MTD PR600Y21RHP Operator's Manual

i

OPERATOR'S MANUAL

SELF-PROPELLED ROTARY
LAWN MOWER

• Assembly
° Operation

• Maintenance

• Service and Adjustments

• Storage

• Troubleshooting

AWARNING: This lawn mower is equipped with an internal combustion engine and

should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or
grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (ifany). If a spark arrester is used, it

should be maintained in effective working order by the operator,
In the state of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply

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

193733 Rev. 3 04.20.06 BY Printed in U.S.A.

Safety Rules ................. 2-3 Maintenance ............. 16-18 Storage ..................... 22-23

Assembly ...................... 4-7 Service and Troubleshooting ........23-24

OperaUon .................... 8-15 Adjustments .............. 18-21

IMPORTANT, This cuttingmachine iscapable ofamputating hands andfeet and throwing ob-

jects. Failuretoobserve the following safety instructionscouldresultinseriousinjuryordeath.

&Look for this symbol to point out impor- • Do not pull mower backwards unless
tant safety precautions. It means

CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!I!
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

_,WARNING: Inorder to prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting, ad-

justing or making repairs, always disconnect

spark plugwire and place wirewhere itcannot
come in contact with plug.
AWARNING" Engine exhaust, some of its
constituents, and certain vehicle compo-

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

birth defects or other reproductive harm.
AWARNING: Battery posts, terminals and

related accessories contain lead and lead

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

defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.

A CAUTION, Muffler and
other engine 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

instructionson the machine and in the
manual(s) before starting. Be thoroughly

familiar with the controls and the proper

use of the machine before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under

rotating parts. Keep clear of the dis-

charge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible individuals, who

are familiar with the instructions,to oper-
ate the machine.

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

• Be sure the area is clear of other people

before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.

• Do not operate the mower when bare-
foot or wearing open sandals. Always

wear substantialfoot wear.

absolutely necessary. Always look down
and behind before and while moving

backwards.

• Never direct discharged material toward
anyone. Avoid dischargingmaterialagainst

a wall or obstruction. Material may richo-
chet 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 ap-

proved by the manufacturer.

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

• Stop the engine (motor) whenever you

leave the equipment, before cleaning the
mower or unclogging the chute.

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

removing grass catcher.

• Mow only in daylight / good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate machine in wet grass.
Always be sure of your footing: keep a

firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.

• Disengage the self-propelled mech-

anism or drive clutch on mowers so
equipped before starting the engine.

• If the equipment should start to vibrate

abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and
check immediately for the cause. Vibra-
tion is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear safetygoggles or safety glass-
es with sideshieldswhen operating mower.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to slip &
fall accidents which can result in severe in-

jury.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

2 when changing direction on slopes.

• Remove obstacles (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 foot-

ing 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. Nevsrassume that children
will remain where you last saw them.

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

responsible adult.

• Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.

• Before and while walking backwards,
look behind and down for small children.

• Never allow childrentooperate the mower.

• Use extra care when approaching blind

corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects
that may obscure vision.

IV. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
Use extreme care in handling gasoline.

Gasoline is extremely flammable and the

vapors are explosive.

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

• Use only an approved container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with
the engine running. Allow engine to cool
before refueling.

• Never refuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel contain-
er where there is an open flame, spark

or pilot light such as a water heater or on
other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on
a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner.
Always place containers on the ground

away from your vehicle before filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipmentfrom the

truckor trailer and refueliton the ground. If
this isnot possible,then refuelsuch equip-
ment witha portablecontainer, ratherthan

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.

• Iffuel is spilled on clothing, change

clothing immediately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap

and tighten securely.

VoGENERAL SERVICE

• Never run machine inside a closed area.

• Never make adjustments or repairs with

the engine (motor) running.Disconnectthe
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away

fromtheplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.

• Keep nutsand bolts, especially blade
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-

ment in good condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices, Check

their proper operation regularly.

• Keep machinefreeofgrass, leaves,orother
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 is running.

• Grass catcher components are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow objects
tobethrown. Frequentlycheck components

and replace with manufacturer's recom-

mended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.

Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and

use extra caution when servicing them.

• Do not change the engine governor set-
ting or overspeed the engine.

• Maintain or replace safety and instruc-
tion labels, as necessary.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Lawn Mower. Ithas been designed, engi-
neered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.

Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your

nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and

the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at-
tempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.

• Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those
parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation
of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely.

Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

• All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have
been placed in the parts bag. 3

TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON

• Remove all loose parts from carton.

• Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always

wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE YOUR LAWN
MOWER

Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn
mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on
your mower. If the opening is on the right

side of the mower housing, it is a side
discharge mower. If the opening is at the
back of the mower housing, it is a rear dis-
charge mower, Only rear discharge lawn
mowers have a grass catcher included with

the mower. Approved grass catchers for
side discharge mowers may be purchased

from your nearest authorized dealer.

Do I have a mulching lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on
your mower. Raise the discharge guard
(rear door on rear discharge mowers). If
the opening isclosed off by a plate, then

your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To
convert to a discharging mower, see the
Operation section of this manual.

FRONT

LEFT

HAND

SIDE

What is the right and left side of the

lawn mower?

When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is
mentioned in this manual, it means when

you are in the operating position (standing
behind the handle).

What kind of engine is on my lawn

mower?

When learning how to operate your new
lawn mower, you will need to know what

kind of engine powers the mower. A decal
on the engine will indicate the manu-
facturer and type or brand name of the

engine.

BACK or REAR

(Operating Position)

BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES

[BR_TrON]

C LAS SI C__OIfT_rlpL-

[BR_ON]

Qup.nTgm.

RIGHT

HAND TECUMSEH HONDA

SIDE ENGINES ENGINES

R, I-IOI T:D .

_,CAUTION: Do not operate this lawn
mower without the discharge guard or an

entire approved grass catcher in place.
These guards are for your protection and
are required by the American National

Standards Institute and Consumer Prod-
ucts Safety Commission.
dgI_CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire

from spark plug and place wire where it

cannot come incontact with plug.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN
MOWER

UNFOLD HANDLE
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so

as not to pinch or damage controlcables.

2 POSITION / "ADJUSTABLE" HANDLES

• Raise handles until lower handle section

locks into place in operating position.

4

Operator
control bar

MOWING

POSITION

Handle

knob

Lower handle

ALL HANDLES

• Raise upper handle section into place on
lower handle, remove protective padding
and tighten both handle knobs.

• Remove handle padding holding opera-
tor presence control bar to upper handle.

• Your lawn mower handle can be ad-
justed for your mowing comfort. Refer to

"ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and
Adjustments section of this manual.

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear
wheels on your lawn mower may not be

adjusted to the same position as the front

wheels. Before operating mower adjust all
wheels to the same cutting height.

3 POSITION "EZ" HANDLES

• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and align hole in handle with
one of three height positioning holes.

• Insert handle bolt through handle and
bracket and secure with knob.

• Repeat for opposite side of handle.

Knob j_L._ Bolt

/ Handle

ustment

bracket

3 POSITION "QUICK" HANDLES

• Raise lower handle section to operating
position and squeeze the bottom ends

of lower handle towards each other until
the pin in handle can be inserted into

one of the three height adjustment holes.

Handle pin

SQUEEZE

/

Handle
bracket

INSTALL REAR WHEELS
(HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)
Some high wheel models require washers

whichwillbe providedina parts bag. Ifprovid-

ed, installwashers ontheaxle first asshown.

• Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of

rear wheel adjuster.

• Install 3/8-16 Iocknut and tightensecurely.

• Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.

Wheel Axle
assembly

Flanged

Iocknut

Wave
Washers

ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER

(REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)
IMPORTANT: If your model lawn mower

ismulcher ready, the muicher plate or plug

must be removed before using mower as
a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or
discharging, see the Operation section in

this manual.

Look at the different grass catcher illustra-
tions that follow. Determine which type
of grass catcher you have and follow the

appropriate instructions.

5

"FABRICTOP" GRASS CATCHERS

TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS

CATCHER

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.

• 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.

• Lift the rear door on the mower housing.

• For HINGE BRACKET mounted catcher,
place the grass catcher frame onto the

formed tabs on the rear door hinge

bracket.

• For HANDLE BRACKET mounted

catcher, place frame side hooks into

slotsin handle brackets.

• For DOOR PIVOT PIN mounted catcher,
place the grass catcher frame hooks

onto the door pivot pins.

• For DOOR SLOT mounted catcher,
place the grass catcher frame hooks into

the slots of the rear door.

NOTE: The grass catcher is secured to the
lawn mower housing when the rear door is

lowered onto the grass catcher frame.

\

Vinyl Frame

bindings opening

_CAUTION: Under normal usage, the

catcher material is subject to deterioration
and wear and should, therefore, be

checked frequently for replacement. Any
replacement catcher should be checked to

ensure compliance with original manufac-
turer's specifications.
_qI,CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower

without the discharge guard (rear door),
approved grass catcher, clipping deflector

or mulcher plate in place. Never attempt
to operate mower with the discharge guard

(rear door) removed or propped open.

6

HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED

Rear door

Hinge bracket

Grass

catcher

frame

Formed tabs

HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED

Handle bracket Rear Grass

"----- Ioor catcher

handle

Catcher frame side hook

DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED

Pivot Rear Grass

catcher

handle

\,

Catcher frame hook

DOOR SLOT MOUNTED

Rear door slots

Grass

catcher

handle

Catcher frame hook

SPARK PLUG BOOT

On some models a spark plug boot is

packed loose in the parts bag. If your
model has the boot, install on spark plug

wire and reconnect spark plug wire to
spark plug.

Spark plug

\_-

TO PREPARE BATTERY
(ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY)
NOTE: Yourbatterymustbe charged

beforeyoucanstartyour lawnmower.

UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY
SWITCH ONLY:

• Connect battery charger connector

(male) to harness connector (female).

UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY

or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:

• Disconnect engine connector (male)
from battery connector (female).

• Connect battery charger connector

(male) to battery connector (female).

ALL UNITS:

• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.
outlet.

• Leave battery charger connected for 24

hours before starting your engine for the

first time.

UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY

SWITCH ONLY:

• After charging, disconnect harness
connector (female) from battery charger
connector (male),

Connect your battery charger to charge

battery after each use.

IMPORTANT: The engine will not recharge

your battery.

UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY

or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:

• After charging, connect engine connector
(male) to battery connector (female).

Your engine has an integral alternator for
partial charging. Connect your battery

charger to charge battery as required.

IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will
not charge a discharged battery.

ALL UNITS:
At the end of the mowing season the

battery should be charged for 48 hours to
protect the battery during winter storage.

_CAUTION: Always disconnect the

engine connector (male) from the battery

connector (female) to prevent accidental
starting when transporting or storing your

lawn mower after the season.

HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH

Engine Harness
connector connector

Charger

connector (male)

DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY

_, Engine / /

/ connector //r'_
| (Male) /// _'hl

_._-_. _._'_ _ X/./X Battery

i- __ "Battery

_jJ _ /_ charger

t--f _ connector

Batteryconnector(Female) (Male)

TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH

Charger connector

Battery connector

(female

Engine

7connector (male) Battery charger

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 worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL

MODELS WITH REMOTE THROTTLE

Engine speed is controlled by the throttle

control located on the upper handle,

• Move lever forward to FAST engine
speed for starting and better bagging.

• Move lever backward for SLOW engine
speed,

• Some models have engines equipped
with a choke feature. Move the lever all

the way forward to the CHOKE position

when starting a cold engine.

I

I

throttle

control

MODELS WITH FIXED SPEED ENGINES
Engine speed was set at the factory for

optimum performance. Engine speed is
not adjustable.

TO ADJUST CUTrlNG HEIGHT
Adjustcutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns. Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut.

MODELS WITH MANUAL ADJUST
BOLT-ON WHEELS

• Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and

reassemble in desired adjustment hole.

• Reinstall wheel components in the same
order as they were before removal.

Tighten securely.

• Make sure all wheels are at same height.

Flat washer

Bolt

3/8-16

Spacer Locknut

MODELS WITH "QUICK ADJUST"

WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTERS

NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear
wheels on your lawn mower may not be
adjusted to the same position as the front

wheels. Before operating mower adjust all
wheels to the same cutting height.

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower

wheels for high cut.

• Adjust cutting height to suit your require-

ments. Medium position is best for most
lawns.

• Tochange cutting height, squeeze adjuster

lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or
down to suit your requirements. Be sure
all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-

position adjusters (ifso equipped) allow lever

to be positioned between the plate tabs.

LEVER BACKWARD

TO LOWER MOWER

Plate tab

LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever

8

FOR MULCHING MOWERS ONLY

Most mulching mowers are shipped ready
to be used as a mulcher.

"REAR DISCHARGE ONLY" MOWERS
Some models have a seperate mulcher

plug, other models have the mulcher plug
built into the rear door. To convert to bag-

ging or discharging, the plate or plug (if
so equipped) must be removed from the
discharge opening of the lawn mower.

• Open rear door and remove mulcher

plate or plug (if so equipped). Store

mulcher plate or plug in a safe place.

• You can now install grass catcher or
optional clipping deflector accessory.

• To return to mulching operation, install
mulcher plate or plug into discharge

opening of mower.

_CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without mulcher plate/plug inplace or ap-

proved clippingdeflector or grass catcher
in place. Never attempt to operate the

lawn mower with the rear door removed or
propped open.

MULCHER "PLATE'

"\

Slots \

MULCHER "PLUG"

Mulcher

plate tabs

MULCHER PLUG BUILT INTO REAR DOOR

"SIDE DISCHARGE ONLY" MOWERS
MULCHER PLATE TYPE

To convert to bagging or discharging,

mulcher plate must be removed from un-

derside of lawn mower.

• Remove the four (4) screws and lock nuts
securing the mulcher plate to the mower.

• Store mulcher plate and hardware in a
safe place.

• Mower can now be used for side
discharging or optional grass catcher

accessory can be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply

reinstall rnulcherplate and tighten hard-

ware securely.

Screw and

Mulcher plate

Mulcher pluc 9

MULCHER PLUG TYPE "A"

To convert to mulching operation, mulcher

plug must be installed into discharge open-
ing of mower.

• Open discharge guard.

• Insert tab of mulch plug into housing
opening.

• Align hooks of mulch plug over hinge
rod of discharge guard. Push mulch plug

down until mulch plug is seated in hous-
ing opening.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass

catcher or mulcher plug in place.

Hinge rod

Discharge

Housing
opening

Hooks

Mulcher plats Tab

MULCHER PLUG TYPE "B"

To convert to bagging or discharging:

• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plug.

• Mower can now be used for side dis-

charging or optional grass catcher can

be attached.

• To return to mulching operation, simply

reinstall mulcher plug as shown.

ACAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
without discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plug in place.

MOWER IS

NOW READY

FOR MULCHING

OPERATION

"COMBI-CUT" MOWERS

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

or discharging:

REAR BAGGING

• Open rear door and remove mulcher
plate. Store mulcher plate in a safe
place.

• You can now install grass catcher.

• To convert to mulching or discharging

operation, install mulcher plug into rear

discharge opening of mower, making

sure all tabs are seated properly.

Slots _\

Uft
guard

Install
mulcher plug

Mulcher

platetabs

SIDE DISCHARGING

• Mulcher plate must be installed into rear

discharge opening of mower (see above
instructions).

• Open mulcher door and install discharge

deflector under door as shown.

• Mower is now ready for discharging

operation.

• To convert to mulching or bagging

operation, discharge deflector must be
removed and mulcher door must be

closed.

10

\

\

/ _IbCAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower

without rear mulcher plate or plug in place
or approved grass catcher in place. Never

attempt to operate the lawn mower with
the rear door removed or propped open.

Open mulchar door

Discharge deflector

GRASS CATCHER
(REAR BAGGING MODELS ONLY)

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER

• Simply open rear door and lift grass

catcher up and away from mower.

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

_CAUTION: Under normal usage, the

catcher material is subject to deterioration
and wear and should, therefore, be

checked frequently for replacement. Any
replacement catcher should be checked

to ensure compliance withoriginal
manufacturer's specifications.
_I,CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower

without the rear door, approved grass
catcher or clipping deflector in place.

Never attempt to operate mower with the
rear door removed or propped open.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN

CONVERTING YOUR "COMBI-CUT"
LAWN MOWER

FOR MULCHING -

• Rear mulcher plate installed and rear
door closed.

• Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING -

• Rear mulcher plate removed.

• Grass catcher installed.

• Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -

• Rear mulcher plate installed and rear
door closed.

• Discharge deflector installed,

OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL

BAR

Your lawn mower is equipped with an op-
erator presence control bar which requires
the operator to be positioned behind the

lawn mower handle in order to start and
_erate the lawn mower.

CAUTION: Federal regulations require

an engine controlto be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the

riskof blade contact injury. Do not under

any circumstances attempt to defeat the
function of the operator control. The blade
turns when the engine is running.

11

DRIVE CONTROL

"STANDARD DRIVE" CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding
the operator presence control bar down
to the handle and pushing the drive

control lever forward until it clicks; then
releasing the lever.

• Forward motion willstop when the op-
erator presence control bar is released.

To stop forward motion without stopping
engine, release the operator presence
control bar slightly until the drive control
disengages. Hold operator presence

control bar down against handle to con-
tinue mowing without self-propelling.

• To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on handle

and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower.

Oper, _resence control bar Drive

control

TO DRIVE

ENGAGE CONTROL

DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED

"DUAL BAIL" DRIVE CONTROL

• To start forward motion, lift drive control

bar up to handle.

• To stopforward motion, release drive

control bar.

Operator presence control bar

DRIVE DRIVE

CONTROL CONTROL

ENGANGED DISENGAGED

"AUTOWALK" DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by holding

the operator presence control bar down

to the handle and pulling the drive con-

trol lever rearward to the handle. The
farther toward the handle the lever is

pulled, the faster the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either
the operator presence controlbar or

drive controllever are released. To stop
forward motionwithout stopping engine,

release the drive control lever only. Hold
operator presence control bar down
against handle to continue mowing with-
out self-propelling.

NOTE: Ifafter releasing the drive controlthe
mowerwill notrollbackwards,pushthemower

forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS ONLY:

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on the
handle to lift the front wheels off the

ground while turning lawn mower.

"AUTOWALK" ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resultingin decreased
speed. There isa turnbuckle on the

underside of the drive control housing to

increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-
ceed as follows:

• Turn unitoff and disconnect spark plug
wire from spark plug.

• Turn nut on underside of drive control to

increase drive speed.

• Operate mower to test drive speed.

Readjust as required.

• If condition fails to improve after the

above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt isworn and
should be replaced.

_rator control bar

TO control

lever

ENGAGE DRIVE

Adjustment DRIVE CONTROL
turnbuckle CONTROL DISENGAGED

12

"VARI-SPEED" DRIVE CONTROL

• Self-propelling is controlled by hold-

ing the operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pulling the drive

control bar up to the handle. The closer
to the handle the bar is pulled, the fester

the unit will travel.

• Forward motion will stop when either the

operator presence control bar or drive
control bar are released. To stop forward

motion without stopping engine, release

the drive control bar only. Hold operator

presence control bar down against
handle to continue mowing without self-

propelling.

NOTE: If after releasing the drive control the
mowerwillnotrollbackwards,pushthemower

forward slightly to disengage drive wheels.

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS ONLY:

• To keep drive control engaged when

turning corners, push down on the
handle to lift the front wheels off the

ground while turning lawn mower.

control bar

Ddve
controlbar

DRIVE DRIVE

CONTROL CONTROL

ENGAGED DISENGAGED

VARI-SPEED 'q'HUMBSCREW"

ADJUSTMENT

Over time, the drive control system may
become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There is a thumbscrew on the

underside of the drive control housing to
increase tension on the drive cable. Pro-

ceed as follows:

• Tum unit off and disconnect spark plug

wire from spark plug.

• Rotate thumbscrew counter-clockwise to

tighten the drive cable.

• Operate mower to test drive speed.

• Ifconditionfails to improve after the

above steps (forward speed remains
the same), your drive belt is worn and

should be replaced.

NOTE: If mower begins to "creep" forward,

the drive cable is too tight. Rotate thumb-
screw clockwise to loosen drive cable.

VARI-SPEED "BLOCK" ADJUSTMENT
Over time, the drive control system may

become "loose", resulting in decreased
speed. There are holes in the drive control

housing to increase tension on the drive
cable. Proceed as follows:

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

2. Loosen nut, move drive control hous-
ing down handle to the next hole and
retighten nut.

3. Operate mower to test drive speed.

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

TO ADJUST, MOVE DOWN TO NEXT HOLE

13

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
Read the engine manual packed with your

mower,

FILL ENGINE WITH OIL

Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in

the engine.

• Be sure mower is level and area around
oil fill is Glean.

• Remove engine oil filler plug (oilfill cap/

dipstick on models so equipped),

• Slowly add oil. For type and grade of
oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Mainte-

nance section of this manual,

• Fill to the top of slot in filler hole (to
"FULL" line on dipstick on models so

equipped). Do not overfill.

• Replace plug (oil fillcap/dipstick on
models so equipped) and tighten.

• Cheek oil level before each use. Add oil

as needed,

• To change oil, see Maintenance section
of this manual.

FILL GASOLINE TANK

• Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, un-
leaded gasoline. DO NOT USE PRE-

MIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL NOT

TO OVERFILL TANK.

WARNING: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can

attract moisture which leads to separation
and formation of acids during storage.

Acidic gas can damage the fuel system
of an engine while instorage. To avoid

engine problems, the fuel system should
be emptied before storage of 30 days
or longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the

engine and let it run until fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for

additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or

permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE

&CAUTION: The mower blade rotates

whenever the engine is running.

• Move engine speed controlto FAST

position (or to CHOKE/START position
on models equipped with choke feature).

• If your mower has a primer, to start a

cold engine, push primer as many times
as instructed in the engine manual

packed with your mower. Use a firm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has
already run for a few minutes.

• Hold operator presence control bar

down against handle.

MODELS WITH RECOIL STARTER

• Pullstarter handle quickly. Do not allow

starter rope to snap back.

MODELS WITH ELECTRIC STARTER

• Push the engine start button (or turn the

key on models so equipped).

IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more
than five continous seconds each time you
try to start. Wait 5to 10 seconds between
each attempt.
ALL MODELS

• For engines equipped with choke, slowly

move engine speed control lever to

FAST after engine starts.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To STOP engine, release operator pres-
ence controlbar.

NOTE: For engines with a primer, it may
be necessary to repeat priming steps

in cooler weather. In warmer weather,
overpriming may cause flooding and
engine will not start. If you do flood

engine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and DO NOT repeat

priming steps.

Recoil
starter

handle

14

MOWING TIPS

A CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such

attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.

• For most cuttingconditions and better

bagging performance, the engine speed
should be set in the FAST position.

• Under certain conditions, such as when

mowing very tall grass, raise the mower
height on the first cut to reduce pushing

effort, to avoid overheating the engine,
and to avoid leaving clumps of grass
clippings. Make the second cut to the

desired height.

• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the

width of cut.

• For side discharge lawn mowers, cut in
a counterclockwise direction, starting at

the outside of the area to be cut, in order
to spread grass clippings more evenly

and to put less load on the engine. To

keep clippings off of walkways, flower

beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clock-
wise direction.

FOR MULCHING MOWERS ONLY

- MULCHING MOWING TIPS

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and

trash. See "CLEANING" in the Mainte-
nance 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 intothe grass

and not be noticed. Also, the mulched
grass will biodegrade quicklyto 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. If the lawn is overgrown it
willbe necessary to raise the height of
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep
from overloading the engine and leaving

clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
heavy grass, reduce your widthof cut by
overlapping previouslycut path and mow
slowly.

f

1

(

J

• When using a rear discharge lawn
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps

of cut grass may notenter the grass
catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing
speed) and/or run the lawn mower over

the area a second time.

• Ifa trail of grass clipping is left on the

rightside of a rear discharge lawn mow-
er, mow in a clockwise direction with a

small overlap to collect the clippings on
the next pass.

• Pores incloth grass catchers can be-

come filled with dirt and dust with use
and the catcher will collect less grass.

To prevent this, regularly hose catcher
off with water and let dry before use.

I MAX 1/3

• Certain types of grass and grass
conditions may require that an area be

mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a 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 change to east to west the next
week. This will help prevent matting and

graining of the lawn.

15

MAINTENANCE SEFOREA.ER EVERY EVERYEVERY

EACH EACH 10 25 HOURS 100 BEFORE

SCHEDULE USE USE HOURSORSEASO.HOURSSTORAGE

Check for Loose Fasteners

L Clean/ InspectGrassCatcher*

Check Tires

_ Check DriveWheels

CleanLawnMower....

M Clean under Drive Cover***
O Check Drive Belt/ Pulleys***

t_l_Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade

R Lubrication

Clean and Recharge Battery **
Check Engine Oit level

E Change EngineOil

_ Clean Air Filter

Inspect Muffler

NI Replace Spark Plug

E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge

Emptyfuel systemor add Stabilizer

v' v'

v'

Vl,2

v_

v_

i/

* (Ifso equipped)

** Electric-Startmowers

*** Power-Propelledmowers

**** Usea scraper

toclean underdeck

1 - ChangemoreoftenIf operatingundera heavyloadorin highoutdoortemperatures,
2 - Servicemoreoftenifoperatingindirtyordustyconditions,
3 - Replacebladesmoreoften whenmowingin sandysoil.
4- Charge48 hoursat end of season.

5 - Andaftereach 5 hoursofuse,

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not

cover items that have been subjected to op-
erator abuse or negligence. To receive full

value from the warranty, operator mustmain-
tain mower as instructed in this manual.

Some adjustments willneed to be made
periodically to properly maintain your unit.

All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-
ments section of this manual should be
checked at least once each season.

• 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 assures

proper air-fuel mixture and helps your
engine run better and last longer.

• Follow the Maintenance Schedule in this

manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

• Check engine oil level.

• Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION

Keep unit well lubricated
(See "LUBRICATION CHART").

IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic

wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will

LUBRICATION CHART

Wheel

adjuster(on

each wheel)

J

Engine oil

Side dis-

charge mower

guard hinge rod

Rear dis-

charge mower

rear door

hinge rod

(_ Handle bracket mounting pins

Spray lubricant
See "ENGINE" In Maintenance section.

attract dust and dirtthat will shorten the life
of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel

they must be lubricated, use only a dry,

16p°wdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

LAWN MOWER
Alwaysobservesafetyruleswhenper-

forming any maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect

control chemicals which can harm rub-

ber.

• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp

objects and other hazards that may
cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be

kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged
blade.

A CAUTION: Use only a replacement
blade approved by the manufacturer of
your mower. Using a blade not approved
by the manufacturer of your mower is

hazardous, could damage your mower and

void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where itcannot

come in contact with plug.

2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make

sure air filter and carburetor are up.

3. Use a wood block between blade and

mower housing to prevent blade from
turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves

and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4. Remove blade bolt byturning counter-

clockwise.

5. Remove blade and attaching hard-

ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened
washer).

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 ifdamaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE

1. Position the blade adapter on the en-
gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter
and crankshaft keyway are aligned.

2. Position blade on the blade adapter
aligning the two (2) holes in the blade
with the raised lugs on the adapter.

3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op-
posite sharp edge) is up toward the

engine.

4. Install the blade bolt with the lock
washer and hardened washer into

blade adapter and crankshaft.

5. Use blockof wood between blade and
lawn mower housing and tighten the

blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated.
If bolt needs replacing, replace only with

approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts
section of this manual.

Bladeadapter

Lockweshsr

bolt Hardened

washer

Key _ Crankshaft

/%K_"_ keyway

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening

blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
is balanced. An unbalanced blade will

cause eventual damage to lawn mower or

engine.

• The blade can be sharpened with a file

or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt
to sharpen while on the mower.

• To check blade balance, drive a nail into

a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of
the straight nail exposed. Place center

hole of blade over the head of the nail.

Ifblade is balanced, it should remain in

a horizontal position. If either end of the
blade moves downward, sharpen the

heavy end untilthe blade is balanced.

DRIVE COVER

Clean under the drive cover at least twice
a season. Scrape underside of cover with

a putty knife or similar tool to remove any
buildup of trash or grass.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check drive wheels each time before you

mow to be sure they move freely.

The wheels not turning freely means trash,
grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel

area and must be cleaned to free drive
wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels,

check both drive wheels.

• If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not

turn freely, contact your nearest autho-

rized service center.

17

GEARCASE

• Tokeep 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.

GEAR CASE WITH METAL HOUSING:

• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco

Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No.

750369. Do not substitute.

GEAR CASE WITH PLASTIC HOUSING:

• If lubricant is required, use only ELF

Multis EP00. Do not substitute.

ENGINE
Read the maintenance section of your

engine manual.

LUBRICATION
Change the oil after the first two hours of

operation and every 25 hours thereafter or

at least once a year if the lawn mower is
not used for 25 hours in one year. Refer to

engine manual.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL

(SEE ENGINE MANUAL)

• Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.

• Oil will drain more freely when warm.

• Catch oil in a suitable container.

• For engines without dipstick, remove

bottom oil drain plug.

• For engines with oil fill cap/dipstick,

remove bottom drain plug or remove en-
gine oil cap and turn mower on its side.

• After oil has drained completely, replace

oil drain plug and tighten securely.

• Refill engine with oil. Pour slowly. Do

not overfill.

• Fill to top of slot inside of filler hole or

to "FULU' line on dipstickon models so
equipped. Keep oil at proper level.

AIR FILTER
Your engine will not runproperly and may

be damaged by using a dirty air filter.
Clean the element after every 25 hours
of operation or every season. Replace
the air filter every 100 hours of operation

or every season, whichever occursfirst.
Service air cleaner more often under dusty

conditions. See the maintenance section
of your engine manual.

MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffleras it

could create a fire hazard and/or damage,

SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of

each mowing season or after every 100
hours of operation, whichever occurs first.
Set spark pluggap according to engine

manual specifications,

CLEANING

IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of grass build-up and

trash. Clean the underside of your mower
after each use.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower
by scraping to remove buildup of grass

and trash.

• Clean engine often to keep trash from
accumulating. A clogged engine runs

hotter and shortens engine life.

• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free

of all gasoline, oil, etc.

We do not recommend using a garden

hose to clean your lawn mower unless the
electrical system, muffler, air filter, and
carburetor are covered to keep water out.

Water in engine can shorten engine life.

GRASS CATCHER (IF SO EQUIPPED)
Grass catcher may be hosed with water

but must be dry when used.

_CAUTION: Under normal usage, the
catcher material is subject to deterioration

and wear and should therefore be checked
to ensure compliance with original

manufacturer specifications.

ACAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments:

• Release operator presence control bar.

• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in

contact with plug. 18

LAWN MOWER
TOADJUSTcu'n'ING HEIGHT

See'q'O ADJUST CU-I-IING HEIGHT' in

the Operation section of this manual.

TO ADJUST HANDLE
2 POSITION HANDLES

The handle can be mounted in a high or
low position. The mounting holes in the

bottom of lower handle are off center for
raising or lowering the handle.

• Remove upper handle and all parts at-

tached to lower handle.

• Remove hairpin cotters from lower

handle bracket mounting pin.

• Squeeze lower handle in to remove it
from mounting pins.

• Turn lower handle over to raise or lower

handle.

• Squeeze lower handle in and position
holes onto mounting pins on handle

bracket.

• Reassemble hairpin cotters onto mount-
ing pins.

• Reassemble upper handle and all parts
removed from lower handle.

3 POSITION "EZ"
The handle on your lawn mower has three

(3) height positions - adjust to height that

suits you.

• Remove knob and carriage bolt on one

side of the lower handle.

• While holding handle assembly, remove
knob and carriage bolt from opposite

side, align hole in handle with desired

hole in handle bracket and reassemble
boltand knob and tighten securely.

• Align opposite side of handle with same
positioninghole and secure with bolt and

knob.

JHandle

Jstment

cket

Mowing _<_
pos't'on I I

, I

cotter_-_-------_,_

• t

M.ounting-_-'
pm

LOW POSITION

Mowing r-,-,
position / /

HIGH POSITION

Knob

3 POSITION "QUICK"

The handle on your lawn mower has three
(3) height positions - adjust to height that
suitsyou.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower

handle towards each other until the pin
in handle can be inserted into one of the

three height adjustment holes.

SQ

Lm

Handle

adjustment

bracket

TURN LOWER

HANDLE OVER

TO ADJUST HEIGHT

19

REAR DEFLECTOR (IF EQUIPPED)
The rear deflector, attached between the

rear wheels of your mower, is provided to
minimize the possibility that objects will

be thrown out of the rear of the mower
into the operator mowing position. If the

deflector becomes damaged, it should be

replaced.

TO REMOVE / REPLACE DRIVE BELT

FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MODELS:

• Remove drive cover. Remove beltfrom
gearcase pulley by pushing down on

pulley and rollingbelt off it.

• Turn lawn mower on its side, See
engine manual for proper direction of

tuming over the engine.

• Remove blade.

• Remove debris shield.

• Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

• Place new drive belt in the belt retainers

of the debris shield (if equipped).

• Install new belt by reversing above steps,

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life,
GEAR CASE WITH METAL HOUSING:

Drive

cover Belt

PUSH DOWN

GEAR CASE WITH PLASTIC HOUSING:

Drive

cover Belt

PUSH DOWN

DEBRIS SHIELD WITH BELT RETAINERS:

Beltretainers

Drive belt

Debris shield

"AUTO WALK" OR "VARI-SPEED" ONLY

• Remove drive cover and belt keeper.

• Remove belt from gearcase pulley by
pushing down on pulley and rolling belt

off it.

• "rum lawn mower on its side. See

engine manual for proper direction of
turning over the engine.

• Remove blade and debris shield.

• Remove belt from engine pulley on

crankshaft.

• Install new belt by reversing above

steps.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

Drive

cover

Belt keeper

PUSH DOWN

"TORUS" HOUSING ONLY:

Drive

cover

2O

PUSH

DOWN

REAR WHEEL DRIVE MODELS:

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark
plug and place wire where itcannot

come in contact with plug.

• Remove screws retaining drive cover

(not shown); and remove drive cover

from lawn mower housing.

• Remove drive cable from anchor, then

detach it and return spring (if equipped)

from idler arm assembly.

• Remove idler arm assembly from hous-

ing by removing hex nut; then remove

drive belt from drive pulley, belt keepers

and idler arm assembly.

Drive ,ulley _X, _/Drive cableanchor

• Turn lawn mower on its side. See engine
manual for proper direction of turning

over the engine.

• Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from

turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE" Protect your hands with gloves
and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

• Remove blade bolt.

• Remove blade, attaching hardware (bolt,

lock washer, hardened washer), blade
adapter and debris shield. Note that the

debris shield has a tab which fits into the
housing hole.

• Remove drive belt from engine pulley;

discard old belt.

Crankshaft

Housing hole

Hardened

washer

• Install new belt by reversing above

steps.

NOTE: Always use factory approved belt

to assure fit and long life.

• The recommended tightening torque is
35-40 ft. Ibs.

IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat
treated.

ENGINE

CARBURETOR

The carburetor has been preset at the fac-
tory and adjustment should not be neces-

sary. However, minor adjustment may be
required to compensate for differences in

fuel, temperature, altitude or load,

• The air filter must be assembled to the

carburetor when runningengine.

• Best carburetor adjustment is obtained
when fuel tank is 1/4 full.

• In order for the engine to run, the opera-
tor presence control bar must be held
in the operating position. Therefore,
and assistant will be required to hold

the control bar in the operating position
when making final adjustment to the

carburetor.

See the ADJUSTMENT section of your
engine manual for further instructions,

ENGINE SPEED

The engine speed has been factory set.

Do not attempt to increase engine speed
as it may result in personal injury. If you

believe the engine is running too fast

or too slow, take your lawn mower to an

authorized engine service center for repair
and adjustment.

THROTTLE CONTROL
If it becomes necessary to adjust or re-

place the throttle control, see the ADJUST-
MENT section of your engine manual.

Blade

bolt

Trailing

21

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for
storage at the end of the season or if the
unit will not be used for 30 days or more.

_I,CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower

with gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame

or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.

LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower isto be stored for a pe-

riod of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all
dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean,

dry area.

• Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEAN-

ING" in the Maintenance section of this
manual).

• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance

section of this manual.

• Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and
pins are securely fastened. Inspect
moving parts for damage, breakage and
wear. Replace if necessary.

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.

HANDLE

Your handle may be folded for storage as
shown.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower

handle towards each other untilhandle
clears the handle brackets and swing

handles forward over mower.

• Loosen upper handle mounting hard-
ware enough to allow upper handle to be
folded back.

IMPORTANT: When folding handles for
storage or transportation, be sure to fold
handles as shown or you may damage the

control cables.

control bar

FOLD

FORWARD
FOR

STORAGE

MOWING

,.?-_._POSITION

/ / i /

Upper

handle

Handle

knob

Lowerhandle

2 POSITION / "ADJUSTABLE" HANDLES
When setting you handles up from the

storage position,the lower handle will
automatically lock into mowing position.

3 POSITION HANDLES

When setting up your handle from the stor-

age position, the lower handle will require
manually locking into the mowing position.

Knob

3 POSITION "EZ"

• -_ Bolt

/ Handle

adjustment

bracket

SQUEEZE

TO FOLD

3 POSITION "QUICK"

die pin

SQI

/

Handle
bracket

22

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: Itisimportant to prevent gum

depositsfromforminginessentialfuel system
parts such as carburetor, fuelfilter, fuel hose,
or tank duringstorage. Alcoholblended fuels

(called gasohol orusingethanolor methanol)
can attract moisture which leads to separa-
tion and formation of acids during storage,
Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of

an engine while in storage.

• Drain the fuel tank.

• Start the engine and let it run until the

fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent

damage may occur.

• Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable al-
ternative in minimizing the formation of fuel
gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer
to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.
Alwaysfollowthe mix ratio found onstabilizer

container. Run engine at least 10 minutes
after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer

to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas
tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace

with clean oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Main-
tenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER

• Remove spark plug.

• Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through
spark plug hole intocylinder,

• Pull starter handle slowly to distribute oil.

• Replace with new spark plug.

BATTERY (IF EQUIPPED)
Disconnect the battery from the engine

connector and charge battery 48 hours.

OTHER

• Do not store gasoline from one season
to another.

• Replace your gasoline can if your can
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your

gasoline willcause problems.

• If possible, store your unit indoors and
cover itto protect it from dust and dirt.

• Cover your unit with a suitable protective
cover that does not retain moisture. Do

not use plastic, Plastic cannot breathe,
which allows condensation to form and

will cause your unit to rust.

IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while

engine and exhaust areas are still warm.
_I,CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower

with gasoline in the tank inside a building
where fumes may reach an open flame

or spark. Allow the engine to cool before
storing in any enclosure.

TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manuel unless directed
to an authorized Service Center.

PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION

Does not start 1, Dirty air filter. 1. Clean/replace airfilter,

2. Out of fuel,

3. Stale fuel.

4. Water in fuel.

5. Spark plug wire is
disconnected.

6. Bad spark plug.

7. Loose blade or broken
blade adapter.

8. Control bar in released
position.

9. Control bar defective.

10.Fuel valve lever (if so
equipped) in OFF position.

11.Weak battery (if equipped).

12.Disconnected battery
connector (if equipped).

,

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Fill fuel tank.

Drain fuel tank and refill tank
with fresh, clean gasoline.

Drain fuel tank and refill tank

with fresh, clean gasoline.
Connect wire to plug.

Replace spark plug.

Tighten blade bolt or

replace blade adapter.
Depress control bar to

handle.

9. Replace control bar.

10.Turn fuel valve lever
to the ON position.

11.Charge battery.

12.Connect battery to engine,

23

TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate sectior_ in manual unless directed
to an authorized

PROBLEM

Loss of power

Poor cut -
uneven

Excessive

vibration

Starter rope
hard to pull

;ervice Center.

CAUSE

1. Rear of lawn mower
housing or cutting blade

dragging in heavy grass.

2. Cutting too much grass.

3. Dirty air filter,

4. Buildup of grass, leaves,
and trash under mower.

5. Too much oil in engine.

6. Walking speed too fast.

1, Worn, bent or loose blade.

2. Wheel heights uneven.

3. Buildup of grass, leaves
and trash under mower.

1. Worn, bent or loose blade.

2. Bent engine crankshaft.

,

2.

3.

4.

Engine flywheel brake is on

when control bar is released.

Bent engine crankshaft.

Blade adapter broken.
Blade dragging in grass.

CORRECTION

1. Raise cutting height.

2. Raise cutting height.

3. Clean/replace air filter.

4. Clean underside of mower
housing.

5. Check oil level.

6. Cut at slower walking speed.

1. Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.

2. Set all wheels at same
height.

3. Clean underside of
mower housing.

1. Replace blade. Tighten
blade bolt.

2. Contact a qualified service
center.

1. Depress control bar to
upper handle before

pulling starter rope.

2. Contact a qualified service

center.

3. Replace blade adapter.

4. Move lawn mower to cut
grass or to hard surface.

;Grass catcher 1. Cutting height too low. 1. Raise cutting height.

not filling 2, Lifton blade worn off. 2, Replace blade.
(If so equipped) 3. Catcher not venting air. 3. Clean grass catcher.

: Hard to push 1. Raise cutting height,1. Grass is too high or wheel

height is too low.

2. Rear of lawn mower
housing or cutting blade

dragging in grass.

3. Grass catcher too full.

4. Handle height position not
right for you.

Loss of drive

or slowing of

drive speed

1. Belt wear.

2. Belt off of pulley.

3. Drive cable worn or broken.

4. "Loose" drive control system.

2. Raise rear of lawn mower

housing one (1) setting
higher.

3. Empty grass catcher,

4. Adjust handle height to suit.

1. Check/replace drive belt.

2. Check/reinstall drive belt.

3. Replace drive cable.

4. Adjust drive control.