Troy-Bilt J830 User Manual

Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty

OperatOr’s Manual

Self-Propelled Mower — Model Series J830

WARNING

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL

BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

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

Printed In USA

Form No. 769-03451

(December 11, 2007)

To The Owner

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing a Lawn Mower manufactured by
Troy-Bilt LLC. It was carefully engineered to provide excellent
performance when properly operated and maintained.

Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.

All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for various
models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or illustrated
in this manual may not be applicable to all models. Troy-Bilt LLC
reserves the right to change product specifications, designs and
equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

Table of Contents

Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3

Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 8

Controls & Features ................................................11

Operation ................................................................12

Maintenance & Adjustments .................................13

1

This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor
Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing
laboratory. If you have any problems or questions concerning the
machine, phone a authorized Troy-Bilt service dealer or contact
us directly. Troy-Bilt’s Customer Support telephone numbers,
website address and mailing address can be found on this page.
We want to ensure your complete satisfaction at all times.

Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your
machine, for more information.

Service .....................................................................16

Troubleshooting .....................................................19

Parts List ................................................................. 22

Warranty ................................................................ 26

Spanish ................................................................... 27

Record Product Information

Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the deck. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.

MOdel nuMber

serial nuMber

Customer Support

Please do NOT return the machine to the retailer or dealer without first contacting our Customer Support Department.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

Visit us on the web at www.troybilt.com

◊

Call a Customer Support Representative at [phone] or [phone]

◊

Write us at Troy-Bilt LLC • P.O. Box 361131 • Cleveland, OH • 44136-0019

◊

2

Important Safe Operation Practices

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,

could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65

WARNING: Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components

contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.

2

General Operation

Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before

1.
attempting to assemble this machine. Read, understand,
and follow all instructions on the machine and in the
manuals) before operation. Keep this manual in a safe
place for future and regular reference and for ordering
replacement parts

Be completely familiar with the controls and the proper use

2.
of this machine before operating it.

This machine is a precision piece of power equipment,

3.
not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all
times. This machine has been designed to perform one job:
to mow grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this

4.
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and should be trained and supervised
by an adult.

Only responsible individuals who are familiar with these

5.
rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this
machine.

Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be

6.
used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys and other
foreign objects, which could be tripped over or picked up
and thrown by the blade. Thrown objects can cause serious
personal injury.

Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material

7.
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction,
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,

8.
stay in operator zone behind handles and keep children,
bystanders, helpers and pets at least 75 feet from mower
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters area.

Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during

9.
operation and while performing an adjustment or repair
to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can
cause serious injury to the eyes.

Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitting

10.
slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover the arms
and legs and steel-toed shoes are recommended. Never
operate this machine in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light­weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.

Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the

11.
cutting deck. Contact with blade can amputate fingers,
hands, toes and feet.

3

A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade

12.
contact or thrown object injuries.

Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled

13.
over the foot during a fall caused by slipping or tripping.
Do not hold on to the mower if you are falling; release the
handle immediately.

Never pull the mower back toward you while you are

14.
walking. If you must back the mower away from a wall or
obstruction first look down and behind to avoid tripping
and then follow these steps:

Step back from mower to fully extend your arms.

a.

Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.

b.

Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way

c.

toward you.
Repeat these steps as needed.

d.

Do not operate the mower while under the influence of

15.
alcohol or drugs.

Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines

16.
so equipped while starting engine.

The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt

17.
to bypass its operation. Doing so makes the safety device
inoperative and may result in personal injury through
contact with the rotating blade. The blade control handle
must operate easily in both directions and automatically
return to the disengaged position when released.

Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of

18.
your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal
injury. If you feel you are losing your footing, release the
blade control handle immediately and the blade will stop
rotating within three seconds.

Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. Walk, never

19.
run.

Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads.

20.
If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop

21.
the engine and check immediately for the cause. Vibration
is generally a warning of trouble.

Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to

22.
a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute. The cutting blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the blade control is released.
Never place any part of the body in the blade area until you
are sure the blade has stopped rotating.

Never operate mower without proper trail shield, discharge

23.
cover, grass catcher, blade control handle or other safety
protective devices in place and working. Never operate
mower with damaged safety devices. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury.

Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do

24.
not touch.

Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height

25.
adjustment while the engine is running.

Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by

26.
the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal
injury.

27.

When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.

28.

If situations occur which are not covered in this manual,
use care and good judgement. Contact Customer Support
for assistance or the name of the nearest service dealer.

Slope Operation

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which
can result in severe injury. Operation on slopes requires extra
caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it. For your
safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to
measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or
hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees, do not mow it.

Do:

Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise

1.
extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps

2.
which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.

Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause

3.
serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your
balance, release the blade control handle immediately and
the blade will stop rotating within three (3) seconds.

Do Not:

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you

1.
could lose your footing or balance.

Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on

2.
the slope gauge.

Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause

3.
slipping.

Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower
and the mowing activity. They do not understand the dangers.
Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

Keep children out of the mowing area and under watchful

1.
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.

2.
Before and while moving backwards, look behind and

3.
down for small children.

Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,

4.
doorways, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child who may run into the mower.

Keep children away from hot or running engines. They can

5.
suffer burns from a hot muffler.

Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this

6.
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.

4 sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

Service

Safe Handling Of Gasoline:

To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme

1.
care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can
occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes,
which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes
immediately.

Use only an approved gasoline container.

2.
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer

3.
bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before filling.

Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or

4.
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable
container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or

5.
container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do
not use a nozzle lock-open device.

Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources

6.
of ignition.

Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will

7.
accumulate in the area.

Never remove gas cap or add fuel while engine is hot or

8.
running. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.

Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than 1 inch

9.
below bottom of filler neck to provide for fuel expansion.

Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.

10.
If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment.

11.
Move machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before
starting engine.

Never store the machine or fuel container near an open

12.
flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space
heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances.

To reduce fire hazard, keep machine free of grass, leaves,

13.
or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and
remove any fuel soaked debris.

Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

14.

General Service:

Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.

1.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.

Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the

2.
blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting.

3.

Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade
for damage (e.g., bent, cracked, worn) Replace blade with
the original equipment manufacture’s (O.E.M.) blade only,
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the
original equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safety!”

Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or

4.
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the

5.
equipment is in safe working condition.

Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper

6.
operation regularly.

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect

7.
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the
damage before starting and operating the mower.

Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height

8.
adjustment while the engine is running.

Grass catcher components, discharge cover, and trail shield

9.
are subject to wear and damage which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety
protection, frequently check components and replace
immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s
(O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts
which do not meet the original equipment specifications
may lead to improper performance and compromise
safety!”

Do not change the engine’s governor setting or over-speed

10.
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.

Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks

11.
or leaks. Replace if necessary.

Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.

12.
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as

13.
necessary.

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper

14.
disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

5sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

Spark Arrestor

WARNING: This machine 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 (if any).

If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in
effective working order by the operator. In the State of California
the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California
Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.
Federal laws apply on federal lands.
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest engine authorized service dealer or contact the service
department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Average Useful Life

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years, or 140
hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful Life, buy
a new machine or have the machine inspected annually by an
authorized service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and
safety systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

WARNING: Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

6 sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Sight and hold this level with a vertical tree...

or a corner of a building...

or a fence post

Fold along dotted line (represents a 15° slope)

15°

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely.

WARNING: Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees

(a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower could overturn and cause serious injury. Operate riding

mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes. Operate walk-behind mowers across the face of slopes, never

up and down slopes.

7sectiOn 2 — iMpOrtant safe OperatiOn practices

Assembly & Set-Up

A

B

B

Contents of Carton

One Lawn Mower• One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual• One Bottle of Oil•

One Grass Catcher• One Engine Operator’s Manual• One Side Discharge Chute•

Tighten star knobs securing lower handle to handle

Assembly

NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.
Fill up gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine
manual BEFORE operating your mower.

Handle

Remove any packing material which may be between

1.

upper and lower handles.

Pull up and back on upper handle as shown in Fig.

a.

3-1. Make certain the lower handle is seated securely
into the handle mounting brackets. Do not crimp
cable while lifting the handle up.

2.
brackets. See Fig. 3-2. Make certain the lower handle is
seated securely into the handle mounting brackets.

3

Figure 3-2

The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper

3.
handle. See Fig. 3-3. Loosen the wing nut which secures the
rope guide.

Figure 3-1

Tighten star knobs to secure upper handle to lower

b.

handle. Make sure that each carriage bolt is seated
properly in the handle.

8

A

C

D

B

Figure 3-3

A

C

B

Hold blade control against upper handle.

a.

Pull starter rope out of the engine. Release blade

b.

control.
Slip starter rope into rope guide.

c.

Tighten wing nut.

d.

Grass Catcher

Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher. Make

1.
certain bag is turned right side out before assembling
(warning label will be on the outside).

Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is

a.

at the bottom. See Fig. 3-4.

Attach center top of bag from inside of frame.

c.

Before attaching the grass catcher, the mulching baffle

2.
must be removed.

Lift rear discharge door.

a.

Remove mulching baffle. See Fig. 3-5.

b.

Figure 3-5

Follow the steps below to attach the grass catcher:

3.

Lift rear discharge door. See Fig. 3-6.

a.

Figure 3-6

Place grass catcher on the pivot rod. Let go of

b.

Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the

b.

frame. All the plastic channels except center top of
bag attach from outside of frame.

Figure 3-4

discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher.

WARNING: Never operate mower unless the hooks

on the grass catcher are firmly seated on the pivot
rod and the rear discharge door rests firmly against
top of the grass catcher.

9sectiOn 3 — asseMbly & set-up

Side Discharge Chute

1

2

3

2

1

To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the
unit and rear discharge door is closed.

On the side of the mower, lift the mulching plug. See Fig.

1.
3-7.

Figure 3-7

Adjustments

Cutting Height

The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the rear left
wheel.

Depress height adjustment lever towards wheel.

1.
Slide lever to desired position for a change in cutting

2.
height. See Fig. 3-8.

Slide two hooks of side discharge chute under hinge pin on

2.
mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug. Do not
remove side mulching plug at any time, even when you are
not mulching.

Figure 3-8

Release lever towards deck.

3.

Set-Up

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for additional
engine information.

Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out

1.
of the box.

Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the

2.
separate engine owner’s manual.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling

gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.

10 sectiOn 3 — asseMbly & set-up

Controls and Features

Recoil Starter

Electric Start
Ignition Switch

Blade Control

Drive Control

Speed Control

Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever

Mulch Plug

4

Figure 4-1

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower.
Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the
unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.

WARNING: This blade control is a safety device.

Never attempt to bypass its operations.

Drive Control

The drive control is located on the underside of the upper
handle and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze it against the
upper handle to engage the drive; release it to stop mower from
propelling. See Fig. 4-1.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left
rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the “Assembly &
Set-Up” Section.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand
behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Speed Control

The speed control is located on the variable speed control
housing on the upper handle. This control is used to select the
forward speed of the mower. See Fig. 4-1 inset.

IMPORTANT: Move the speed control only when the engine is
running. Changing the speed control setting with the engine off
can damage the mower.

NOTE: The speeds noted on the speed control are not exact.
Speed will vary depending on belt wear, cable wear, and mowing
conditions.

Electric Start Ignition Switch

The electric start ignition switch is located on the right side of
the variable speed control housing on the upper handle. It is
used only for the electric starter.

Mulch Plug

The mulch plug is used for mulching purpose. Instead of
collecting the grass clippings in the grass catcher, your mower
has the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn.
Make sure that the rear discharge door is closed and the grass
catcher is removed from unit while mulching.

11

Operation

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator

is standing near the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.

1.

Push primer (if equipped) three times. Wait about two
seconds between each push. In temperature around 55°F
or below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm
engine.

2.

Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control
against upper handle. See Fig. 5-1.

3.

Electric Start: Turn ignition key to the right to start the
engine. Release the key after the engine starts. See Fig. 5-1.
Recoil Start: Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly

until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind
slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope
rewind slowly.

Stopping Engine

1.

Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely

before performing any work on the mower or to
remove the grass catcher.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects
which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could
be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator and others.

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can

result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

1.

Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control
against the upper handle to propel mower.

2.

To change speed, move speed control to the desired
speed.

NOTE: When selecting a drive speed, use the first speed
until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation
of the mower.

5

Figure 5-1

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the

engine. Remove wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and
repair damage before restarting and operating.
Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.

Using as Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher, insert rear mulch
plug, and remove side discharge chute from the mower. For
effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been
allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not
recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

Using Grass Catcher

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are
operating the mower.

Attach grass catcher following instructions in the

1.
“Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate
mower till grass bag is full.

Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control.

2.
Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from

3.
the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass
clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

12

Maintenance & Adjustments

Maintenance

General Recommendations

Always observe safety rules when performing any

•
maintenance.

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that

•
have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain
the lawn mower as instructed here.

Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine

•
warranty.

All adjustments should be checked at least once each

•
season.

Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are

•
tight.

WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark

plug, and ground against engine before performing
any type of maintenance on your machine.

Lubrication

Lubricate pivot points on the blade and drive controls

1.
at least once a season with light oil. These controls must
operate freely in both directions. See Fig. 6-1.

6

Lubricate the wheels and rear wheel gears at least once a

2.
season with light oil (or motor oil). If wheels are removed
for any reason, lubricate surface of the pivot arm and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil. See Fig. 6-1.

Lubricate the torsion spring and pivot points on the rear

3.
discharge door and side mulch plug periodically with light
oil to prevent rust. See Fig. 6-1.

The transmission is pre-lubricated and sealed at the factory

4.
and does not require lubrication.

Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication

5.
schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.

Deck Care

Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent
build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below
for this job.

Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn

1.
mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.

Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side

2.
with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.

WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in

any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for
any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part
of the engine causing a starting problem.

3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable
tool. Do not spray with water.

IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose
to clean your unit. These may cause damage to bearings,
or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life
and reduce serviceability.

4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you
had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to
remove it now.

Figure 6-1

13

Engine Care

Tab

Slot

A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good
performance by the mower is given below. Follow the
accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.

Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.

•
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions.

•
Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions.
Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates
that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air
cleaner, refer to the engine manual.

Clean spark plug and reset the gap once a season. Spark

•
plug replacement is recommended at the start of each
mowing season. Check engine manual for correct plug
type and gap specifications.

Clean engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the

•
top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation.
Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler
area.

Replacing Rear Flap

To remove rear flap, lift rear door, remove screw, and press

1.
flap in on either side to remove from hole. See Fig. 6-2.

Adjustments

Variable Speed Cable

Periodic adjustment of the variable speed cable may be
necessary due to normal wear on the drive system. Adjustment is
needed if unit begins to run too slow or too fast.

Start engine and place shift lever in the third speed

1.
position.

Stop engine, remove ignition key, and disconnect spark

2.
plug wire and ground it against engine.

With engine off, shift back to first speed. This will provide

3.
slack in the cable.

Carefully remove the harness assembly from the speed

4.
control housing by removing the three screws securing it
to the housing. See Fig. 6-3.

Figure 6-2

Remove screw and flap from opposite hole and replace

2.
with new flap in the opposite order and manner of
removal.

14 sectiOn 6— Maintenance & adjustMents

Figure 6-3

Remove back cover of speed control housing by removing

5.
the three screws securing it to the housing. See Fig. 6-4.

Figure 6-4

Remove screw and flat washer securing cable. See Fig. 6-4.

6.
NOTE: Make sure to take note of which slot in housing

cable is in.

Using a pair of needle nose pliers or similar tool, move

7.
eyelet in cable only one slot to the left in housing as shown
in Fig. 6-5.

Figure 6-5

NOTE: Moving eyelet to the left speeds unit up; moving it
to the right slows it down.

Replace screw and washer removed earlier. Reassemble

8.
back of housing. Reattach battery harness assembly to the
speed control housing, making sure to snap the tab on the
harness into the slot on the housing. See Fig. 6-3. Secure
with the three screws removed earlier.

15sectiOn 6 — Maintenance & adjustMents