Troybilt 12B-753B063, 12AE753B063 Owner’s Manual

TROKBILT'____

Operator's Manual

Wide-Cut TM 33"

Combination Mower

Models 753B

E753B

(fuel tank styles vary by engine model)

IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-cov-

ered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). if a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. 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 by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OH 44136-0019

PRINTED IN USA FORM NO. 770-10602D

(12/2002)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page

Safety ................................................................... 1

Assembly ................................................................. 4

Features and Controls ....................................................... 8

Operation ................................................................ 11

Maintenance .............................................................. 16

Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 24

Lubrications ............................................................... 25

Troubleshooting ........................................................... 27

Parts List ................................................................. 28

Warrany Information ........................................................ Back Cover

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator's Manual isan important part of your new Wide-Cut TM mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the infor-

mation from it in the space provided below. This informationis very important if you need help from our Customer Support Department or an authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by looking at the rear surface of the tine shield. A sample model plate is ex- plained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial numberof the equipment in

the space below

Copy Model Number Here

O BILT" TROY-BILT LL(

www.troybilt.com CLEVELAND,OH44136

• 866-840-6483,

P* O* BOX 361131 330-558-7220

Copy Serial Number Here

ENGINEINFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issueswith regards to performance, power-rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed

separately with your unit for more information.

CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance

of this unit, please ca]] the Customer Support Department.

your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locatethis in-

Call 1- (330) 558-7220 or 1- (866) 840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have formation. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

Safety

SafetyAlertSymbol

WARNING:

,_ This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this

The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California

to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc- tive harm.

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observethe

following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

hazards. Wheneveryou seethissymbol, readandobeythe safety message that follows it. Failureto obey the safety message could result in personal injury or property damage.

Owner's Manual to alert you to potential

I. GENERALOPERATION 5

1. Read,understand,and follow all in- structionson the machineandin the

manuals.Bethoroughly familiar with thecontrolsandthe properuseof

the mowerbeforestarting. 6.

2. Do not put handsorfeet nearor under rotatingparts.Keepclearof the mowerbladeanddischarge 7.

openingatalltimes.

3. Only allowresponsibleindividuals, whoarefamiliarwith the instruc- 9.

tions, to operatethemower.

4. Clearthe areaof objectssuchas rocks, toys,wire, bones,sticks, etc.,

which could be pickedupand thrown bythe blade. 10.

Besuretheareais clearof other peoplebeforemowing.Stopmower

if anyoneentersthe area. Keepby- standersat least25 feetawayfrom

theareaof operation. Donot operatethe mowerwhen

barefootorwearingopensandals. Alwayswear substantialfoot wear.

Donot pull mower backwards unlessabsolutelynecessary.Look

downand behindbeforeandwhile moving backwards.

Donot operatethe mowerwithout properguards,plates,grasscatcher

or other safety protectivedevicesin

place.

Referto providedinstructions for properoperationand installationof

accessories.Onlyuseaccessories approvedby GardenWay

Incorporated.

Stopthebladewhencrossinggravel drives,walks, or roads,

11.

Stoptheengineand disconnectthe sparkplugwirefrom the spark plug

wheneveryou leavethe unit,before cleaningthe moweror unclogging

the chute.

12. Shuttheengineoff, wait until the bladecomesto a completestop, and

disconnectthespark plugwire be-

fore installing or removingthe

mulchercoveror the optionalgrass catcher. Makecertainthat the grass

catcheris securelyattachedbefore operatingthe mower. Emptythe

grasscatcheraftereachuse- decomposingdebriscouldgenerate

enoughheatto catchfire.

13. Mow in daylightor goodartificial light.

14. Donotoperatethe mowerwhile underthe influenceofalcoholor

drugs.

Section1:Safety

15. Neveroperatemowerin wet grass. Alwaysbesureofyour footing; keep a firm hold on thehandleand walk;

neverrun.

16. DisengagetheWheelDriveLeveron

self-propelledmodelsbeforestarting

the engine.

17. If the unit should start to vibrateab-

normally,stop theengineanddis- connectthe sparkplug wire. Then

checkimmediatelyfor the cause. Vibrationis generallyawarningof trouble.

18. Alwayswear safetygogglesor safety glasseswith sideshieldswhenoper-

ating mower.

19. Watchfor traffic when operating near,or whencrossingroadways.

20. Neverattemptto carrychildrenor otherpassengerson the mower.

Theycouldfall off and beseriously

injured,or theycould interferewith

thesafeoperationofthemower.

21. Checkthe operationof theOperator PresenceControlBarbeforeeach

use.SeetheMaintenanceSectionof

this manualfor instructions. If the

engineruns longerthanthreesec- ondsafter theOperatorPresence

ControlBaris released,thesystem is notworking properly.Immediately

contactyour localservicedealeror

thefactory TechnicalService

Departmentfor instructions. Donot usethe mower until themechanism

is repaired.

22. Themower is equippedwitha safety dischargechute,comeswith special

mulchercovers,andoffersanop-

tional grasscatcher.Thesafetydis-

chargechutemust beworking prop- erlyat all times. Neverattemptto disconnector otherwisecausethis

dischargechute to ceaseworking. If used,mulchercoveror grass

catcherattachmentmust beinstalled properlyandfunction correctly. Do

notuseyour equipmentotherwise.

23. Neverruntheengineinan enclosed

area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,adeadlygasthatisodor- less,colorless,andtasteless.Always

runtheengineoutdoorsand make surethere is adequateventilation.

II. SLOPEOPERATION

Slopeseree majorfactorrelatedto slipandfallaccidentswhichcan result

insevereinjury. All slopesrequire

extracaution.Ifyoufeel uneasyone slope,donotmow it.

DO:

Mow acrossthefaceof slopes; never up anddown. Exerciseextremecau-

tion whenchangingdirection on

slopes.Avoid slopesgreaterthan 15o.

Removeobjectssuch as rocks,tree limbs,etc.

Watchfor holes, ruts, or bumps.Tall

grasscanhideobstacles.

DONOT:

Donot mow neardrop-offs, ditches, or embankments.Theoperatorcould

loosefooting or balance.

Donot mowexcessivelysteepslopes. Donot mowonwet grass. Reduced

footing could causeslipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheopera- tor is notalerttothepresenceofchil-

drem Childrenere oftenattractedtothe mowerandtothemowingactivity.

Neverassumethatchildrenwill remain whereyoulastsewthem.

1. Keepchildren out of themowing areaand underthewatchful careof

a responsibleadult.

2. Bealertandturn moweroff ifchil- dren enterthearea.

3. Beforeandwhile moving backwards, look behindand down for small children.

4. Neverallow childrento operatethe mower.

5. Useextracarewhenapproaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,or other

objectsthat mayobscurevision.

IV.SERVICE

1. Useextracarein handlinggasoline andotherfuels.Theyareflammable

andtheirvapors areexplosive. a) Useonlyan approvedcontainer.

b) Neverremovegascapor add

fuelwhentheengineis running. Allowengineto cool beforerefu-

eling.Do notsmoke.

c) Neverrefuelthe machine

indoors. Neverstore themachineor fuel

containerinsidewherethereis an openflame,such asawater

heater,etc.

Movemowerawayfrom any

gasolinefumes beforestarting theengine.

2. Neverrunan engineinsidea closed area.

Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairs with the enginerunning. Disconnect

the spark plugwireand keepthe

wireawayfrom the plugto prevent accidentalstarting.

4. Keepall nuts and bolts,especially

the bladeattachmentbolts, tight and

keepequipmentin goodcondition.

5. Nevertamperwith safetydevices. Checktheir operationregularly.

Keepmowerfreeof grass,leavesor otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil or

fuel spillage.Allowmowerto cool

beforestoring.

After striking anobject,stop the en-

gineand disconnectthespark plug wire. Inspectthemowerand repair, if necessary,beforerestarting.

8. Neverattemptto makemowercut-

ting heightadjustmentswhilethe

engineis running.

Grasscatchercomponentsaresub-

ject to wear,damageanddeteriora- tion, which couldexposemoving

partsor allowobjectsto bethrown. Frequentlycheckcomponentsand

replacewith factory recommended parts,whennecessary.

Section1:Safety

13.

To accessthe undersideof the

mower,tip the mower rearward.Do nottip the mowerforward oron ei-

ther of itssides, unlessspecifically

advisedto do so in thismanual.

10. Mower bladesare sharpandcan cut. Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,

and useextracautionwhenservic- ing them.

11. Donot changetheenginegovernor settingor overspeedtheengine.

12. Donot touch enginepartswhich may behotfrom operation.Allow

parts to cool completelybeforein- specting,cleaningor repairingthe

mower,

14.

Maintainor replacesafetyand in- structionaldecals. Referto thesep-

aratePartsCatalogfor replacement decalinformation.

15.

Forunitsequippedwith electric start:

a) Batteriesproduceexplosive

gases.Keepsparks,flame, cigarettes,etc.,away. Ventilate

theareawhenchargingthe bat- tery.Donotchargethe batteryin anairtight space.

SAFETYDECALS

Makecertainall safetydecalsonthis equipmentare keptcleanand in goodcondition. Thedecalsareshown (at reducedsizes) below. If you needareplacementdecal,pleasereferto the PartsCatalogthat accompaniedthis Manual.

b) Donot usea batterycharger

otherthantheone providedwith

the mower.

c) The battery containstoxic mate-

rials. Do not damagethe battery case.If the caseis brokenor

damaged,avoidcontactwith the batterycontents.

d) Properlydisposeof adamaged

or worn out battery.Checkwith localauthorities for properdis-

posalmethods.

e) Donotshort circuitthe battery.

Severeburnsandfire can result.

Ontop, rearofengineplatform

OnControlPanel(forelectricstartmodel)

CAUTION

Beneathbelt/pulley

cover

DANGER

Onleft sideof

mowerdeck

OnControlPanel(for recoilstartmodel)

Ondischargechute

ASSEMBLYSTEPS

To preventpersonalinjury or property

damage, do not attempt to start the engine until all assembly steps are

complete and you have read and

STEP1: Unpacking Mower

NOTE:LEFTandRIGHTsidesof the unit

areasviewedfrom the operator'sposi- tion behindthe handlebars.

understand the safety, controls and operatinginstructionsinthismanual.

1. Cutstraps, if present,securingunit

to pallet. Leaveuniton palletduring as-

INTRODUCTION

Pleasecarefullyfollow theseassembly

stepsto properly prepareyour machine for use. We recommendthat you read this Sectionin its entiretybeforebegin-

ningassembly.

sembly(to safelyremoveunit from pal-

let,wait until you havecompletedas-

semblysteps1-4).

2. Removeany protectivepackaging from aroundthehandlebars.Cutthe

plastictie straps holdingthecontrol rods

and struts tothe handlebars.

NOTE:All referencesto left, right,front

andrearof the machinearedetermined

bystandingbehindthe handlebarsand facing the directionof forward travel.

STEP2: Attach Handlebars to Engine Deck

NOTE:Fourscrews(D, Figure2-2) are usedto connectthehandlebarsto the

INSPECTION AFTER DELIVERY

inspectthe shipping crateand machine

immediatelyafter delivery. Makesure

neitherthe carton northe contentshave

beendamaged.

ifyoufind or suspectany damage,con- tact thecarrier(truckingcompany)

immediately. Inform themof thespecific

damageandthatyou wish to file aclaim. To protectyour rights, besure to put

this in writing tothe carrierwithin 15

days. Thecarrierwill let you know how to proceedwithyour claim. Pleaseletus

know if you needany assistance.

enginedeck. Atthefactory, two of these screws (front) arethreadeddirectlyinto

lock nutsweldedto the backsidesof the

deck.The remainingtwo screws(rear) securethe lower handletothe deck.

1. Removeandsavethetwo 5/16"-18x 3/4"screws (front) mentionedin the

NOTEabove.

2. Carefullypivotthe handlebarsover theengineand positionthe handlebar

ends(E,Figure2-2) againstthe sidesof theenginedeck.Donot alloowthe han-

dlebarsto rubagainsttheenginewhile

pivotingthem.

3. Looselysecuretheright-handhandle-

TOOLS/MATERIALSNEEDED: barendto the deck byreinsertingthe

• WireCutter screw (D,Figure2-2) removedearlier.

• Two 7/16" Wrenches Donotsecurethe left-handhandleat

• 3/8" Wrench this point inassembly.

• 1/2" Wrench 4. Removethe nut from the lowerscrew

• Scissorsor PenKnife (B,Figure2-1) which securesthe con-

• Needle-nosePliers sideof the unit.

• TireGauge

soleto the handlebaron theleft-hand

5. Positiona handlebarstrut's smaller hole(A,Figure2-1) overthe screw (B,

Figure2-1) on the INSIDEof the con-

sole, with thestrut's fiat sideagainstthe console.

6. Usingthenut removedearlier,secure

thestrut to theconsole/handlebar.

Figure2-1

Figure2-2: Attachhandlebarsandstruts toenginedeck,

7. Align the looseendof the left-hand handlebarstrut (A, Figure2-2) overthe

front holein the handlebarend.Secure thestrut and handlebarto the deckwith

the5/16"-18x 3/4"screw (D, Figure2-2)

removedearlier.

8. Removethescrew(front) that is looselysecuringthe right-handhandle-

barendto the deck.and repeat4-7 on

the right-handside of theunit.

9. Onbothsidesof theunit, securely

tighten the screws(D, Figure2-2) atthe

lowerends of the handlebarbeforetight-

eningthe screws(B & F,Figure2-1) on theconsole.

STEP3: Electric Start Model A. SecureWire Harness

1. At theunattachedendof theelectrical

wire harness,therearefour wiresat- tachedtoa largeplasticconnectorand

two wires attachedto a small plastic connector.

2. Plugthe largeconnectorintothe bot- tom of the ignition keyswitchthat is lo- catedonthe undersideof the handlebar

console(not pictured).

3. Usetwo cabletiesto securethewire harnessto the right handlebarandaway

from any movingparts. Placetheties an equaldistanceapart.

B. AttachWireLeadsto Battery

1. Thebatteryis locatedatthe rear,

right-sideofthe enginedeck.

2. Atthe lowerendofthe electrical

wiring harness,locatea redwire lead anda blackwire lead.

• Plugterminal onred(positive) wire into

redterminal(U, Figure2-3)on battery.

• Plugterminalon black(negative)wire

into blackterminal (V).

3. Ifapplicable,attachwire harnessto

enginedeckusingJ-clips (W, Figure 2-4) as shown. BendJ-clips overto secure.

Black(GroundLead) V (')

(Positive =

Lead)

Bed

(+) U

Figure2-3: Connectwireterminalsto batteryterminals,

Chargebattery onlywith chargersup- pliedwith machine.Donotshortcircuit

batterywires. Removeanyjewelrybe- fore workingon or nearthe batteryor

electricstartsystem.

Failure to follow these instructions

couldresult in personalinjuryor prop- ertydamage.

C. ChargetheBattery

Chargeanewbatteryfor 24-48 hoursto ensureafull charge. If the mowermust

be usedimmediately,the batterymay haveenoughof a chargeto startthe en-

gine.If not,theenginecanbestarted with the ropepull starter. NOTE:Charge

thebatteryafter theinitial useof the mowerto helpensureit isfully charged.

If battery is removed, do not operate

engine without insulating positive (+)

battery cable terminal with electrical

tape or sparkingfrom batteryceilscan

result.

1. Tochargethe battery,locatethe plas- tic connector (T, Figure2-5)that hangs

from the wire harnessbelow the handle- barconsole.

2. Plugtheconnectoron the battery charger(Z, Figure2-5) intotheconnec-

tor on the wire harness(T).

Section2: Assembly

Controlrods are adjusted at the fac-

tory andshouldnot requireadditional

adjustmentduringassembly.Afteras-

sembling unit, control rod

adjustment should be checked(and re-adjusted,ifnecessary)accordingto

informationin Maintenance Section. Failureto followthis instructioncould

result in severe personal injury or propertydamage.

3. Plugthebatterychargerinto a120V

groundedwall outlet. NOTE:The battery chargeris designedfor useindoorsand shouldnot beexposedto rainor snow.

4. Chargebatteryfor 24-48 hours.

5. After charging,unplug battery

chargerfrom wall outlet,then unplug chargerfrom wire harness.

STEP4: Attach Control Rods A. AttachWheelDriveControlRod

1. Locatethewheeldrivecontrol rod(F, Figures2-6A & 2-7) and removethean-

gledendfrom theleft handlebarbyre- movingthe hairpinclip which securesit

to the WheelDriveControllever(V,

Figure2-6A)

2. At left sideof enginedeck, insert swivelblock(H, Figures2-6 & 2-7)on

wheeldrivecontrol rod into wheeldrive

control arm (U, Figure2-6).

Figure2-4: AttachwireharnesswithJ-

clips.

Togrounded

wall outlet

H A,E _ T "----" G

Figure2-5

Figure2-6: Left-handcontrolrodsdetail.

Section2: Assembly

Figure2-6A:Attachwheel drivecontrolrod tolever.

3. Adda 5/16"washer(A, Figure2-6) andsecurewith ahairpinclip (B).

4. At upperend of controlrod,re-insert theangledendintothe WheelDrive

Controllever(V,Figure2-6A)and re- attachwith hairpinclip (BB) removed

earlier.

B. AttachOperatorPresenceControl Rod

1. Locatethe OperatorPresenceControl rod (E,Figures.2-6and 2-7). At bottom

of control rod, insertswivelblock (G,

Figures2-6 &2-7) intocontrol arm (T, Figure2-6).

2. Addone5/16"washerandsecure

with hairpinclip.

W,_

E_ t_ _ --C

! I ' ,

] cc

H] -G--N-:_ g D

C. AttachBladeDriveControlRod

1. Locatethe bladedrivecontrol rod(C, Figure2-7). Insert oneend ofcontrol rod

intobladedrive bracket(D, Figure2-7).

Addone 5/16"washerandattachwith

hairpinclip(CC).

2. Inserttheotherendof rod into bot-

tom end of BladeDriveControllever (J,

Figure2-7). Addone 5/16"washerand

attachwith hairpinclip (AA).

D.AttachandAdjustGearSelectLever

NOTE:The retainingplate(N, Figure2-7)

mentionedin thefollowing stepsisse-

curedtothe rearof themower withtwo screws(0, Figure2-7) and1/4"-20 lock-

nuts.Removethe retainingplateand

saveit, alongwith the two screws,be- fore proceedingwithassembly.

1. Removethevinyl grip (B,Figure2-8)

from the gearselect lever (I). Placethe woodedgeagainsttheedgeof thegrip

andslowly pull offthe grip.

Figure2-7: Rearviewof controlrods.

Pin(K) mustbeinthis detent whentransmissionneutralis - ._

adjusted.

Figure2-8: Detail- GearSelectLeverin Neutral(N) position.

Section2: Assembly

2. Insertnylon bushing(Z, Figure2-8) upinto console(L).

3. Slidespringand washers(J)down

onto gearselectlever.

4. Insertgearselectlever(I) upthrough nylonbushing(Z) inhandlebarconsole

(L).Guidepin (K)ongearselectleverinto

groovein shiftquadrant(P).

5. Holdlower part of gearselectlever (I, Figure2-9) againstbracket(M).

Positionretainingplate(N), removed

earlier,as shown in Figure2-9 (plate

belowbracket). Secureplatewith two 1/4"-20x 1/2"screws (0) and 1/4"-20 Iocknutsremovedearlier.

6. Slidegrip (B,Figure2-8) backonto

gearselectlever(I).

7. Rotategearselectlever(I, Figures2-

8 & 2-9)clockwise until spur (K - short

rod) ongearselect rod stopsin the neu-

tral positiondetenton the shift pattern quadrant(Figure2-8).

8. Moveshift arm (X,Figure2-9) from

sideto side as necessaryintoeach transmissiongeardetent until transmis- sion isin neutral.

NOTE:Movingshift arm(X) allthe way

to theleft,andthenonenotch backto theright, should put transmissioninto

neutral.Whentransmissionisin neutral, unitwill movefreelywhenpushedwhile holdingtheOperatorPresenceControl

lever(W, Figure2-7) down. Iftransmis-

sion isNOTinneutral,therewill bea slight dragonthe wheelswhenpushing

unit.

9. Whenshift arm (X) is in neutralposi-

tion, rotateshift link (P) toward endof gearselectleverrod (I). Adjust length

of shift link (P)asnecessaryto fit into

holein bottomof gearselectlever(I). NOTE:Pin (K) on GearSelectLever(I)

mustbeheld intheneutralposition

detenton theshift quadrant(seeFigure 2-8) while shift link (P, Figure2-9) is

adjusted.

10. Inserthookedendof shift link (P, Figure2-9)into hole in bottomendof

gearselectlever(I) andsecurewith

hairpinclip(Q). NOTE:Itmay benecessaryto lift gear

selectlever(I) to install shift link (P).

11. Removeunitfrom shippingcrate.

To remove,hold downOperator

PresenceControllever (W,Figure2-7) which releasesthewheelbrake.

12. With unit on levelground, hold downOperatorPresenceControllever

(W, Figure2-7) andpushunit forward andbackward.Thewheelsshould move

freely. If not, adjust lengthof shift link

(P,Figure2-9) as necessary.

Do not use the mower if the wheels continue to turn after releasing the

Operator Presence Control end the WheelDriveControl.

Severe personal injury or property damagecould resultif this instruction

is notfollowed.

; r'

I ._1 I

; ,f o ;

I I

J =

-...... ..... 77-

Figure2-9: Detail- TransmissionNeutralAdjustment.

13. Putthe GearSelectLeverin neutral

(N), releaseall of the control leversand

try to pushthe unitforward andback-

ward. The wheelsshould notturn. If

they do turn, anadjustment is neces-

sary. DONOTOPERATETHEUNIT UNTILTHEWHEELBRAKEMECHANISM

HASBEENADJUSTEDANDISWORK- INGPROPERLY.See"WheelBrake

Adjustment"in Section5 "Maintenance."

STEP5: Check Motor Oil Level

1. Movemowerto a levelarea.Press

andhold OperatorPresenceControl lever(W, Figure2-7)to movemower.

2. Themower is shippedwith oil in the engine.However,youMUSTcheckthe

oil levelaccordingto theinstructionspro- videdin theseparateEngineOwner's

Manualincludedinthe unit'sliterature packagebeforestartingthe mower.

• Keepoil levelatthe FULLmarkon the dipstick to avoidenginedamage.

• Changeoil accordingto scheduleand instructionsin Section5 "Maintenance."

STEP6: Check Tire Pressure

1. Useatire gaugeto checktheair

pressurein the reartires. Theair pres-

sureshouldbe between15-20 PSI(20

PSImaximum).

2. Keepboth tires equallyinflatedto

helppreventmachinefrom pullingto

oneside.

STEP7: After Assembling and Before UsingUnit

1. Readthis entireOwner'sManualfor

propersafety,operationand mainte- nanceinformation.

2. Makesure sparkplug wire is con-

nectedto sparkplugbeforestarting unit.

FeaturesandControls

Before operating mower, be sure to readall safety, controlsand operating

instructions in this Manual and on decalslocatedonmachine.

Severe personal injury or property

damagecouldresult if this instruction isnotfollowed.

IMPORTANT: THE MOWER IS

EQUIPPED WITH A BLADE-BRAKE-

CLUTCHCONTROLSYSTEMWHICHIS

DESIGNED TO STOP THE MOWER BLADESWITHINTHREE(3) SECONDS

AFTER RELEASEOF THE OPERATOR

PRESENCECONTROL. THIS SYSTEM

WILL STOPTHEBLADESBUTNOTTHE

ENGINE.THEREFORE,YOUCANDISEN-

GAGETHE BLADEDRIVEAT ANYTIME WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP AND

RESTARTTHEENGINE.THIS FEATURE IS PARTICULARLYUSEFULWHENYOU

NEEDTO CROSSGRAVELDRIVESOR ROUGHTERRAIN AND YOU DO NOT

WANT THE SPINNING BLADES TO STRIKE STONES OR HIDDEN

OBSTACLES.

MOWERFEATURESAND CONTROLS

This sectiondescribesthevarious

featuresandcontrolson the unit. Refer tothe nextsection"Operation"for

detailedoperatinginstructions. Also, readtheseparateEngineOwner's

Manualfor a detailedexplanationofthe proper useof theenginecontrols.

Operator Presence Control

TheOperatorPresenceControllever

(A, Figure3-1) regulatesthe operationof therearwheelbrakeandthe separate BladeDriveControl. Alwaysengagethis

control beforeengagingthe separate bladedrive or wheeldrivecontrols.

Alwaysdisengagethis controlbefore startingtheengine.

ToengagetheOperatorPresence

Control,pressand hold theleveragainst thehandlebargrip. Doingso releases thebrakeon the rearwheels,allowing

thewheelsto turn. The engagedposition alsopermitstheseparateBladeDrive

Controlto lock inits engagedposition (allowsthe mowerbladesto turn).

Releasingthe lever(disengaged

position) appliestherearwheelbrake andquicklystopsthewheels. Releasing

the leverwill alsodisengagethe Blade

DriveControl,which will apply abrake

that stops the bladeswithin three (3)

seconds.

Blade Drive Control

Usethis lever (B, Figure3-1) to en-

gagedriveto the mowerblades.

Toengagetheblades,first engagethe

OperatorPresenceControl(A,Figure3-

1). Then,pushthe spring-loadedBlade DriveControllever (B)forward until it

staysin theengagedposition.

Tostop the blades,releasethe

OperatorPresenceControl(A). Doingso

will disengagethe BladeDriveControl

(B)and automaticallyapply the brake

that stops the blades.

Alwaysdisengagethe BladeDrive Controlbeforestartingtheengine. This helpsto ensurethatthe bladeswill not

startturningwhentheenginestarts.

The blade-brake-clutchcontrol system shouldstop the mowerblades within

three (3) secondsafter release of the OperatorPresenceControl.

If the blades do not stopwithin three (3) seconds, put the EngineThrottle

Control in the STOP position.

Disconnectthe sparkplug wire and do

not operatethe moweruntilthe blade- brake-clutchcontrol systemhas been

repaired.

Disengage

Engage

Figure3-1

B- BLADE

DRIVECONTROL

A- OPERATOR

PRESENCECONTROL

C- GEAR

SELECTLEVER

Disengage

Engage

Section3: FeaturesandControls

Operating Symbols Varioussymbolsare usedon the mowerto indicatecontrol settings(your modelmaynot haveallof the

symbols).Thesesymbolsareshownbelow with a descriptionof their meaning.

ENGINE ENGINE ENGINE

FAST SLOW CHOKE ENGAGE DISENGAGE STOP START RUN

GearSelect Lever

Usethis lever(C,Figure3-1) to select

anyof four forward groundspeeds(1 - Slow,2 and3 - Medium,4 - Fast),N

(Neutral)andR (Reverse).Thegearshift patternisshown in Figure3-2.

Toavoiddamagingthetransmis-

sion,donotshiftgearswhenthe mowerismoving.

Forforward travel,useoneof the four numberedsettings.Toselectreverse, shiftto neutralandthenpull upon the lever.Turnthe leverto the R (reverse)

positionand releasethe lever.

Putthe leverin N(neutral)to manu- allypushthemowerand whenthe

mower is not in use.

Figure3-2: Shiftpattern

onconsole.

PresenceControlalong withtheWheel DriveControl.

Whenstarting the engine,theWheel DriveControlshould bedisengaged(re- leased). This helpsto ensurethatthe

wheelswill notstart turning whenthe enginestarts.

Do notengagethe Wheel DriveControl without first engaging the Operator

Presence Control. Doing so could resultin wear or damageto the wheel brakemechanism.

A- OPERATOR

PRESENCECONTROL

Disengage

Engage

trated) onthe right sideofthe mower deckshow thecutting heightsettings

rangingfrom A(highest)to G (lowest).

Figure3-4

Mulcher Cover

The mulchercover (F,Figure3-5)is

pre-installedat thefactory. It must be kept in placewhen using the unit as a

mulching mower. The mulchercoveris designedto keepthe dischargechute

raisedup whileyou mow. Whenthe cover is removedfor side-discharge

mowing,thedischargechutelowers.

Referto "4. SelectMulchingor Side-

DischargeMowing" inthe Operation Sectionfor mulchercover installation

instructions.

Wheel Drive Control

Usethis lever(D, Figure3-3) to en-

gageand disengagedriveto thewheels.

Toengagethe wheels,first selecta

forwardor reversegearwith theGear SelectLeverandsqueezetheOperator

PresenceControl(A, Figure3-3). Then, squeezethe Wheel DriveControllever

(D)againstthehandlebargrip. The groundspeedcanbevaried by increas- ing or decreasingpressureon the lever.

Toavoidsuddenacceleration, slowly squeezetheleverwhenfirstengaging

thewheels.

Releasethe WheelDriveControlto

disengagethewheels.The wheelswill graduallyslowto a stop. NOTE:Tostop

thewheelsquickly, releasethe Operator

Engage

Disengage

D- WHEEL

DRIVECONTROL

Figure3-3

Cutting Height Control Lever

Usethis lever (E, Figure3-4) to adjust

the cutting heightfrom 1to 4 inches.

Notethat actualcutting heightswill vary

accordingto soil conditions.

Turn theleverclockwiseto raisethe heightor counterclockwiseto lowerthe height. A decaland pointer(not illus-

Figure3-5

Section3: FeaturesandControls

EngineThrottle Control

This lever(G, Figure3-6) is usedto adjustenginespeedsandto stopthe en- gine. Alwaysrun engineatfast speed

settingfor bestmower performance.

Thethrottlesettingsare shownbelow.

I_1 CHOKE-Usewhen

m_It-SLOW- Usewhenidling

"_ STOP- Stopsengine.

Ignition/Starter Switch - (Electric Start Model)

This three-positionswitch (H,Figure 3-6) is usedto startand stopthe

engineon electric start models. The ig- nition keysettingsareshown below.Do

notturn the keyuntilyou havereadthe OperationSectionin this Manual.

Alwaysremoveignition keywhen leavingmower unattendedor whenin-

specting,cleaningor servicingmower.

startinga cold engine.

FAST- Use during mower operation.

engine.

H- IGNITION/STARTER

SWITCH

_ure3-6

Engine Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarter(I, Figure3-7) is

usedto "pull-start" theengine. Detailed instructionsfor usingtherecoilstarter

arefound in theOperationSectionof this

Manualandin the EngineOwner's Manual.Do notpull the recoilstarter

untilyou havereadthe Operation Section.

G- THROTTLECONTROL

'_ STOP- Stopsengine.

(_ RUN- After starting,key

returnsto run position.

START - Starts engine. Release key when engine starts.

Figure3-7

Operation

Before operating mower, be sure to readall safety, controlsand operating

instructions in this Manual and on decalslocatedonmachine.

Severe personal injury or property

damagecould result if this instruction isnotfollowed.

BEFOREOPERATINGMOWER

1. Pre-Operation Checklist

With the sparkplug wire disconnected from the spark plug,performthefollow-

ing checksand servicesbeforeeach use:

1. ReviewSection1:"Safety"andSection 3, "FeaturesandControls"in this man-

ual. ReadtheseparateEngineOwner's Manualprovidedwith the unit.

2.Checkunit for looseor missinghard- ware.Tightenor replaceas needed.

3.With the unit on levelground, check theengineoil levelaccordingto the

instructionsinthe EngineOwner's Manual. Theoil levelshouldbe atthe

FULLmarkon thedipstick or upto the

top ofthe oil fill holeon engineswith- out a dipstick.

4. Checkall leversfor freedomof move- ment.Readjustor repairasneeded

beforestarting engine.

5.Checkthatall guards andshieldsare in placeand properly secured.

6. inspectthe areato mowedandre- moveanydebriswhich could be

pickedup andthrown bythe mower blades.

7.Checkthatthe mulchercoveris prop-

erly installedinthe dischargeopening

(seeinstructions in this Section). Removethe mulchercoverto usethe

side-dischargemowingfeature.

8. Onelectricstart models,checkthat all wiring connectionsare cleanand

tight.

9. Checktheair pressureintherear tires (15-20 PSI). Keeptires inflated

equally.

GASOLINEIS HIGHLYFLAMMABLEAND ITS VAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.TO help preventseverepersonalinjuryor prop-

ertydamage:

• Follow gasoline safety rules in Section1: "Safety" of this Manualand

in the separate Engine Owner's Manual.

• Neverremovethegasolinefill cap or oddfuel when indoorsor whenengine

is runningor still hot.Allow engineto

cool at least three (3) minutes before

refueling.

• Keep smokingmaterials, sparks or flamesfar awayfromfuel tankandfuel

container.

• Store gasoline in an approved fuel containerandin a well-ventilatedarea.

Store it safely outof the reachof chil-

dren. Do notstore gasolinewhere va- porsconreachon opensparkor flame

or where ignitionsourcesore present (such as hot water or space heaters,

furnaces,clothes dryers,stoves,elec- tric motors,etc.).

• Fill tankto 1/2"belowbottomoffiller

neckto allow for fuel expansion.Wipe up spilled gasoline immediately and

movemowerawayfromgasolinefumes before starting engine. Securely re-

place caps on fuel tank and fuel

container.

10.

Removethefuel capand checkthe levelof gasolineaccordingto the in-

structionsin the EngineOwner's Manual.Cleanaroundfuel fill area

beforeremovingfuelcap. Do not checkfuel level or addfuelwhile in-

doorsor if engineis running orhot.

Allow engineto cool for three(3)

minutes. Fillthe tank with fresh,

cleanunleadedgasolinewith a mini- mum octaneratingof 77. Leave1/2" ofspacefor fuel expansion.Donot

mix oil with gasoline.Do not use gasolinewhichcontainsMethanol.

Seethe EngineOwner'sManualfor instructionsand precautionsregard-

ing the use of gasolinesthatare blendedwith alcoholsor ethers

(calledoxygenatedor reformulated gasolines). Securelyreplacecapson

fuel tankandfuel container.

11.

Attachspark plugwireto spark plug after completingabovechecklist.

2. Set Mower Cutting Height

To avoid personalinjury, do notadjust cutting heightwhile wheels or blades are turning. Release all handlebar

controlsandwait for all motionto stop

beforeadjustingcuttingheight.

1. Releaseall controlsbeforeadjusting thecutting height.

2. Adjustthecutting heightfrom 1 to4 inchesbyrotatingtheCuttingHeight

Control lever(Figure3-4) eitherclock- wiseto raisethe heightor counterclock-

wiseto lowerthe height. Notethatac- tualcutting heightswill vary according

to grassand soilconditions. A decaland

pointeron the rightsideof the mower

deckindicatesthe heightsetting.

3. In heavyor tall grass,it is usually betterto makethefirst cut at a higher

settingandthen makea secondcutat thedesiredheight. In rough terrain,a

highersetting is recommendedasit will minimizethe chancesof the bladestrik-

ingtheground or hiddenobstructions.

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