Murray 20456X9A Owner’s Manual

MOWER

Model

INSTRUCTIONBOOK

ThisInstructionBookcontainsinformationforseveralmodels.

Readandkeepthisbookforfuturereference.

Thisbookcontainsimportantinformationon

SAFETY,,ASSEMBLY,OPERATION,ANDMAINTENANCE.

PRODUCTINFORMATION

The owner must be certain that all

the product Information Is Included with the unit.

This Information Includes

the INSTRUCTION BOOKS,
the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the WARRANTIES.

This information must be Included to make sure state laws
and other laws are followed.

20456xgA

RECORDmE FOLLOWINGINFORMATIONABOUTYOURUNIT.

THISINFORMATIONISNECESSARYWHENORDERINGPARTS

ORINCASEOFLOSSORTHEFT.

WHBIEPIJRClIAS_:.
DATEPURCHASED:Mare D_.__ Y.P .

MODELNO.: BULTINTHE

F- 98525

DATEOFMANUFACTURE:. L,_I_;/._,.

MURRAY, INC, Two Year Umlted Warranty

Murray,Inc.warrantstotheoriginalpurchasertheethisunitshallbefloefromdefectsinma-
terialandworkmanshipundernormpJuseand servicefora peded of"two(2)Yasm from
the dateofpurchase;however,thiswarrantydoesneecoverengines,eocossodss (suchas

snowblowers,snowblades,grassbaggersendplows),transmissions,beetedesend Nor-

realWearPelts (exceptas notedbelow)ortrenasxIssasthe companiesthatmanufacture
these itemsfurnishtheirownwenantiesand provideservicethroughtheirauthorized itdd

servicefacilities.Foradditional information,see the warrantiescoveringtheseparticular

parts.If you are uncertainwhetheryourunit containsorisequippedwithoneor moreof
thaseparts,consuityourdeoJerpdortopurchsse.Subjeottothe termsandconditionsnoted

inthisLimitedWarranty,we shall,at ouroption,repairor replaceat nocosttothe edginal

purchaseranypartcoveredbythisUmitedWarrantyduringthe applicable warrantyperiod.

Inthe eventthe batteryprovesdefectivewithinninety(g0)daysfromthedate ofpurchase,
we wiUreplaceitwithoutcharge.Ifthe b_tery provosdefectlveafter(90)daysbutwithinone

hundredtwenty(120)days fromthe dateofpurchase,wewillreplace itfor a charge ofone

half (1/2) of the retailpriceof the batteryineffectat the lime of reeum.

NormalWearPertseredefinedasbeffs, blades,bladeadapters, pnoumeeictiras,headlights
and seat covers.These partsare warrantedto he freefromdefectsinmotedalandwork-

manshipas deliveredwiththeproduct.Anyclaimforrepairor replacement of NormalWee/

Partsmustbemadewithinthidy (30)daysofthedeeeofpumhase.Noclaimsinvolvingdam-
age causedfrom mstedaluse, abuse or misusewillbe honored.

ThisMurray,Inc. Two (2)Year Umited Warranty isyourexclusiveremedy;however,this
warrantyisvoidordoesnotapplyto anyunittheehasbeentamperedwith,altered, misused,

abusedorusedforrentalor othercommercialend/orprofessional(non-homeowner)uses.
Yourwarrantydoesnotcoverminormechanicaladjustmentswhicherenotduetoany de-

fect inmeeedalor workmanehip.Forassistance inmakingsuchadjustments, consultyour

InstructionBook.
Tomake a dalmunderthis Murray,Inc. Two(2) Year Umlted Warnmty,rotumthe unit(or

itauthorizedinadvance,thedefectivepert)along withyourproofof purchasetoan Autho-

rizedService Centernear you.To locatethe noerostAuthorizedServiceCenter,callthe
CentralPartsDieedbutorforyourareashowninthelistprovidedwithyourunitor checkthe
YellowPage listingsinyourlocaltelephonedirectory.Ifyou reeumthe entireunit,we will

repairthe unit.If we authorizethe rotumofthe defectivepartonly,wewill eitherreplaceor
repairthepart Inthe caseofa defectinatransmission ordifferential(asdistinguishedfront
a traan,cexle), the entiretransmissionordifferentialmust be reeumedsincethey donotin-

cludeuserserviceableparts.
This Murray,Inc. Two (2) Year Umlted Warranty givosyouspecificlegaldghts, and you

mayalso haveotherrightswhich varyfrom steeetostate.Thla Umlted Warranty le given
In Ilmuof eelofhIN"expm'oe_KIand Impited wan'antloeIncluding the Imptled were'rarity

of msrchantablllty and warranty of fltneoe for apartlouler purpoas. Ifyou neededdi-
tJonalinformationonthiswrittanwarrantyorassistanceinobtainingservice, writeorcall:

MURRAY, INC.

OutdoorPowerEquipment

CustomerServiceDepertmeof
Brantwsod,Tennessee37027

P,O.Box 268

1-800-251-8007

F- g8525 2

OWNER'S INFORMATION

Thisinstruction bookiswrittenforsp_son withsomemechanicalability.Likemostserviosbooks,
notall thesteps aredescribed.Stepsonhowto loosenortightenfestanemarestepsanyonecan

follow withsomemechanicalability.Readand followtheseinstxuctiansbeforeyouusethe unit.

Knowyour product: Ifyouunderstandtheunit and how the unitoperetos,youwillgetthe best
performance.As youreadthis manual,comparetheillustrationstothe unit.Lesmthe locationand

thefunctionofthe conb'ols.Tohelp preventanaccident,followtheoperatinginstructionsand the

safetyrules.Keepthismanualforfuturerefi)rance.

IMPORTANT:.Many unitsare notassembledandaresold incartons.Itisthe responsibilityof the
ownertomakesurethe assemblyinstxuctionsinthismanual ereexactlyfollowed.Otherunitsare

purchasedin anassembledcondition.Onassembledunits, it is the responsibilityoftheownerto

makesurethe unitis correctlyassembled.The ownermust carefullycheckthe unitaccordingto
the instnJctJonsinthis manualbeforeit isfirstused.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER

The responsibility of the owner Is tofollow the Instructions below.

1. Carefullyreadandfollowthe rules for safeoperation.

2. Followall the assemblyand preperetlanInstructions.

3. Inspectthe unit.

4. Make sure thettheoperatoroftheunitknowshowtocorrantlyues allstandardand ancesanry

equipment.

5. Oparstetheunitonlywithguards,shields,and otherasdetyitemsinplaosandworkingcorreotly.

6. Correctlyadjustthe unit.

7. Servicethe unit only withauthorizedorapproved replacementparts.

8. Completeallmaintenance on the unit.

F- 98525 3

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk- Behind Mowers.

Thiscuttingmachineiscapableofamputatinghandsend feetandthrowingobjects.Failuretoob-
servethefollowingse_y instructionscoutdresultin eedousinjuryordeath.

I. General Operstlon

Read, understand,end follow all Instrun-

ltons onthemachineandJnthemanual(s).

Bethoroughlyfamiliarwiththecontrolsand

the properuseofthemowerbeforestarting.

2. Do notputhandsorfeet nearorunderrotat-

ingparts.Keepdear ofthe dischargeopen-
ingat alltimes.

3. Only allow rseponslble individuals, who are

familiar with the Instructions, to operatethe

mower.

4. Thoroughlyinspect the mower and area

where the equipmentisto be used.Clear
the areaofobjectssuchasrocks,toys,wire,

bones,sticksetc.,whichcouldbepickedup
and thrown bythe blade.

5. Be sure the area Is blesr of otherpuople be-
fore mowing. Stop mower if anyone enters

the area.

8. Do not oparete the mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals. Always wear sub-

etentlal foot wear.

7. Do net pull mower backwards unless abes-
lutsly nenascary. Leek down and behind be-

fore and while moving backwards.

8. Do net operatethe mowerwithoutproper
guards,plates,gresscatcherorothersafety

protectivedevicesinplace.

9. See menufacturar'sInstructionsfor proper
operationand installationof aocessoriee.

Only use accsesodes approved by the

manufacturer.

10. Stop the blsde(s) when crossinggravel

ddves, walks,orroads.

11. Stop the engine (meter) whenever you

leave the equipment,beforecleaningthe
moweroruncloggingthe chute.

12. Shutthe engine(motor)offandwaituntilthe
bladecomes to complete stopbefore re-

movinggrasscatcher.

13. Mowonlyindaylightor goodartificiallight.

14. Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of slcohol, drugs or other medica* (ConUnued Following Page)

F- ge525 4

ifon which can causedrowsinassor effect
yourabilityto operatethismachinesafely.

15. Neveroparetemowarinwetgrass.Always
besure of yourfooting;keepa firmholdon

the handle end walk;neverrun.

16. Disengagethe self-propelledmechanism
ordrivedutch onmowerssoequipped be-

fore startingthe engine(motor).

17. Ifthe equipment shouldstart tovibrateab-
normally,stopthe engine(motor)andcheck

immediatelyfor thecause.V_bretionisgen-
erally a warningof troublesuchas ablade

that Isdamaged, a looseblade,or the en-

glnemounting boltsareloose.

18. Always wear as_ety goggles or safety
glasseswith side shieldswhen operating

mowartoprotectyoureyesfromforeign ob-

jects which canbe thrownfromthe unit.

19. Plan your mowing pettem to avoid dis-
chargeofmetedaltowardroads,sidewalks,

bystandersandthe like.

20. Afterstrikinga foreignobject,stopthe en-
gine.Removethewirefrom thespark plug.

Inspectthe bladeand mowerfordamage.If
damaged,repairbeforestartingandoperat-
Ingthe mower.

21. Keep any washoutportsandothermower
housing service openings clnsed when

mowing.

II. Slope Operation
Slopesare amajorfactorrelatedtoslipendfall

aoctdentswhich can resultInsevereinjury.All
slopesrsquire ex_acaution.Ifyoufeel uneasy

ona slope, donot mowit.
DO:

Mow across the face of slopes; never up

end down. Do not mow excessively steep
slopes (maximum 15 degrees) or areas
where the ground is very rough. See the

"Guide" in the back of this manual to check
a slope. Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.

Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs,

etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall gre,ss
car= hide obstacles.

IMPORTANT

DONOR

Donot mowneardrop-offs,ditches,orera.

benkmente.Theoporatorcouldlosefooting
orbalance.

Do not mow excessivelysteep slopes. 4.
Donotmowon watg_'ass.Reducedfooting

c_JIdcauseslipping.

III. Children

Tragicaccidents canoccurifthe operatorisnot

alert to the presenceofchildren.Childrenare
oftenattractedto the mowerandthe mowing

activity.Never assumethatchildrenwillremain
whereyou lest sawthem.

1. Keepchildrenoutof the mowingareaend
under the watchful care of a resportslble

adult.

2. Be aledend turnmowaroftifchildrenenter
the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, leek
behind and dotwl for small children.

4. Never allow chlldren to oparate the mowar. 10.

5. Use extra care when appmsching blind cor-

ners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that
may obscure vlalon.

IV.Service

"I. Ueeextracareinhandlinggasolineend oth-

erfuels.Theyarefiammableandvagersere
explosive.

a. Use onlyan approvedcontainer.

b. Nevarmmovegescaporaddfualwith 12.

theengine running.Allow enginetocool
beforerefueling.Donotsmoke. 13.

c. Neverratualthe machineindoors.

d. Never store the machine orfual cohtaln-

er inside where there is en open flame,
such as a water heater.

*2. Never run an engine indoorsor insidea

closedarea.

3. Nevermakeadjustments orrspalrsto items
suchas theheightadjustersor grasscatch-

erwiththe engine (motor)running.Discen-

5.

6,

7.

8.

9.

11.

14.

nectthesparkplugwire,andkeepthewire
away fromthe plugto preventaccidental

starting.Alwayswear eye protectionwhen
you makeadjustmentsor repairs.

Keep allnuts and bolts, especially blade st-
tschment bolts,tight and keep equipment in
good condition.

Never tamper withsafety devices.Check
theirproperoperationregularly.

Toreducefire hazard,keep mower fi'eeof
grass, leaves, or other debds tiulld-up.
Cleanupoilorfualspillage.Allowmowerto

coolbeforestoring.
Stopend inspecttheequipmentifyousffike

an object. Repair,if necessary,beforere-

starting.

Never sttempt tomake wheel halght adjust-

meflts while the engine (motor) is running.

Alwaysdisconnectelsctdcmowers(fiveop-

erstad) beforecleaning,repairing,or ad-

justing.

Grasscatchercomponentsare subjectto

wear, damage, end dstedoradon,which

couldexposemoving partsor allowobjects

tobethrown.Frequentlychockcomponents

and replace with manufacturer'srecom-
mendedparts, when necessary.For stor-

age, always make sure grass catcherIs
empty.

Mowerbladesare sharp andcancut.Wrap

the blade(s)or wear gloves,anduse extra

cautionwhenservicingthem.
Donotchangethe engine governorsetting

orover-speed the engine.
Frequentlycheckthebladeforwearordarn-

agessuch ascracksandnicks.A bladethat
isbentor darnagedmustbeimmediatoiyre-

placed with a factoryreplacementblade,
For safety and goodcuttingperformance,

mplsce the blade every two years. Fre-
quenttycheck the bladeboltandtheengine

mounting bolts. Replace damagedbolts
andtightenlousebolts.

Use only odginoi equipment or authorized
replacement parts.

F-es525 5

'Astadckadltarnsdonot applyto electricmowers.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Every person who uses power equipment
mostlearnthe differencebetweenproperand

improperuse,safe and unsafemowingprac-
tices. Read the next few pages carefully.
Theycan helpyou lesm. Toooftenthemow-
er user is inexgedooced,not properlyin-

struoted, orhasnotreedthe InsthJctlooBook
andinstruc_oosonthe unitbeforeusing it for

theflintt_me.Thiscanresultinunsafeuseen-
dangedngthe operator,bystanders,and the

equipment.Anotherresult can be a poor ap-
peanmceof the area mowed.

Read this Instruction Book. Reed the in-
structionson the unit.Operatethe mower ac-

cordingto the Safe MowingGuideand othor
safety mlas andrecommendationsinthis In-
strustlonBookandontheunit.Makesureany-

onewhousestheualthasreedtheinstmctions

andhas beentold howto operstethe mower

safely.

Yourmower isdesignedto providegoodasr-

vice and durabilityin normal rasldantlalcut-

ring.Ifthe mower is notproperlyservicedand

melntalnedor used onunsuitableterrainorIn

cond_oos not suitablefor mowing, product

gedormance andsafetywillbe reduced.

Properattire isan Importantpartofsafe mow-

ing. Sa_. glasses protect the ayes from

thrownobjects.Sststyshoeswith steel toes

canprotecta footfrom beingcutbythe blade.
Shirtsand pantsthatcoverthe armsandlegs
canstop ordeflecta thrown object.

trgency.Leernhowto cutandhowto keepoon-

ol of the mowerat all times.

Manymowerserestartedmanually.Whenus-
inga pullstart or rope start, placeyour feet

firmlyandaway from the blade.Holdtherope

handle securely, but never wrap the rope
aroundyourann or fingersfor a"bettergdp'.

Themower isdesignedforusabyoneperson.

Alwaysmow alone. Nevercarry passengers.

Carryinga passenger is dangerous for the
passengerandtheoperator.Amowerisnotfor
amusementorfor cenying objects.

Isthe areayouere planningtomowwet?Nev-

or cuta wetlawn.Cuttingwst grasscancause
an accident.Itcaneffectmower performance

end also cause problemswith future lawn
growthandappearance.Wetgrassisslippery

end might cause the operator to fell or the
mowm to slip.Someone co_ddbe hurt by

touchingtheblade.Wetgrasstendstoclo_the

mower,causingpoordischarge.Wstclippings
bunchupon the lawnrsterdmgthe growth of
_andaSs.A wetmower can cause parts to rust

reducethe usefullifeof the unit.

Practice using the mower before you actually
begin cutting grass. Select a large open level

area_ Learn the location and function of the
controlsand how they work. ttis important that

the blade can be stopped quickly in an emer-

F. g6525

When you look over the lawn, refreshyour

memory about hard, immovableobstacles

such as pipes,stumps, and rocksand avoid
them. They can cause damageto the mower

or an accidentinudng the operatoror a by-

stander.Takea itterbagalong andwalkover

the area to be cut. Pick up any stones,toys,

wire, bones, or other loose objects. These

itemscan damagethe mowerorthey can be-

come dangerousflyingobjects if the mower

bladehitsthem. The bladeof a powermower

travelsveryfast. It canthrow rocksandother

objectswithforceoverlongdistances.Objects

thrownbymowers can breakwindows, cause

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

bruise_,oreven putoutan eye.Oltan_e ger-
sonhurtbyathrown ob actIsabystandersuch
as achild,anotherfamilymemberora neigh-

bor. _ pecpleand.L)ptscompletelyaway
irom me mowingarea.Dirantthe mower'sdis-

chargeawayfromareaswherepeoplecan be.

Pfanrdngyour mowingpattern has a double
benefit.It canreducechancesofan inmyand thesepartswhen the mowerisrunnng. Stop

makethe cleanup aftermowing eas ar. theengineandlotitcooldownbeforesarvJcing

Are there ditches,

_naslntheareatobe

wails, or major in-_

cut?.Plan the mowing
pattarnto avoldsuch I[ v i\

areas.In-t P!

clinesandroughter-_

rainmustbemowed _ I%..._'-€_:I_'_
areasmustnotbeeut I\_I]_'_.,_RL_.;,_

With a mower at all._ _J "_,_.,_'_'_

equipment, mow _ o_',_:

acrossthe inclineso
thatifyouorthe mow- _-'_'%_'_'

er slip youwon'trun

ntoeach other.

NOV._.mow elopesgreaterthan 15 degrees

ee me Guide inthe backof thisInstruction

Booktocheck any sk)pas.
Readyto start cutting?Notyet. Be sure the

mowerhasbeenfullyausarnbed accordingto

drectfonsfnthe InstruotlonBook.Even ifas-
sernblywasdonebye.lawn andgardenshop

orthe store where me unitwas purchased,it
must be checked. Are all nuts, bolts and

screwstight?Doestheenginehaveoil?These
itemsmustbecheckedperiodlcailythroughout

the life of themower.
Your mower has agasoline engine. Gas s

d_ge.ro_. ,Storefuel onlyin a approvedgas
oontemar.Do notstorelargeamountsof gas.
Putoutallcigarettes,pipesand cigarsbefare

wo_in._,with gaso#ine.Storefuelendthemow-
er itselfinewellventilatedareaawayfromany
po6alblesourceofignitionsuch a pilotlighton

afumece, lf themowarlsto bestoredferanex.
t.an.dadt me, removethe gas from the tank.

ThBminimizesthechance of afire andkeeps

the tank clear of depositsand old gasoline,

thus improvingmowerperformance.Movethe

moweroutsidebeforeaddinggasoline Usea

funnelandwipeupanyspilledfuelbeforestart-

ing. Remember, gaseline expands when
heatedsoleave some expansion room.Also,

meat mower gascapsare ventedto allowfor
expansion.Alwaysusethepropercap.People

are needlesslybumedbyfires, hurtin cx_o-

sions, mowersend otherpropertyare dem-

aqad becauseoffailureto follow basicsafety

rulesrelatedto gasolineendtuaiing.

Neveraddgasolinetoanenginathatisruardng
orthatishotfromrecantuse,thiscanceuse an

acc_orif. Removedrygrassandofher debris
fromthemower. Keepingthe mower cleanwill

1=-98525

improveths performance helpthe ongine stay
c.ool,ar, extend the life of moving parts, end

min!.mize _e danger of fire. PeOple get burned

wor_ng w_thend eround their mowem for oth-

er reasons than fire and explcelons. It takes
ooly afew seconds of operat_or_for the _:g_ne

a_stthe mutfler to become hot. Do not touch

the mower. Remember, exhaust fumes can be

dangerous. Never operate the engine ndoore
o_In an ancased area.

_,;n_ anew mower can be a bigeventfix a

Y.Lmfamilymembem satisfytheircurius.

itYoboutthe mowe¢andatthe sametime,tell
them aboutitsdangers.Remember,a mower

isnotetoy andisnotforuse bychildren orany-
one lackingin age, strengthoraxpehence.

dA_angWithany.jpwerequipment,amowercanbe

erous ifnot assembled, misused, or not

properlymaintained.The mostimportantrule
isto always usegoodjudgementandcommon

sense,

Your mower will cut thtckgrass end heeh_
plantstemswithease. Fingars,andtoasare no

more rus_stontto the mowers blade. Many
peopleare injurer becausethey _forgot"and

reachedIntothedischargechute. Alwaysfreat
yourlawn mower as if the blade is rotating.
N..ev_peffom]any serviceorfryto makeany

adlustmont,except carburetor,while the en-
gineis running.

Use only acceesodas suitedfor yourmower.
Useof imp'oparaoceusodescan reducethe
safetydes_ned intoboththe mower and the
accessory,itcan even d_unagetheunit.Read

andfollowthe Instructionswhichonmewifhthe

eco_ssoP/and the mower.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Use onlyodginolequlpmantor approvedsub- intherainisnofunandtiis dangerous.AJweys
stitutionsss sanriceporte.If younesdprofes- seek sholterInan aiantdcaistorm.Inextreme-
slonci sauce, select a shop that is an lydrymowingconditions,yoursefstyglsssos
AuthorizedService Center for your brand of conservea dualpurposeby prateatingyour

mower.Ifyouplonto cervice the unityoursaif, eyesfromdustondthrownobsots, olsoa dust

followdirectionsinthe Insh'uctionBook. orpo anmask can beholptut.

As youmow,rememberchildrenand petsare
sometimesattractedtothe activity. Be espe-

dallycarefulwhentrimmingaroundshrubbery
or when backingup. If at all possible,don't
mowwhenmo_ngbackwards,it isdangerous
becausevisionIsrestricted.Also,bladesare

_€l_ned to cutwhile the unitis movingfor-

socuttingperformanceisreducedwhen

mowingInreverse.
Never leave the mower running and unat-

tended.Shutoffthe engine.Putthe mower in

a positionso that it can not roll. If the unit is
self- propelled,make surethe drivecontrolis

disengaged.

Whenmowing, beawareof yourconditionand
the weatherconditions.Aftor mowinga long

time,you willbe tired. This isthe time when
reasons slowdown,yourattentionwanders;
thetime when you arewideopenforan acci-
dent.Take a shortbreak.Iftemperafumsere
high,takeprscautionstoavoid becomingdo-

hydrated.|fyou are angry,tired, or ueab|eto
gqveyourful/sttentiontomowing, ifyouhave

beenconsumingalcohol,medicines, ordrugs,
do not useyourmowerorany type of power

equipment.

Ifweather conditionsbecomeworsewhile you
arecutting,stopandfinishlater.Cuttinggrass

F-98525

Yourmowerisequippedwitha numberofcefe-
tyfeatureswhich areimportantto the safetyof
the operatorand bystandersand mustnever
be altered or removed. If a safetyfeaturebe-
comesinoparable,lost,ordsmaged, itmust be
repniredorreplacedbeforethemowerisused.

Enginespeed isa key to safe mowingand a
nicelookinglawn.Themaximumspeedofthe

engineonyourmowerhasbeenset at thefan-
tow.Donotchangetheenginegovernorinany

way.
Selectthemaximum anginaand groundspsed

that is rightfor the terrain andthe heightof
grass.You getthe bestcuttingand begging

performancewhen using s grasscatcherby
operatingthe engineatmaximumspeed.Nev-

erwalkfastorrun ustto getthejobdonesoon-
er. On incnss, reduce ground speed and

exemlseextremecare.

It is bestto mow onlyduringdaylighthours;
however,ifyoumustmowinthe lateafternoon
orevening, make sure there is goodartificial
light.

Yourmowerwillrequiremaintenanceincluding

smviosandadjustmentsbeforeand etter use
as w_ any machine. The fTequancyofthe
maintenanceis generallybased onhoursof

use,however,thefrequancycanvarybecause
of mowingconditions.Check the Instruction

Bookfor moredetailed instructions.Proper
malntananos protectsyourinvestmentin the

mowerand helpsInsure that it will function
safelyand reliably.

sen4ce(withthepos-
sibleexceptionatcar-
burstor adjustment) ,.,.

with the engine run- [_]'_l.
ninQ.Altarturningthe |[VR_o

angme off, always[fin|
disconnectthe spark IP'"

Never attempt any _

plug wire to prevent
acQdontai restarting

while theunitIs being
ss_lced,

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

VV'_t.moving, _fyou hit_.fo_.ignobiect, Stop _.ow_ grouru=sp_ --,, P_"'

theengine.R.mOvethespe_ plugwlre_lu'_

full e_d thorougty /_.__ :_h ere- Chengethemowingpettemst{gt_y__...c-h.._h_

,4m,_nYaoe Make nece_ary ,,=-p=.mp__erl_

--". = '...... _.._=,*=to_t_ate e=n_,e,,y, ou cut.If you eJwayscutthe same i ac-

starting,tu,t,u ...... the Y._r,=_e.,_w_ltdi_etoQe,set"andclipp|n_]s_|

="_Hmo{ne{mmediatetys_nd_'kt_ -_ _ate mornheavilyIn,omoeo_ner_X
_i-Vib_ation is generalty a wm'rm_._ anin otherscouslnggrasS'

_. Keepell_, bolts,andsc_ewst_gm' t_set am_. Do notserviceyourmower_

The blade is themostdangerouspart ofthe +h=,nrA_ So,tieddl andgescamu, u,e g,=o,..

mower =u_dalsothem_t _emtcPt_ci_ _t_e ........ h sss, donot trytoInt_l graseorve_'y esvy_tol_ttonthe

teinlng a nlce lawn aPl_ ._. 'up• -- .. cutitedlat once.H=useu,o,,--_" .

quently, ittight ifthe bl_,oer_s a s_r_
object,_c._ i_.th°..mu__gh/Y_rd _°_a_et_r°r_ seinedayorw_ln amwuaY=...r"' __=

cracks_ repute, a_,!._. _l_=m_l_J,;de .trstyourgroundspeed(notthe engine)t°
pl_the bie_Je_e_.o Y+_ =-;;_;ineahdouts m_J_more slo_ s.ot_e mowercan dear it-

_rassm_°r.e_cle_t_Y'==,,__twsvsck_setothecut-
Is_deof themowe_housing.F= best t_.mm,tn_

trtm,'gdng.

cstcher, irlc_rOe_ ,,_,=_--

,_ m_els ForbestPed°n_ance end_s_=_

and _ltow o emtin seamy

w_thb,.__t_t_r _ln the Instru_on B°°k-

Before mounting._t.m_h_r_e_PZo_. _:

gresscatche_',_lWaY__u"' _' "=-'L'--.;_'._L_,=

_rnber to ch_k th_=gr_e_",_e_

eep...huse(or¢r8c_=,,w,_=,, _ =-_'-=_--_art-

before usin9 the 9ress cmz_,,.=,_ .

tocutordypint of thewidth otme mow_ w,_

W_ pu_'l t_e uInlt, Uo u, w.

un_keep=theoperator_r_ _t_mowr in

_._ "^n=r_tor's zotle"forbetterco_ro_,push-

?" _T:-."; also,.iresyoua chance_oseeex-

_'tN where and whmyouare mo_n_. _._

wt{I_e _m_ whileyouaremowingmmyou ,,,,

haveto p_! the mower backw.__ds(suctl

proper cut_n9technique is impo.rt=antI_o_.

l.--.._. _t_mto_oo_3<xLAvolaznete-,P= "

w==,=Y_=".---'" . -_--.* r'._la _eusstoo
t_onto . e Mstotumyel-

ow,of makethe{awntookp.uw.,,=1__,-_.,_ ;.._

Usethe owsr cuttlng_hejige_te_hl_._;_
whenthegrassIslusn.u "-=s _'_n(_J_

he_hts inextremelyorypen_ .:; bnU_ses,
a d-u_b}ede o( low eng=nespuuu ..

the taw_ {ookdutte_d b¢owq8 ''T " .",__',-'Z'_:_-

curling.AlwaysFutthethrottlecontr= inr,_._-

F-_525

hindyou.Re_ume_orl].€=.,,_..,..u
possible,

If you;"unit is serf-prop_led remembm that
thedrivel_m LSnotdesignedto do eJl

thework,butthe unitcan_m_over,the°utiliZer
help.Always g . . .

_, _...k,=rtnnthattheselt- propet_wa._"_ _"

Hem,............ sa_ feet

._,.__n be dangerous.Keep hend ,__

,'_'" ....... _ turnofft_

m,_vfrombeltsandchalns,h_w ys =_, _

kee ouI nm_a=

before e#_temptin.g.toremove _o,_

_'hi_t_=_r,es_t=g_ed ,nthe=,_-prop=,

system.

eJ_ be danoefous.F_wOWL.,O,.o..
_,T,_I-r,_._uct_onBook.Use_e mowerpropeny

_,_ ¢_l_}-y enditwill_iveyoumanyhours =

_e _ee, accident 1tee opereuons.

9

STEPS TO FOLLOW

BEFORE MOWING

• Be sum to dresscorrsctty.Wear herdshoes,notsendals or tennisshces.

• Examinethe blade.Ablade thatis bent,crocked,ordamagedmustberaplscedwithafactory

replacementblade.

• RII thefuel tankoutside.Clean offspilledfuel.

• Readaud follow theOwner'sManueJ,theinslructianswiththe angina,andtheinstrustJonswith
anyattachmants. Owner'sManual instructionsare for yoursafetyandthe safetyof others.

• Exhaustfumes are daugerous.Startthe engineoutside.

• Make surealls_aty devicesere in placeand workingcorrectly.

• Operationof the mowerisonlyfor a personthat hasexperience.

• Wet grasscan be dangerous.Letthe grassdry.

• Instructchildrenand otherstokeep away from the workarea.

• Never cutthe grosswithoutgoodlight.

• Pick uplooseobjects.Removethem fromthe mowingerse.

WHILE MOWING

• Watchforfixedobjectsand avoidthem. Theycandamagethe moweror causeinjury.

• A hotengineand mufflerwill causea bum.Do nottouch.

• Inclinssandslopesmustbecerofullymowed.Seathe "Guide"inthe beckofthisbooktochsck

e slope.

• Lack of deytightorgood artificiallightiscause to stop mowing.

• Examinethemower,theblade,audother pertsfor damageofterhittinga foreignobjsstorifthe

unitvibrates excessively.

• Do notmakeadjustments or repairswithoutstopping the engine(exceptfor carburetor).Dis-
connectthe sparkplugwire.

• On or nearreeds, watchout forVaffic.Directdischargeaway from roads.

• Whanmowing,avoidereaswheretrsctionisunsure.Boforeaudwhilemovingbankwerds,look

behindanddownfor smallchildren.

• Inheavygrass, raisethecuttingheight.Cut slower.Stopthe enginetoremovedoggedgrass
from themower.

• Never removeany sofetyrelatedparts.

• Donot poorgasolineintoa enginethatishot or running.

AFTER MOWING

• Alwaysletthe mowercoolbeforestoring inan endused area.

• Foreignmatadalon the mowerisdangerous.Cleanoff grass,leaves, greaseand oilbefore
stodng.

• Tightenallloosenuts,boltsand screwsbeforeyouuse the unit.

• Emptyand clean any grasscatcherorother accessory.

• Removethe key ordisconnectthe spark plugwireto preventunauthorizeduse.

• Makesurethe mowerisnotkeptneara sourceof ignition.Gasfumes cancausean explosion.

• Onlyoriginslpartsorfactoryapprovedsubstitutescau be usadto sen_icethe mower.

• Whenstoring the mowerfor an extendedperiod,removethe fuel from thefuel tank.

• Instructchildranto leavethe moweralone.It isnota toy.

• Never keep gasolinenear a sourceof ignition,Always use an approvedcontainer,Keep

gasolineawayfromchildren.

• lubricate according tothe InstructionBook.See "Lubdcation".

IMPORTANT-- Read the Instruction Book. Keep this book for future use end
reference.

A WARNING:Look for this symbol to _lnt _url Im_rlant

F-9_5 10

safety precautions. It means: "Attention! Become
Alert! Your Safety Is Involved."

PREPARATION

UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS

The mowerwasfullyassembledstthefacto(y.
When the mowerwas put In the carton,the

handlewas putinthe storagepo6ition.To put
the handleintheoper_ng position,followthe

stepsbelow.

1. Removethemowerfrom the carton.

Offset Hole

Lower

2. Putthe lowerhandle Intheopetutlng posi-

lion (Figure1).

3. Removethe hair pins from the lowerpin,

Attachthe hairpinsto the upper pins.

4. Put the upper handle in the operating
position.Tightenthe knobs.

CAUTION: Be cargul when you fold or
raise the handle. Do not damage the

caldca. A cable thst Is bent willnot work
correctly. Before you use the unit, re-

place n bent or damaged cable.

5. To ettash the recoil- start gdp to the rope
guide, twist the rope through the rope

guide mounted on the dghtside ofthe han-
dle (Figure 2).

NOTE: If you cannot attach the
recoil- start gdp becausethe rope Istoo

short, hold the angina stop lever
against the handle. Slowly pull the

recoil- start gdp.

HOW TO ADJUST THE HANDLE HEIGHT
The lower handle has two assembly posi-

Uons,A HIGHend a LOW poaitlon(Figure3),

The HIGH positionwillraisethe handleap.
proximatelyfourinches.

Heir Pin

Upper Pin

Figure I

Renoil-_m

Gdp

The mouotlng holes In the lower handle are
offset (Figure 1). To change the hole offset, ro-

tete the lower handle. This will change the
angle ofthe handle and make the height ofthe

handle higher or lower (Figure 3).

1. Removethe cablatlas thst fasten the con-
trol cablcatothelower handle (Figure 4).

The cable ties can be re- used. To remove

acable tie, pull the tab on the cable tie to

free the cable.

Figure

2. Remove the bolto end wlngnuts that fas-
ten the upper handle tothe lower handle.

3. PUt the upper handle on the ground be.

hind the mower.

11

PREPARATION

CAUTION: Do not bend the control
cables. A cable that Is bent or damaged

mum be replaced.

4. Remove the hair pin from the dght and left
handle bracket. (Figure 1)

5. Remove the lower handle from the han-
dle brackets (Figure 1).

6. Rotate the lower handle mound

(Figure 4). Mount the lower handle to the

handle brackets.

Bolt

7, Installtheheirpinonthedghtandlefthan-

dle bracket (Figure1).

8. Fasten the upper handle to the lower
handle with the bolts and wlngnots

(Figure 4).

9. Secme the €ontrol cables to the lower
handle with the cable ties.

Tab

\

F- 9e525 12

Figu{n 4

PREPARATION

HOWTO ASSEMBLE THE GRASS BAG

1. Toattachthesupporttube,pulltherearof
the beg through the front opening

(Figure5).

2. Look fo_ e small opening in the grass bag

next to the tag START LOOP HERE

(Figure 6). Slide the small opening in the

grass bag onto the support tube.

Front

3. Slidethegmu bagontothesupl:N)rttube
untilthe grass beg meterisl is gathered

onto one side of the support tube
(Figure7).

F-g8525 13

PREPARATION

4. Continue to slide the grass bag onto the
support tuba until the grass bag mntedal

is gathered onto the top of the support
tube (Figure 8).

FrameAssembly

Figure9

Rgura 8

5. Pushthe support tuba end bag through

thefTontopeninguntilonlythetwoendsof
the supporttubeere visible(Figure9),

6, Slidethe frame sssembly intotheends of

thesupport tuba (Figure9).

7. Makesurethe handle Ison the ontsldeof

the grassbeg (Figure10).

8. Attachthe clips to the frame assembly
(Figure10).

9. Close the top cover. When operating the

mower with the grass be.g, the top cover
must be in the closed operating position
(Figure 11)

Frame

Assembly

/

Figure1(

cTo_°P,er

Fo_525 14

PREPARATION

HOW TO MOUNT THE GRASS BAG

1. To mount the grass bag on the mower,

rsisethe rear door. Hold the handle ofthe
grass bag. Put the grass bag In the

opera_ing position (Figure 12). Lower the
rear door.

IMPORTANT:. Make surethe hooks, on each
side of the frame assembly, are mounted
on the pivot rod.

Mount Frame

Hooks To Pivot Rod

A WARNING: Do not use the grass

bag unless the coverIs In the op-
orating postlon.

Handle

Rear Door

Rgme12

HOWTO EMPTYTHE GRASS BAG

WARNING: Before you remove

_hk the grass bag, mp the engine.

Before you remove any grass
from the mower housing,

disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.

1. Holdtherear door.P_se the reardoor to
avertlcstposltlou(Figure12),

2. Lift the frame assembly over the two
handlenotches.

3. Openthetop cover (Figure13).Emptythe
grassfromthe grass bag.

4. Tomountthe grossbagonthe mower,see
"HowToMountThe GrassBag'.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

Before you use the mower, check the
assemblyof the wheels,the handle,endthe

F- 08525

GrassBag

" TOPCover

Figure13

controls.Makesureallthefastenersaretight.
Makesurethethrottle co_b'olandthe engine
stoplever workcorrectly.

15

PREPARATION

HOWTODISCHARGEOUTTHESIDE

1. Stoptheengine.

2. Loosenthewfngnut (Rgure 14).

3. Move the chute deflector to the open

SIDE DISCHARGE position.

4. Tightenthewlngnut.

5. If equipped,removethe grass bag. Make
su¢ethe reardoor is completelyclosed.

HOW TO MULCH

1. Stopthe engJne.

2. Loosenthewlngnut (Figure15).

3. Movethe chute deflector to the closed

MULCHpoeition.

4. Tighten the wingnut.

5. ifequipped, removethe grass beg. Make
surethe reardoor Is completelyclosed.

Wingnut

ChuteDeflector Rgure14

Wlngnut

ChuteDeflector

Figure15

MULCHING TIPS

Mulchingfineiycutsthe gresssothst the gress

Panbeeasilyrecycled.Becausethe nutrients

arerotumedtothe soil,the lawnwill needless

fertilizer.To correctlymulchthe lawn,follow
the tipsbelow.

• The grassmustbe dly. Ifthe grsss is

wet,itwillbe diffloulttocut andcause
heavyclumps of grass.

• The grassmustnotbe tootoll The

maximumheighttoeffectivelycutis 4 1/2
inches.Set the heightadjusters sothat

onlythetop thirdof the grass is cut.

• If the gressis more then 4 1/2 inches
high,two mowingswillbe necessary.Fo(

the firstmowing,sot the heightadjusters

Inthe hlghestposition.Then,lowerthe
heightadjustersforthe secondmowing.

F- g6525 16

• Keeps sharpedge on the blade.A blade
thatis not sharpwill causethe ends of

the grass tobecomebrown,

•Cleen the undersideofthe mower
housing.Grassend otherdebriscan

keep the mowerfrom workingcorrectly.

If the quality of cut Is marginal, try the
following:

• Setthe heightadjusters sta higher

cuttingheight.

• Cut thegrass marefrequently.

• Operatethe mowerst e slowerground
speed.

• Ovadapthe cuttingswathsinsteadof

cutting• fullswathwitheach pass.

• Mowacrossthe margineiareas a sscend
time.

PREPARATION

HOW TO PREPARE THE ENGINE

ENGINE DOES NOT CONTAIN

OIL OR GASOLINE

Seetheenginemonufacturer'sir,atructionsfo_

thetype of gasolineandoiltouse.Beforeyou

usetheunit,readtheinformationonsafety,op-
eration,maintenance,and storage.

WARNING: Follow the engine
manufacturer's Insl?ucUons for

the type of gasoline and oll to
use. Always use a safety geso-

when addinggasoline to theen-

line container. Do not smoke

gine. When Inside an enclosure,

do not flu with gasoline. Before

you add gasoline, stop the

engine. Let the angina cool for
several minutes.

IMPORTANT:.'nlls unit Is equipped with an
Internal combustion engine and must not

be used onor nearany unlmprovad forest-
COVmKI,brush- covered orgrasa- covered

landunlessthe engine's exhaustsystemIs
equipped with • spark arrester meeting

applicable local or m laws (If any). Ifs
spark arrester Is used, It must be main-

talnedIn effective woddng order by theop

orator.

Jn the State of California the above Is re-
quired by law (Sentlon 4442 of the Ca,for-

nla Public Resources Code). Other states
may have almnar laws. Federal laws apply

on federal lends. See an Authorized Ser-
vice Center for a spark arrestsr for the

muffler.

FINAL ASSEMBLY
Beforeyouusethe mower, checkthe assem-

blyofthewheels,thehandle,andthecontrols.
Make sure eJIthe fastenersare tight. Make
surethethrottlecoflb'oiand theenginestop le-
verwork correctly.

F- 98525 17

OPERATION

ENGINE STOP LEVER

Rsteasetheengine stopleverandtheengine
and the blade willautomatloollystop. Torun
theengine, holdthe engine stop lever inthe
Operating position (Figure16).

Beforeyou startthe engine,operatethe en-

gine stop lover severaltimes.Makesurethe

cablemoves easily.

Figure 16

HOW TO STOP THE ENGINE

Tostop the engine,releasethe engine stop
lever.D_connectthewire hornthesparkplug

topreventthe engine fromstarting.

if the engine willnotstop,held a screwdriver

against thesparkplugandagainstthe engine

coolingfins. Thespeakwill gotogroundend

the engine willstop.Beforeyoustart the en-
gine,checkthe engine stopcable.Make sure

the enginestop cable Isassembledcorrectly.

Beforeyouoperate the unit,replacea bentor
damagedenginestopcebie.

HOW TO START ENGINE

WARNiNG: The blade will mtm
when the engine runs.

IMPORTANT:.Before you start the engine,
operate the engine stop lever several

times. Make sure the engine stop cebie
moves freely.

NOTE: A two speed throttle conVol Is Io-
rated onthe engine, Setthethrottle control

In theFAST positionfor cuffing gross,bag-
glng grass, end for extended engine life.

1. Check the oil.

2. Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded

gasoline, Make sure the gasoline is clean.
Leaded gasoline will increase deposits

and shorten the life of the valves.

NOTE: Do not use gasohol or methanol. Do
not use premium unleaded gasoline.

F-98525

WARNING: Always use a safety
gsaoiinecontainer. Do not smoke

A when adding gasoline to the fuel

tank. When inside an enclosure,
do not add gsaollne. Before you
add gasoline, stop theengine end
let the engine cool for several

minutes.

3. Make sure the spark plug wire is con-

nectedto thespark plug.

4. Move the throttle control,locatedon the
engine, to the FAST pesitien.

5. The palmerbutfonisenthesideoftheen-
gine(Figure17). Pushthepdmerbutton.
Everytime you pushthe palmerbutton,

waktwoseconds.Forthenumberoftimas
requiredto pushthe palmerbutton, see

the engine menufacturer'sinstructions.

NOTE: DO not usa the palmer button to
stert • warm engine.

6. Stendbehindthemower(Figure18). Ues

onehandtoholdtheengine stop leverIn

the operatingpositionasshown.Use the

otherhandto holdthe recoil- start grip.

7. Ropidlypullthe recoil- stert gdp. Slowly
returnthe recoil, start grip.

8. Ifthe enginedoesnotstert in5 or6 tdes,
See the "Problemand Repair" Inatmc-

tions.

Hold the engine

stop lover in the

operating pestion.

Recoil-Start

Grip

Figure18

18

MAINTENANCE

ENGINE MAINTENANCE

Usethefollowingmsintananceasctionto keep

your unitIn good operatlnpcondition.Allthe

maintenanceinformationmr the engine is in

the"EngineIPatmctionBook'. Befereyoustart
the engine, readthisbook.

WARNING: Before you make an

A Inspection, adjustment (except

HOW TO CLEAN
THE MOWER HOUSING

A when the engine runs. Before

Grassand otherdsbds can keep the mower

_'om workingcorrectly.Afteryou mow, clean
the mower housingasfollows,

1. Stopthe engine,
2, Disconnectthe wirefromthe sparkplug.

3, Cleanthetopandthebottomefthemower

carburetor), or repsir, stop the
engine and disconnect the wire

from the spark plug.

WARNING: The blade will rotate

you clean the mower housing,
stop theengine and disconnect
the wire from the spark plug.

housing.

LUBRICATION

1. Formaximumperformance,lubdcatethe

wheelsand all pivotpointswithengineoil
every25 hours.

2. To lubricatethe engine,referto the =En-

gineInstructionBook'.

NOTE: Do not lubdcste the engine mp
cable. Lubricants will damage the cable

and preventthe cable from moving freely.
Replace the cable If bent or damaged.

HOW TO ADJUST

THE HEIGHT OF CUT

WARNING: The blade will rotate

A when the engine runs. BMom

To change the height of cut, move the position

ofthe adjuster ann at asch wheel (Rgure 19).
Make sure each adjuster arm Is in the same

position so that the mower will cut level.

1. Disengage the adjuster arm,

2, Move the adjuster ran1 to another posl-

yOU change the hsight of cut,
stop the engine and disconnect
the wire from the spark plug.

iton.

F- gs525 19

Figure19

BLADE SERVICE

WARNING: Before you Inspect

the blade or the blade adapter,

MAINTENANCE

A dleconnect the wire to the spark

Frequently check the blade for wear or dam-
age such as cracks. Frequently check the bolt

that ho_dsthe blade. Keep the bolttight. If the
blade hitsan object, atop the engine. Discon-
nect the wire to the spark plug. Check the
blade adapter for damage. Cf'_ck 1or a ban,t or
damaged blade, a badly worn blade, or other
de,mage. Before you operate the unit, dam-

aged parts must be replaced with factory re-
placement parts. For safety, roplacethe blade

every two years. Keep a shmp edge on the
blade. A blade that Is not sharp will cause the
ends ofthe grass to become brown. Remove

the blade as follows,

plug. If the blade hits an object,
stop the engine. Disconnect the

wire to the spark plug. Check the
unit for damage.

HOW TO REMOVE THE BLADE

WARNING: Botom you remove
the blade, dlsconneot the wire to

A

1. Drain the fuel tank.

2. Lift the aide of the mower that has the

3. Use e piece of wood to keep the blade

4. Remove the bolt that holds the blade.

5. Check the blade according to the "Blade

6. Mount the blade with the curved adgus to-

7. Fasten the blade with the odginai wash-

8. Tighten the bolt that holds the blade to a

the spark plug. The blade has

sharp edges. When you hold the
blade, use gloves or (:loUt mated-

at to protect your hertd$.

muffler or spark plug.

_Tornrotating.

Service" instructions. Replace a badly
worn or damaged blade with a fe_tory re-

placement blade.

ward the housing. If the blade is upside
down, the blade will not cut correctly and

Can cause an accident,

ere and bolt. Make sure the outside dms
of the Bailevllle washers are toward the

blade (Figure 20).

torque of 30 foot pounds.

WARNING:Always keep the bolt

that holds thebfadetlght. Atooas

bolt or blade can cause an ecci-
dent.

Blad_ead e::_. : :_:_

_ Bolt

_, Mulching Blade

__.. _tl_lls Washor

Flat Washer

Bo_ Figure 20

HOW TO SHARPEN THE BLADE

WARNING:_lbretlon Is the mult

A If the blade Is not correctly bat-

1. Shaqoenthe bladetwotirnasayear orev-

2. Ifthe bladeIs anthe ur_lt,donotsharpan.

3. Clean the bladewitha brUSh,soap,and

4. Sharpanthebladewltha file.Make sure

5. Make surethebladeisbalanced,Use a

6. A new bladewill cutbetterthan a badly

(Continued following page)

20

anced. A blade l_at Is damaged
with cracks can break and crmca
an accident.

ery25 houm.
Remove the blade according to the in-

atructlonsIn"HowToRemoveThe Blade'.

water.Checkthe blade. Lookfor cracks,
nicks,c_otherdamage. Replacea blade
that _sbadly worn.bent, ordamagedwith

afactoryreplacementblade.

youkeeptheodglnalbeveledcuffingedge

(Figure21}.

ecr_tldrlv_randholdthebladeparallelto
thegroundasshown,A bladethatisbal-

ancedwillstayparalleltotheground.Ifthe

bladeisnot b_ancad, the heavyendwiVI
rotate toward the ground.Sharpen the
heavyenduntilthe bladeis baiancad.

wornblade.Everytwoyears replacethe
o_d blade with a factory replacement

blade.

MAINTENANCE

= m paralelto

I I

I Ground I Rgure 21

CHECK THE LEVEL OF CUT

Test the unit ina smell area. Ifthe height of cut

is notlevel or ifthe cut grass is not discharged,
the cause can be: (1) the blade is bent or dam-
aged, (2) the blade is not sharp, (3) a worn
blade, (4) or a broken blade adapter. Before
you usethe unit, correct the problem.

STORAGEFORItANDLESTHATFOLD

CAUllON: Be careful when you fold or
rstas the handle. Do not damage the
cable=. A cable that Is bent will not work

correctly. Bofomyou uvetha unit, replacea

bent or damaged cable.

How To Fold The Handle

1. Loosenthe fastenersthat holdthe upper
partof thehandle to the lowerpart ofthe

handle.Asyoufoldthehandle,makesure
thecables arenotmoundthe loosefasten-

ersand donot becomedamaged.Rotate
the upper part of the handle beck

(Figure22).

2. Remove thehstrpinsfromthelowerhan-
dle,Push Inontheendsofthelowerhen-

die. Move the ands of the lower handle

pastthe lockingpinsor lockingtabs.

3. Rotstethehandleforwmd ovm theengine

as shown.Make sure the cablesare not
damaged.

Folding Handle

Rgure 22

How To Raise The Handle

1. Pull the handle back unitl the ends of the

lower handle lock into position.

2. Liftthe upper pint ofthe handle into the op-
erstor's poeiUan. "l'i_ten the fasteners

that hold the handle.

STORAGE FOR

NON- FOLDING UPPER HANDLES

For storage, fold the handle forweN.

How To FoldThe Handle

1. Push In on the ends ofthe lower handle.
Move the ends ofthe !owerhandle past the

locking tabs.

2. Rotate the handle forward over the en-
gine. Make sure the cables are not dam-

aged.

How To Raise The Handle

1. Pullthe handlebackunitlthe endsofthe
lowerhandlelock intoposition.

HOW TO PREPARE

THE MOWER FOR STORAGE

WARNING: Do not remove gin;o-
line while Inside • building, near

A

1. Drainthe fueltank.

2. LSttheenginerununtilitisoutofgaenline.

3. Dndntheallfrom the warmengine. Fillthe

4. Removethe sparkplugfrom the cylinder.

F-98525

a fire, or while you smoke.
Gasoline fumes can cause an

explosion or a tire.

angina crankcasewithnewoil.

Pour one ounce of oil intothecylinder.

Slowlypulltherecoil-startgdpsothstthe
ell will protectthe cylinder.Installa now
sparkplug inthe cyfindar.

5. Cleanthedirtand debris from the cylindm
coolingfinsandthe engine housing.

6. C_eanthe bottornof the moworhousing.

7. Makesurethegrassbagisernptyofgrass.
Grassremaininginthe begdudngstorage
willdamagethe bag.

8. Complotelycleanthemowertoprotectthe

palm.

9. Putthe unitinabuildingthsthasgoadven-

itlstlan.

21

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART

The Engine will not start.

1. Movethethrottle controllevertothe FASTorSTART position.

2. Make sum thefuoitank isfilled with clanngasoline.Do not useoldgasoline.

3. On a coldongine, pushthe pdmerbutton(optionalon some models)five times.

4. Make sure the wirefar the sparkplug is connectodtothesperk plug.

5. Adjustthe Carburetor.See the "EngineInslxuctionBook'.

6. There istonmuchgasolineinthe enginecylinder.Removeand drythe sparkplug.Put the
throttle controlinthe SLOW Ix_ition. Pullthe recoil-startgripseveraltimes.Installthespark

plug.Connectthe wire to the sparkplug.Startthe engine.

7. The angina isdifficuRtostart in heavyer highgrass.Movethe mowerto a clesndrysurface.

8. Makesure the enginestop lever isin the operatingposition.

9. Makeawe the fuelvalve is inthe ON pos'_ion.See the "EngineInal=uctionBook'.

10. On alectdc start models, makesurethe wiring horneasis connected.Chargethe battery.
The Engine will not stop.

1. Releasethe enginestoplever.

2. Checkthe enginestopcable. Replacethe cableif bentor damaged.
The Engine performance Is bad.

1. Check the heightof cutsettings. Raisethe heightof cutifthe graasishigh.

2. Checkthe bottomofthe bladehousing.Clesnthe blode houalngofgraasond ether debris.

3. Checkthe wiretothe spark plug.Make surethe wireIs connected,

4. Cleec the enginecoolingfinsof grass andother debris.

5. Check the corburetoradjustments.See the "EngineInstnJctionBook'.

6. Check the sperk pluggap. Set the sperkpluggab et 0.030".

7. Checkthe amountof oil inthe engine.Fillwithoil ifneceasery.

8. Check the engineAircleaner.See the *Engine Instrec_onBook'.

9. The gasoline is bad. Drainand cleanthe fuel tank. Fillthefueltank withcleangasoline.

10. Check the throttle control.Make surethe lever Is net Inthe CHOKE poalifon.

Excessive Vlbrstion.

1. Removethe blade.Check the bladeand balanceif necessary.:Seethe blademaintenance

Instructions.

2. Checkfor a bentor brckenblade. A DAMAGED BLADE IS DANGEROUS AND MUST BE

REPLACED.

3. Check the blade adapter. REPLACEA BROKEN BLADEADAPTER.

4. Ifthe vibrationcontinues,takethe mowerto an AuthorizedServiceCenter.
The grass will not discharge correctly.

1. Cleanthe bottomofthe mowerhousing.

2. Checkfor a badlywornblade.Removeand sherpantheblade. Forsafety, rsplecetheblade

everytwoyearswithafactoryroplacementblade.

3. Movethethrottlecontrolleverto theFAST poaltk)n.Checkthespeod ofthe ongine according
tothe *Engine InstxuctionBook'.

The grass Is not cut even.

1. Checktheheightodjustment eteachwhesl.Theheightedjuetme_ mustbethesamefor eech
wheel.

2. Make sure theblade is sharp.

3. Checkfor a bentor brokenblade.A DAMAGED BLADEIS DANGEROUS AND MUST BE
REPLACED.

4. Check fora brokenblade adapter. REPLACE A BROKEN BLADEADAPTER.

F- 98525 22

12

MODEL 20456x9A

13

14

8

7

4

15

2

KEY

NO. DESCRIFItON

1 Handle,Upper(Black)

2 Handle,Lower(Black)
3 Bolt

4 Knob,Plastic

7 Locknut

F- 98525 23

PARTNO.

672665E701

671917E701

2x77

71294

15x116

KEY

NO. DESCRIP_ON PARTNO.

8 EngineStopCable 672552
12 Guide,Rope 71530
13 EngineStopLever 671924E700

14 Bracket,StopLever 43628BC
15 Fastener,Cable 71372

11 J 27

MODEL 20456x9A

5 4

6 1

28

12

\

13

12

F. 98525 24

14

12

17

28

MODEL 20456x9A

KEY KEY

NO. DESCRIPTION PARTNO. NO. DESCRIPTION PARTNO.

1 Housing 776004 22 Washer 17x146

2 Engine* * 23 Nut,Flange 15x88

4 Adjuster,Lelt ReerHelght 672605A 24 Rod,Pivot 215x17Z

5 Nut,Push 28_49 25 Door,Rear 672611

6 Bracket,LeftHandle 672591 26 Spring 166x44

7 Ad'pJster,LeltFrontHeight 672601A 27 Guard,Rear 671970

8 Nut,Flange 15x68 28 Wheel 672080

9 Nut,Hex 15xl02 29 Bracket,RightHandle 672590

10 Washer 17x38 30 Adjuster,RightReerHeight 672604A

11 Screw 4x21 31 Screw 26x245

12 HubCap- Opdonel 43615 51 Bolt,Cmfiage 2x16

13 Nut,Flange 15x84 52 Screw 26x221

14 Washer,Belleville 17x137 53 PushOnCap 28x42

15 Washer 17x124 66 Wing_ut 71495

16 Bolt lx153 67 Retainer,Push 28x64

17 Blade 671921E701 68 Bezel 671_6

18 Adapter,Blade 672503 69 Pin,Pivot 215x18Z

19 Adjuster,RightFrontHeight 672600A 70 Deflector,Chute 671927

20 Bolt,Engine 25x6 -- Instn_honBook F-98525

* Pa_ areavagablefromanAuthorizedEngineSelviceCenter.See"Engines,Gasoline"or"Gasoline

Engines"intheyellowpagesofthetelephonedirectop/.

F-as52s 25

MODEL 20456x9A

2

KEY

NO. DESCRIPTION

1 Frame,Top
2 FrameAssembly
3 Bag, Cloth- Black

Bag,Cloth- Gray

F-g_25 26

PART NO.
71592
672614
672069

672614

SLOPE GUIDE

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS GUIDE LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL THEE,

A CORNER OF A STRUCTURE, A POWER UNE POLE, OR A FENCE.

I

) Operate • walk-behind mower

mcrossthe face of slopes,
never up or down slopes.

I

I

On, ddlng mower to d_m_rnlneIf, Jope I1Hfe to mow: (1) dlswlglge the blade(s), (2_put the unit In revert•, and (3).t_/.to back at_l_ht UPldtheo
$1opLIf you can back upthe atop•, It Jsgent•ally ssfo tq...mow.H.ow_, _ _ do _.f_ _. _ If _ m _ _m___u_Lusl m g

8nddo not mow • sl that I1 greater than 1Sd ree_ ff the r_lng mower iI use• wire it pURR-re•tooorrear moum_ ama_me.G
do not operate the un_o_u • Mope that 18II_l_s_ 10 degreu.

A 15 degree slope is • hill that Inorease8In hslghtat appr_mate_f 2.5 _ !n 10
A 10 dsliree slopt Is • hlH that In,ream In hslght at 114_oroxlmatebJ1.711Je_in ] u TeeL

A se exlb_metaro at all tlrmm, and avoid sudden tome or rmmeuvenLFollow other Instm_Jon8 ]nthis manual for safetyIn mowing on

• opu. Operate • riding mower up or down skiN, never •cross the h_e of alopem.Operate n watk-behind mower across the fa:e

of slopN, never up or down slopes. Use mxlracare when operating on or near slopes and obs4_cnm-,s.

.......... _u__'_ 1"o'_'_ _ ....

I,.-

_J

HOW TO ORDER REPAIR PARTS

Onlyuseafantoryrepairpart.Repairpans,exceptfortheengineortheVansmission,m _ _ _e mm_
theunitwuspurcbosad,aservicesbopreonmmendedbythestore,oranau_ se_ sbopfotmdintheyelow
pagesof'_etolephonedirectoly.lfyouceonotgetarepairpoJtorse_ asdescr,_ _, _ _ _ _ _ _

PartsDb_butorshownbofow.Y_nanyouo_er,includethefolowingkl_rmatkxl:(1)Compl_ModelNumber(see
natus_ato),(2)DateofManufacture,(3)CompletePad;Number,(4)DanafplJon,(5)Q_an_y.

Repaspintolottheengineorthetransmissionareavailable_ themanufacturer'saulhodzadce_ centerfound
intheyallowpagesofIhetolephonedirector/.Sontheindividualengineortmnsm_donwanan_.

MURRAY,INC.LAWNMOWERCENTRALPARTSDISTRIBUTORS

BEBCO,INS.

22212rid.Ave.

SouthDin'ninghsm,AL 35233
[phone]

1-800-826-80_4

A_ Ro_a,Geor_

Pr_ Rk-o

BILUOU'S,INC.
1343SonthMainSL

PoR_IS, CA. 9_2E7
[phone]

1-800-245-5468

FAX[phone]

Arrzon_r.d_m_ Hm_,,

Nm

BROWNGWISER,INC.
9991S.W.Awe/Street

P.O.BOx1109
TusJaUn,OR. 97082

(sos)6s_z-o33o

1-900-882-4782

A/nkS,/d_ (countiesAda,
Adams,Bonew_,Boise,Bonnet,

Soondry,Oanyoa,C4earwator,
Elmore,Gem,Idaho,Kooton,
latoh,Lewis,NEZPerce,Owyon,
Payetla,Ruve]li,Shoshone,Valley,

Washington),Jeonlans(connees

Flalhond,lake,Lincoln,Mineral,
Missoulo,RavalU,Sanders),

Oregon,Wa_lngam

CANADAPOWER"I'ECHNOLOGY

161WahineAvmluu

Misalssauga,OnLL4Z-1[=2

(sos)s_ ssoo

1-800-B61-9559

Edmonton

13316-146ST
EdmontonAB
TEL4S8

(403)453-579t

• _.ront

234Mign_on

QCH4T1W

[phone]

Canadm

CHILTONAIRCOOLEDENGINE
3194th,Ave.South

RO.Box150806

Nashville,"IN.37215

[phone]

1-800-621-6934

F- 98525

Arbmonu(coun[,onClay,
CraJghond,Crigondan,Cross,
G_eane,Ja_xson,lawrence,Lee,
Misalsalppl,Monron,Phillips,

Pokmeu,Rax_olph,St.Frands,

Tunica),///uomf(counties

Duninn,NewMa(_ld.Pemiscof),
TMmmwn,H_g/n/a(conn_
Bland,Bud_ Diskan"._on,Lee,

Rususl,Scott,Smyth,Tazewell,

Washington,Wise)

ENGINESSOUTFNflEST
1255No.Honme
Shreveport,Lk.71107-7106

Arkonm (exceptthesece_:

Say,c_, C,_tand_,Dro.,

Greena,Ite4'npstead,Howard,
Jackonn,labyelte,I.awranus,Lee,
LittleRiver,Miller,Mbebalppl,
Monroe,Nevada,Phmp_,Pike,

Poinustt,Randolph,Sevier,St.
Francis,Woodruff)Loubiana,

_ (excel_U',ese
countis_:_ Ponol_Ouitman
T_, Tun_,)

PRANKEDWARDSCO.
3653South500West
SaltLakeCily,UT 84101

(80t)972-0t28
1-800-366-4563

Co/oradn,/d_ (coun_,ex
BannockBonri_o,Bingham,

BlaJne,Boonevile,Butte,Comas,
Caribou,Cassia,Custer,Fronkin,

Fremont,Good',mQ,,k_,

Jeromu,Lemhi,Ueusln,Madison,

Miniboka,O_eida,Power,Teton,

TwlnFalls)//ontMeallcounties
except_o_ andW_. U_h,

Wyoming

GARDNER,INC.

1150ChesapoakeAve.
Columbus,OH.43212
[phone]

1-800-848-8946

Ind/an_Kimt_cky,Illehig_e

(exceptupperpeninsula),OMn,
Weet_nP*nneylvaj wlYn_p

codesuptoandincluding16999,

WestVlrglnb

GULFCOASTENGINE,INC.

4202RussellDr.

p.o.Box9724
(5_1)usChrlsE,"IX.76408

886-6999

1-800-826-6999

Arkonm (conrNosHumpstoad,

Hownrd,Lafayotla,LaaeR_m,
Miler,Nevada,Pike,SO_m')NOw

OSCARWILSON
ENGINE&PARTS

826LonuStarDr.
O'Fallon,MO.53366

[phone]

1-e00-E73-6722

NliV_NV(S.ofHwy.80),/own,
K_an=,M/,,t_ut/(_1ceur_lus
exceptDuddn,NewMadrid,

Pemiscot)Nobrz=_
R.BJ.CORPORATION

P.O.SOx9_18
Rk:hmond,VA.23227

(ee4)sso-_to

1-8SO-888-7149

Cwnr,_r_. NO/_Wnm,
ofCo_mt_ _ Ilmyfan_
Iie_u_e_ NOwNoml_alr_
Nowge_ey,NowYork,N.&S.

Carol/n_,Ponnu_ ]dps

17000&up,R/Iod_/s/_d,

Vwmo_ Vkgln_.(ali

exceptBla.d,Buchanan,

Dk:kenson,Lan,RususH,Scott,

_'/_' T_,ell, _,

WISC_N NA_iEro

(2LOCATIONS)

4727N.TeutonlaAve.

Miiwoukon,WI.53209

[phone]

1-800-733-7388

_am_ _. ofHwy.so),mlchtgu

(upperPeninsula),WIIontlu/_

8OOMcK_leySt.

Anoka,MN. 553O3

IEI2)323-7477

-800-248-4016

MlnnusoM,North&South
Dakota