Operator's Manual
21" Self-Propelled
Mower
Model 997
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit 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 isequipped 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 Cub Cadet dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box
361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
MTD LLC.,P.O.Box361131,Cleveland,Ohio44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A. Form No.769-00952
(11/2003)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content
Important Safe Operation Practices
Slope Gauge
Assembling Your Lawn Mower
Know Your Lawn Mower
Operating Your Lawn Mower
Making Adjustments
Page Content Page
3 Maintaining Your Lawn Mower 13
6 Servicing Your Lawn Mower 14
7 Off-Season Storage 16
9 Troubleshooting 17
10 Illustrated Parts List 18
11 Warranty 36
FINDINGMODELNUMBER
This Operator's Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the
equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. You can locate the model plate by standing at the operating position and
looking down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's
web site and/or help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized Cub Cadet dealer.
Copy the model number here:
_)[f TD LLC
www.mtdproducts.com 800-800-7310
P. O. BOX 361131
CLEVELAND,OH 44136
338-220-4883
Copy the serial number here:
CUSTOMERSUPPORT
Please doNOTretum theunittotheretailer fromwhereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
Visit mtdproducts.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and
you will get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is
immediately available.
answer you are
looking for could be just
a mouse c//cA awayf
To reach a Customer Support Representative, please call 1-800-800-7310.
" f
answer are
looking for could be just
a mouse c//cA away]
" f
_lEn ine
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to
performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine
manufacturer's manual at the end of this manual for more information.
SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES
WARNING" This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal
injury. When you see this symbol--HEED ITS WARNING.
WARNING" Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit
chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
WARNING" This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this
manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in
serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
GeneralOperation
1. Read this operator's manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. This machine is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
this machine. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent. Only
responsible individuals who are familiar with these
safe operation rules should use this machine.
4. Thoroughly inspect the area where equipment is to
be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones,
toys and other foreign objects which could be
tripped over or picked up and thrown by the blade.
Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of
material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and
the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a
wall or obstruction which may cause discharged
material to ricochet back toward the operator.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object
injury, stay in the operator zone behind the handles
and keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at
least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes
during equipment operation and while performing
an adjustment or repair. Thrown objects which
ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
7. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Never operate this machine in bare
feet, sandals, slippery or light weight (e.g. canvas)
shoes.
8. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or
under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade can
amputate hands and feet.
9. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause
blade contact or thrown object injuries.
10. Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall caused by slipping
or tripping. Do not hold on to the mower if you are
falling; release the handle immediately.
11. Never pull the mower back toward you while you
are walking. If you must back the mower away from
a wall or obstruction first look down and behind to
avoid tripping and then follow these steps:
a. Step back from the mower to fully extend
your arms.
b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure
footing.
c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than
half way toward you.
d. Repeat these steps as needed.
5. Do not operate the mower while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
6. Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
7. The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return to
the disengaged position when released.
8. Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing
your footing, release the blade control handle
immediatelyandthebladewillstoprotatingwithin
threeseconds.
9. Mowindaylightorgoodartificiallight;walk,notrun.
10.Stopthebladewhencrossinggraveldrives,
walkwaysorroads.
11.Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrateabnormally,
stoptheengineandcheckimmediatelyforthe
cause.Vibrationisgenerallyawarningoftrouble.
12.Shuttheengineoffandwaituntilthebladecomes
toacompletestopbeforeremovingthegrass
catcheroruncloggingthechute.Thecuttingblade
continuestorotateforafewsecondsafterthe
engineisshutoff.Neverplaceanypartofthebody
inthebladeareauntilyouaresurethebladehas
stoppedrotating.
13.Neveroperatemowerwithoutpropertrailshield,
dischargecover,grasscatcher,bladecontrol
handleorothersafetyprotectivedevicesinplace
andworking.Neveroperatemowerwithdamaged
safetydevices.Failuretodosocanresultin
personalinjury.
14.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.
15.Onlyusepartsandaccessoriesmadebythe
originalequipmentmanufacturer(O.E.M).Failure
todosocanresultinpersonalinjury.
16.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour
dealerforassistance.Call1-800-800-7310forthe
nameofyournearestdealer.
3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could
cause slipping.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to
the mower and the mowing activity. They do not
understand the dangers. Never assume that children
will remain where you last saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under
the watchful care of a responsible adult other than
the operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children.
4. Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure your vision of a child who may run into the
mower.
5. Keep children away from hot or running engines.
They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
6. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual and
should be trained and supervised by a parent.
Service
SlopeOperation
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. Operation
on slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it. Before operating this unit on a
slope or hilly area, use the slope gauge on page 6 to
measure slopes. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees,
do not mow it.
Do:
1.
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise caution when changing direction.
,
Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or
bumps which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
,
Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance, release the blade control
handle immediately, and the blade will stop rotating
within 3 seconds.
DoNot:
1. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments, you could lose your footing or
balance.
2. Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
SafeHandlingofGasoline:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is
spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
2. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
3. Use only an approved gasoline container.
4. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on atruck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
5. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
6. 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.
7. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
8. Never fuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
9. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is hot or running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
10.Neveroverfillfueltank.Filltanktonomorethan½
inchbelowbottomoffillernecktoprovidespacefor
fuelexpansion.
11.Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
12.Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeitofftheengineand
equipment.Moveunittoanotherarea.Wait5
minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
13.Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinside
wherethereisanopenflame,sparkorpilotlightas
onawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes
dryerorothergasappliances.
14.Toreducefirehazard,keepmowerfreeofgrass,
leaves,orotherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoilorfuel
spillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.
15.Allowmowertocool5minutesbeforestoring.
GeneralService:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly
ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and
ground against the engine to prevent unintended
starting.
3. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked, worn) Replace blade with the original
equipment manufacture's (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may
lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!"
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when
servicing them.
5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against
the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before starting and
operating the mower.
8. Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment while the engine is running.
9. Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and
trail shield are subject to wear and damage which
could expose moving parts or allow objects to be
thrown. For safety protection, frequently check
components and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only,
listed here. Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety.
10. Do not change the engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. The governor controls the
maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
11. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
12. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm
the environment.
YourResponsibility
• Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and follow the warnings and
instructions in this manual and on the machine.
DAN@mR
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A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
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15 °
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could
overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain your footing
o
and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
cO
SECTION3: ASSEMBLINGYOURLAWNMOWER
RemovingUnitFromCarton
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut
tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open
carton.
• Remove loose parts, if included with unit (i.e., grass
bag etc.), and save it appropriately.
• Cut along corners, lay the carton down flat, and
remove all packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton
thoroughly for loose parts.
LoosePartsinCarton
1. Grass Bag
2. Grass Bag Adapter
3. Side Discharge Chute
4. Hardware Pack
HardwarePack
Please identify each piece of the hardware pack as
shown in Figure 1.
Carriage Bolt
Wing Nut
Figure 1
BeforeAssembly
• Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the
spark plug wire from the spark plug. See Figure 2.
SettingUpYourLawnMower
AssemblingHandle
• Lift up and pull back on the upper handle to raise
the handle into the operating position. See Figure
3. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely
into the handle bracket assemblies.
Handle Assembly
Wing Nut
Handle Mountin
Bracket
Figure 3
Tighten wing nuts on each side of the handle
making sure that the carriage bolts are seated
properly into the handle. See Figure 3.
Remove hairpin clip from the outer hole of the weld
pin on each handle brackets. Using a pair of pliers,
squeeze one leg of the lower handle against the
handle bracket. Insert the hairpin clip into the inner
hole on the weld pin. Repeat on the other side. See
Figure 4.
After moving the hairpin clip, insert the carriage
bolt, from the hardware pack, in the upper hole on
the handle mounting bracket and secure with
plastic wing nut, also from the hardware pack. See
Figure 4. Repeat on the other side.
\
/f !park Plug
ire X
Spark Plug_
Figure 2
NOTE: Reference to right or left side of the mower is
observed from the operating position.
_¢_Carriage Bolt
Lower
Handle Hole
Wing Nut
Handle Mounting _ Hairpin
Bracket Clip
Figure 4
Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two
cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable
ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 5.
Cable Tie
Lower
Handle
Figure 5
AttachingStarterRope
NOTE: Make certain the drive cable is routed around
the outside and above the lower handle so it does not
interfere with attaching the grass bag.
The rope guide, which is connected to the support
rod, is located on the right side of the lower handle.
See Figure 6.
With the spark plug wire disconnected and
grounded, hold the blade control handle against the
upper handle, and pull the starter rope out of the
engine. Release the blade control handle. Slip the
starter rope into the rope guide.
Grass Bag
Adapter
win
Nuts
Figure 7
• Lift chute door on the grass bag adapter and slide
grass bag onto the adapter. See Figure 8.
NOTE: The chute door has been designed to move the
starter rope out of the way of the bag when the chute
door is opened.
Door
Rope
Rope
Guide
Figure 6
AttachingTheGrassBag
The mower was shipped with the mulching baffle
installed on the unit. You can keep this baffle on as long
as you want to mulch the grass clippings. For bagging
purposes, you will have to attach the grass bag and its
adapter in place of the mulching baffle.
• Remove three wing nuts holding the mulching
baffle or side discharge chute in place and remove
the accessory from the unit.
• Replace with grass bag adapter, while making
sure the front lip of adapter goes under the edge of
the deck. Secure with wing nuts previously
removed. See Figure 7.
Figure 8
AttachingSideDischargeChute
• Remove mulching baffle or grass bag adapter from
unit by disconnecting wing nuts.
• Attach side discharge chute to unit and secure with
the three wing nuts. See Figure 9.
Side Discharge
Chute X
Win
Nuts
Figure 9
SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNMOWER
Read this operator's manual and safety rules before
operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in
Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself
with the location of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.
,_ WARNING" The operation of any lawnmower can result in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes, which can damage your
eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses
while operating the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
BladeControlHandle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release blade
control handle to stop engine and blade.
,i_ WARNING" This blade control mechanism isa safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
Cutting HeightAdjustmentLevers
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above
the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to
the Adjustment Section in this manual.
RecoilStarter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to
start the unit.
DriveClutch Control
The drive clutch control is located on the upper handle.
Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system.
Release the clutch control to disengage the drive
system. Release the clutch control to slow down when
approaching an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
ShiftLever
The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control
housing on the upper handle. This lever is used to
select the forward speed of the mower. When changing
speed selection, release the drive clutch lever.
NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine is
running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine
off can damage the mower.
MulchingPlug
The mulching plug is used only for mulching purposes.
Instead of collecting grass clippings in a grass catcher,
this mower has the option of recirculating the clippings
back to the lawn.
Drive Clutch Lever
Side-Discharge ..........................
Chute Mulch Plug .................
Shift Lever
Recoil
Trail Shield
-Blade Control Handle
Grass
Catcher
Y
Figure 10
Height Adjustment
Lever
SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNMOWER
,_ WARNING" Read, understand, and follow all
NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with
the wheels in a low cutting height posfion. For best
results, raise the cutting position until it is determined
which height is best for your lawn. See the Adjustment
Section for details.
instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.
Gas&OilFill-Up
• Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow
relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
• Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in
the engine manual.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.
BeforeStartingMower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
• Check for proper drive clutch operation using the
neutral adjustment test described below.
Neutral AdjustmentTest
To perform the neutral adjustment test, answer the
following questions.
• With the drive clutch control released, push mower
forward and pull it backward. Does it move freely?
• Squeeze the drive clutch control and pull the
mower backward. Do the rear wheels lock?
• Is the drive clutch control cable free of kinks or
sharp bends?
• If you answered "yes" to all three questions, your
mower passed the test and you can start your
mower.
• If you answered "no" to any of the three questions,
you will have to adjust the drive clutch control as
instructed in the ADJUSTMENT SECTION.
StartingEngine
• Push primer once. Do not prime to restart a warm
engine after a short shutdown.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
,i_ WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
NOTE: See page 27 of this manual for more detailed
instructions on starting the engine.
operator is standing near the lawn mower while
starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
WARNING: When starting the unit for the
first time, face the mower against a wall or a
fence. Start the unit and if it shows any signs of
motion while the drive clutch control is still
disengaged, shut engine off immediately.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope
rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous,
full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter
handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
StoppingEngine
• Release the blade control handle to stop engine
and blade. Wait till the blade stops completely.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Using
• For best results, do not cut wet grass. It may stick to
• For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less
IMPORTANT:Move the shift lever only when the engine
is running. Changing the shift lever setting with the
engine off can cause damage to the mower.
YourLawnMower
WARNING: Do not operate the mower
without mulching baffle, discharge chute or
grass catcher properly installed.
the underside of the mower, preventing proper
discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you
to slip and fall. New grass or thick grass may
require a narrower cut.
of the total length of the grass.
10
Mulching
IMPORTANT:Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones,
sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn
mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently
thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
,l_ WARNING" If the mower strikes a foreign
For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. New or
thick grass may require a narrower cut. Ifthe grass has
grown in excess of 4", mulching is not recommended.
Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass
height to 3.25" maximum before mulching.
object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug
wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect
for any damage. Repair the damage promptly
before restarting and operating the mower.
SECTION6: MAKINGADJUSTMENTS
BaggingGrassClippings
You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings
while you are operating the mower.
• Attach grass catcher following instructions on page
8 of this manual. Grass clippings will automatically
collect in the bag as you run the mower.
• Operate the mower till the grass bag is full.
• Stop engine completely by releasing the blade
control handle. Make sure that the unit has come to
a complete stop.
• While holding the grass bag by both the rear handle
and the lower handle, lift the grass bag straight up
off the adapter. The chute door will move the rope
out of the way of the bag.
• Continue to hold the lower handle and raise the
rear of the grass bag up toward your chest. The
grass bag will open and the grass clippings will
disperse. When replacing the grass bag, be sure
the top of the bag rests on the wire support
between the handles.
_ ARNING" Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping engine and
disconnecting spark plug wire.
HandleHeight
Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher
height position. To lower the height, proceed as follows:
• Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
• Remove the wing nuts and carriage bolts securing
the upper handle. Remove and lay the upper
handle out of the way, being careful not to bend or
kink the cables.
• Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the
handle brackets and remove the wing nuts and
carriage bolts from the upper hole on the handle
mounting bracket.
• Press out on the legs of the lower handle and
remove lower handle from the mower.
• Turn lower handle around so the notch on the
bottom of the lower handle is facing forward.
See Figure 11.
• Reassemble the handles, placing the bottom holes
in the handle over the weld pins in the handle
mounting bracket.
• Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld
pins and insert the carriage bolts through the upper
hole on the handle mounting bracket and secure
with plastic wing nuts.
• Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle.
• Attach the starter rope as instructed on page 8.
CuttingHeight
Your mower is shipped with the cutting height in the
lowest position. To adjust the rear cutting height,
proceed as follows:
• Pull the rear height adjustment lever out and away
from the mower and then move it forward or
backward to another slot. For rough or uneven
lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher
position. This will help stop scalping. See Figure 12.
Rear Height
Adjuster Level
Lower Handle
Figure 11
Notch
LeftRear Wheel
\
Figure 12
11