevery25 hoursof operation,

1, Pulluponaircleanerhandle,Figure10,and pullbacktowardsthe

engine, 2, Removetheaircleanercover,Figure10, 3, Carefullyremoveair cleanercartridgeandpre-cleaner(if

equipped)fromthe blowerhousing, 4, Cleanthebaseof theaircleanercartridgecarefullytoprevent

debrisfromenteringtheengine, 5, Placethepre-cleaner,if equipped,and cartridgebackintothe

blowerhousing,ThecarNdgemustbe placedsecurelyinto position,

6, Aligntabsoncoverwithslotsin blowerhousingand replacethe

cover,

AirCleanerCover

_-Air Cleaner Cartridge

AirCleanerHandle

Figure10

Changing the Engine Oim

Theoil intheengineshouldbe changedevery25hoursofoperation,

1, Togainaccesstotheoil drainvalveontheengine,theright

handlebracetubeshouldbe pivotedforward, a, Removetheupperstarknobandcarriagescrewon theright

sideof the handle,Figure11,

b, Pivotthebracetubetowardsthefrontofthemowerto allow

roomto connecttheoil drainhosetotheoildrainvalve, Figure11,

2, Popofftheprotectivecaponthe endoftheoil drainvalveto

exposethedrain port,Figure12,

3, Removetheoil fill cap/dipstickfromtheoil fill tube,Figure12, 4, Pushtheoildrainhose(packedwiththismanual)ontotheoil

drainport,Routetheoppositeendof thehoseintoanappropriate oilcollectioncontainerwitha capacitygreatenoughto collectthe

usedoil,

5, Releasethevalvebyrotatingthe oil drainvalvecounterclockwise

andpulling,Theoilwillbeginto drainoutoftheengine,

6, Aftertheoil hasfinisheddraining,pushtheoil drainvalvebackin,

rotateit clockwisetolockthevalveclosed,removethe hose,and re-capthe endoftheoildrainvalveto keepdebrisfromentering

thedrainport,

7, Refilltheenginewith newmotoroil untiltheoil levelonthe

dipstickreadsFULL,Replacethe oil fillcap/dipstick,

8, Pivottherighthandlebracetubebackintoposition,Alignthe

middleholeinthe bracetubewiththe holein thehandle,Secure withthestarknobandcarriagescrewremovedearlier,

DrainValve

"\\

Figure11

Onlyuse highqualitydetergentoil ratedwithAPIserviceclassification SForSG, Selecttheoil'sSAEviscositygradeaccordingtoyour expectedoperatingtemperature,Figure13,Althoughmulti-viscosity oils(5W30,10W30etc,) improvestartingincoldweather,thesemulti- viscosityoilswill resultin increasedoilconsumptionwhenusedabove 32°RCheckyourengineoillevelmorefrequentlytoavoidpossible enginedamagefromrunninglowon oil

Protective

DrainCaD

OilDrainHose

Figure12

Colder _ 2°F Warmer

SAE30

Oil Viscosit, Chart

Figure 13

Beforeperforminganytypeof maintenanceonthe machine,waitfor all partstostopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire,Failure tofollowthisinstructioncouldresultin personaliniuryor property damage,

REMOVING THE BELT COVER

Thebelt covermustberemovedtoperformseveralmaintenanceand serviceprocedures,Followthe instructionsbelowtoremovethebelt

cover, 1, Stopengine,waitfor all partstostopmoving,anddisconnect

sparkplugwire,

2, Removethethreescrewsandwashersholdingthecoverto the

frame,Figure14,

3, Removethebeltcover, 4, Toreinstallthebeltcover,placethecoverinpositionandfasten

usingthreescrewsandwashersremovedearlier,

Donot operateunitwithoutbeltcoverinstalled,Failuretofollowthis

instructioncouldresultin personaliniuryor propertydamage,

REMOVING THE MOWER DECK

Whenservicingthe undersideofthe mowerdeckforanyreason,the cuttingdeckshouldfirstberemoved,Followthe instructionsbelowto

removethe cuttingdeck: 1, Stoptheengine,waitfor allpartstostopmoving,anddisconnect

sparkplugwire,

2, Releaseall mowercontrols, 3, Removebeltcoveras instructedunder"'Removingthe

BeltCover,"

4, Usethedeckheightleverto movethecuttingdeckto its

highestposition,

5, Placesmallwoodenblocksunderthe deck, 6, Usethedeckheightleverto lowerthedecksothatit restsupon

thewoodenblocks,

7, Lookingatthecuttingdeckfromtheleftside ofthemower,locate

thehairpinclip thatsecuresthedecksupportrodon therearleft sideof thedeck,Figure15,

8, Removethehairpinclip thatsecuresthesupportrod,andcare-

fully removethedecksupportfromthedeck liftarm,Figure15,

9, Repeatsteps7 and8 onthemower'srightside,Whencomplete,

all fourhairpinclipsshouldbe removed,

10, Pushthe cuttingdecktothe leftto unhooktheliftassemblyfrom

thedeck,

11, Usethedeckheightlevertoraisethe cuttingdeckto its highest

position,

12, Removethewoodenblocksfromunderthedeck, 13, Removethedrivebeltasinstructedunder"ReplacingtheDrive

Belt"instructions,

14, Slidethecuttingdecktowardstherearof the unit, 15, Unhookthedrivespringcane fromtheidlerarmassembly,

Figure16,

16, Removethecuttingdeck, 17, Toinstallthe cuttingdeck,followtheabovestepsin reverseorder,

Figure14

Figure15

Figure16

Beforeperforminganytypeofmaintenanceonthemachine,waitfor allpartstostopmovinganddisconnectthesparkplugwire,Failure tofollowthisinstructioncouldresultinpersonaliniuryorproperty damage,

LUBRICATmON

Pivot Points & Linkage

Lubricateall thephzotpointsonthedrivesystemandlift linkageat bast oncea season,or25hoursofoperation,withlightoil,

Rear Wheels

The rearwheelsshouldbe removedfromtheaxlesoncea season,

Lubricatethe axlesandtherimswellwithanall=purposegreasebefore reinstallingthem,

Front Wheel Bearings Greasefittingsarelocatedoneachcasterwheelandontheframe

aboveeachfrontcasterwheel,Figure17,Lubricatetheseareasusing a greasegunafterevery50hoursofmoweroperation,

Tolubricateacasterwheelbearing,rotatethewheelsothatthe grease

fittingis inalignmentwiththe notchinthebracket,Figure17- doing thiswillallowroomto connectthegreaseguncoupbrontothegrease

fitting,Youwillnot needtousethegreasefittingon theoppositeside ofthe wheel,

Donot useapressurewashertocban the mower,it maycause damagetoebctrbal components,spindles,pulleys,bearings,orthe engine,

Grease fittingon

wheel

Aligngreasefittingwith

notchin wheelbracket

Figure17

CLEANmNG THE ENGmNE AND DECK

Anyfuel oroil spilledonthemachineshouldbewipedoff promptly,Do notallowdebristo accumulatearoundanycomponentsonthe mower,

Cmeaning the Engine Enginepartsshouldbekeptcleanto reducetheriskofoverheating

andignitionof debris,Thisisespeciallyimportantifcuttingtallgrass,

Cleaning the Cutting Deck DeckWashSystemTM

UsetheDeckWashSystemTM to rinsegrassclippingsfromtheunder- sideof thedeckandto preventthe buildupofcorrosivechemicab,

1, Threadthehosecoupbr (packagedina bagwiththeOperator's

Manual)ontotheendof yourgardenhose,Figure18,

2, Attachthehoseandcoupbrto thewaterportonthedeck

surface,Figure18,

3, Turnthewateron, 4, Pointthedischargechuteawayfromanyobiectsor persons,

5, Startthe mowerandengagethe blades(pressandholdtheblade

controlagainstthehandlebargrip)for a minimumoftwo minutes, Donotengagethedrivecontrol,

6, Whencomplete,disengagethe bladecontrol(releasetheblade

control)andturnthe engineoff,

7, Turnthewateroff anddetachthehosecoupbr fromthewater

port,

GardenHosei_

Figure18

WaterPort

HoseCoupler

Neverexceedthe maximuminflationpressureshownon thesidewall

oftire,

REAR TmRE PRESSURE

Therecommendedoperatingreartire pressureis approximately20 psifor thereartires,Checkthetirepressureperiodicallyandmaintain equalpressurein bothreartiresat alltimes,

IMPORTANT:Refertothe tiresidewallforexacttiremanufacturer's recommendedor maximumpsi,Do notoverinflate,Uneventirepres-

surecouldcausethecuttingdeckto mowunevenly,

REPLACmNG THE TRAIUNG SHIELD

1, Bend(bow)thetrailingshieldinwardoneachside toreleasetabs

fromtheholesinthemowerframe,Figure19,

2, Replacewithnewtrailingshieldbybendingtheshieldto allow

eachtab tofit intoholesinmowerframe,

,f ....... i _ -'X

. _ ,_ i_ i

\'\

iii 4:•

: ! _J

Figure19

SERVmCmNGTHE CUTTmNGBLADES

Be suretoshuttheengineoffanddisconnectthesparkplugwire andgroundagainsttheengineto preventunintendedstartingbefore removingthe cuttingblade(s)forsharpeningor replacement,Protect yourhandsbyusingheavyglovesor a ragtograspthecuttingblade,

Periodicallyinspectthebladespindlesfor cracksor damage,espe=

ciallyifyoustrikea foreignobiect,Replaceimmediatelyifdamaged,

Mowerbladesaresharp,Whenworkingnearblades,wearheavy

leatherglovesorwrapbladesinthick ragstoprotectyourselffrom

thesharpedges,

Blade Removal 1, Removethe deckfrombeneaththemowerandgentlyflipthe

deckoverto exposeits underside,Referto"RemovingtheMower Deck"forinstructions,

2, Placea 2x4blockofwoodapproximately8,5" longbetweenthe

deckhousingandthe cuttingbladetoact as astabilizer, Figure20,

3, Removethe hexflangenutthat securesthebladetothespindle

assembly,Figure20,

-m

Removeflangenuttoreleaseblade

Useblockof woodto stabilizeblade.

Figure20

Bmade Sharpening IMPORTANT:Ifanymetalseparationispresent,replacethe blades

withnewones, 1, Toproperlysharpenthe cuttingblades,removeequalamounts

ofmetalfrombothendsof thebladesalongthecuttingedges, paralleltothe trailingedge,ata 25°to30° angle,Figure21,

a, It isimportantthateachcuttingbladeedgebeground

equallyto maintainproperbladebalance,A poorlybalanced bladewillcauseexcessivevibrationand maycausedamage tothe mowerandresultin personaliniury,Thebladecanbe testedby balancingiton a roundshaftscrewdriver,Grind metalfromtheheavyside untilit balancesevenly,

Blade Installation 1, Wheninstallinga blade,placethesideofthe bladewitha part

numberstampedin itfacingthegroundwhenthe mowerisin the operatingposition,

2, Useatorquewrenchtotightenthe spindleflangenutto between

70=90foot=pounds,

Figure21

REPLACmNGBELTS

between beltsandpulleys. Themowerusesthreebelts:1)drivebelt,2) deckengagementbelt,

3) bladetimingbelt.Beforereplacinga belt,observehowthebelt isroutedaroundthepulleysandbracketstohelpwheninstallinga replacement.

IMPORTANT:The beltsonthe mowerarespeciallydesignedto engageanddisengagesafely.Fora properworkingmachine,use

factoryapprovedbelts. Replacing the Drive Belt

1. Stopengine,waitfor all partstostopmoving,anddisconnect sparkplugwire.

2. Releaseallmowercontrols.

3. Removebeltcoveras instructedearlierinthissection.

4. Loosenbeltkeeper(A).The beltkeeperisattachedtothe undersideofthemowerframe,Figure22.

5. Loosentheidlerpulley(B)by looseningboltandnut,Figure22.

6. Removebelt(C)fromaroundpulleys,Figure22.

7. Routenew beltaroundthepulleysmakingsureto tightennuts, bolts,andbelt keeper.

8. Replacethebeltcover.

Replacing the Deck Engagement Belt

1. Stopengine,waitfor allpartstostopmoving,anddisconnect sparkplugwire.

2. Releaseall mowercontrols.

3. Removebeltcoveras instructedearlierinthissection.

4. Loosentheboltandnut holdingbeltkeeperrodto frame, Figure23.

5. Loosenidlerpulley(A)bylooseningthe nutandbolt,Figure24.

6. Loosenidlerpulley(B)bylooseningnut,Figure24.

7. Removebelt(C) fromaroundpulleys,Figure24.

8. Routenewbelt aroundthe pulleysmakingsuretotightennuts, bolts,andbeltkeeper.

9. Replacethe beltcover.

Figure22

Figure24

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