Troy-Bilt Wide-Cut 753B, Wide-Cut E753B Operator'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. Itwill 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

O BILT" TROY-BILT LL(

P* O* BOX 361131

www.troybilt.com CLEVELAND,OH44136

330-558-7220

• 866-840-6483,

Copy Model Number Here

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.

Call 1- [phone] or 1- [phone] to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have

your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locatethis in-
formation. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

Safety

WARNING:

The engine exhaust from this product contains

chemicals known to the State of California

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

SafetyAlertSymbol

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

Owner's Manual to alert you to potential
hazards. Wheneveryou seethissymbol, readand obeythe
safety messagethat follows it. Failureto obey the safety
message could result in personal injury or property
damage.

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.

I. GENERALOPERATION 5

1. Read,understand,andfollow allin-
structionson the machineandin the

manuals.Bethoroughly familiar with
thecontrolsandthe proper useof

the mowerbeforestarting. 6.

2. Do not put handsor feet nearor
under rotatingparts. Keepclear of
the mowerbladeand discharge 7.

openingatall times.

,

3. Only allow responsibleindividuals,
whoarefamiliar with the instruc- 9.

tions, to operatethemower.

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

which could be pickedupand
thrown bythe blade. 10.

11.

Besuretheareaisclearof other
peoplebeforemowing.Stopmower

if anyoneentersthe area. Keepby-
standersat least25 feetawayfrom

theareaof operation.
Donot operatethemowerwhen

barefootor wearingopensandals.
Alwayswear substantialfoot wear.

Donot pullmower backwards
unlessabsolutelynecessary.Look

downand behindbeforeandwhile
moving backwards.

Donot operatethemowerwithout
properguards, plates,grasscatcher

or other safety protectivedevicesin

place.

Referto providedinstructions for
properoperationand installationof

accessories.Onlyuseaccessories
approvedby GardenWay

Incorporated.

Stopthebladewhen crossing gravel
drives,walks, or roads,

Stoptheengineand disconnectthe
sparkplug wire from thespark plug

wheneveryou leavethe unit,before
cleaningthe moweror unclogging

the chute.

12. Shuttheengineoff, waituntil the
bladecomesto a completestop, and

disconnectthesparkplugwire be-

fore installing or removingthe

mulchercoveror the optionalgrass
catcher. Makecertainthat thegrass

catcheris securelyattachedbefore
operatingthe mower.Emptythe

grasscatcheraftereachuse-
decomposingdebriscouldgenerate

enoughheatto catchfire.

13. Mow in daylightor goodartificial
light.

14. Donotoperatethemower while
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 shouldstartto vibrateab-

normally,stop theengineanddis-
connectthe sparkplug wire. Then

checkimmediatelyfor the cause.
Vibrationis generallyawarning of
trouble.

18. Alwayswear safetygogglesor safety
glasseswith sideshieldswhen oper-

ating mower.

19. Watchfor trafficwhenoperating
near,or whencrossingroadways.

20. Neverattemptto carrychildrenor
otherpassengerson the mower.

Theycouldfall offand beseriously

injured,or theycould interferewith

thesafeoperationof the mower.

21. Checkthe operationof theOperator
PresenceControlBarbeforeeach

use.SeetheMaintenanceSectionof

this manualfor instructions. If the

engineruns longerthanthree sec-
ondsafter theOperatorPresence

ControlBaris released,thesystem
is notworkingproperly.Immediately

contactyour localservicedealeror

thefactory TechnicalService

Departmentfor instructions. Donot
usethe mower until themechanism

is repaired.

22. Themower is equippedwith asafety
dischargechute,comeswith special

mulchercovers,and offers anop-

tional grasscatcher. The safetydis-

chargechutemust beworking prop-
erlyat all times. Neverattemptto
disconnector otherwisecausethis

dischargechute to ceaseworking. If
used,mulchercoverorgrass

catcherattachmentmust beinstalled
properlyandfunction correctly. Do

notuseyour equipmentotherwise.

23. Neverruntheengineinan enclosed

area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon

monoxide,adeadlygasthat is odor-
less,colorless,andtasteless.Always

runtheengineoutdoorsand make
surethere is adequateventilation.

II. SLOPEOPERATION

Slopeseree majorfactorrelatedto
slipandfall accidentswhichcanresult

insevereinjury. All slopesrequire

extracaution.Ifyoufeel uneasyone
slope,donotmowit.

DO:

Mow acrossthefaceof slopes;never
up anddown. Exerciseextremecau-

tion whenchangingdirection on

slopes.Avoid slopesgreaterthan
15o.

Removeobjectssuch asrocks,tree
limbs,etc.

Watchfor holes,ruts,or bumps.Tall

grasscanhideobstacles.

DONOT:

Donot mowneardrop-offs, ditches,
or embankments.Theoperatorcould

loosefooting or balance.

Donot mowexcessivelysteepslopes.
Donot mowon wet grass.Reduced

footing could causeslipping.

III. CHILDREN

Tragicaccidentscanoccurifthe opera-
tor is notalertto the presenceofchil-

drem Childrenereoftenattractedto the
mowerandtothemowingactivity.

Neverassumethatchildrenwill remain
whereyoulastsewthem.

1. Keepchildren out of themowing
areaand underthe watchful careof

a responsibleadult.

2. Bealertandturn moweroff ifchil-
dren enterthearea.

3. Beforeandwhile moving backwards,
look behindand downfor small
children.

4. Neverallow children to 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

fuelwhenthe engineis running.
Allowengineto cool beforerefu-

eling.Do notsmoke.

c) Neverrefuelthe machine

indoors.

d)

e)

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 plugwire and keepthe

wireawayfrom the plugto prevent
accidentalstarting.

4. Keepall nuts and bolts,especially

the bladeattachmentbolts, tight and

keepequipmentingoodcondition.

5. Nevertamperwith safetydevices.
Checktheir operationregularly.

,

Keepmowerfreeof grass,leavesor
otherdebrisbuild-up. Cleanupoil or

fuel spillage.Allowmowerto cool

beforestoring.

7,

After striking anobject, stop theen-

gineand disconnectthe spark plug
wire. Inspectthe mowerand 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.

2

Section1:Safety

10. Mower bladesaresharpandcan
cut. Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,

and useextracautionwhen servic-
ing them.

11. Donot changethe enginegovernor
settingor overspeedtheengine.

12. Donot touchenginepartswhich
may behot from operation.Allow

parts to coolcompletelybeforein-
specting,cleaningor repairingthe

mower,

13.

14.

15.

To accessthe undersideof the

mower,tip the mower rearward.Do
nottip the mowerforward or onei-

ther of itssides,unlessspecifically

advisedto do so in thismanual.
Maintainor replacesafetyand in-

structionaldecals. Referto thesep-
aratePartsCatalogfor replacement

decalinformation.
Forunitsequippedwith electric

start:

a) Batteriesproduceexplosive

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

theareawhenchargingthe bat-
tery.Donotchargethebatteryin
anairtight space.

b) Donot usea batterycharger

otherthanthe one providedwith

the mower.

c) The battery containstoxic mate-

rials. Do notdamagethe battery
case.If the caseis brokenor

damaged,avoidcontactwith the
batterycontents.

d) Properlydisposeof adamaged

or worn out battery.Checkwith
localauthorities for properdis-

posalmethods.

e) Donotshort circuit the battery.

Severeburnsandfire canresult.

SAFETYDECALS

Makecertainall safetydecalsonthis equipmentarekeptcleanand in goodcondition. Thedecalsareshown (at reducedsizes)
below. If you needareplacementdecal,pleasereferto the PartsCatalogthataccompaniedthis Manual.

CAUTION

Ontop, rearof engineplatform

OnControlPanel(forelectricstartmodel)

Beneathbelt/pulley

cover

DANGER

Onleft sideof

mowerdeck

OnControlPanel(for recoilstartmodel)

Ondischargechute

3

4

ASSEMBLYSTEPS

To preventpersonalinjuryor property

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

complete and you have read and
understand the safety, controls and

operatinginstructionsinthismanual.

INTRODUCTION

Pleasecarefullyfollow theseassembly

stepsto properly prepareyour machine
for use. We recommendthatyou read
this Sectioninits entiretybefore begin-

ningassembly.

NOTE:All referencesto left, right,front

andrearof the machineare determined

bystandingbehindthe handlebarsand
facing the directionof forward travel.

INSPECTION AFTER DELIVERY

inspectthe shipping crateand machine

immediatelyafter delivery. Makesure

neitherthe carton northe contentshave

beendamaged.

ifyoufind or suspectanydamage,con-
tact thecarrier(trucking company)

immediately. Inform themof thespecific

damageandthatyou wishto 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 needanyassistance.

STEP1: Unpacking Mower

NOTE:LEFTandRIGHTsidesof the unit

areasviewedfrom the operator'sposi-
tion behindthe handlebars.

1. Cutstraps, if present,securingunit
to pallet. Leaveuniton palletduring as-

sembly(to safelyremoveunit from pal-

let,wait until you havecompletedas-

semblysteps1-4).

2. Removeany protectivepackaging
from aroundthehandlebars.Cutthe

plastictie straps holdingthe control rods

and struts tothe handlebars.

STEP2: Attach Handlebars
to Engine Deck

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

enginedeck. Atthefactory,two of these
screws (front) arethreadeddirectly into

lock nutsweldedto thebacksidesof the

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

1. Removeandsavethetwo5/16"-18x
3/4"screws (front) mentionedin the

NOTEabove.

2. Carefullypivotthe handlebarsover
theengineand positionthe handlebar

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

dlebarsto rubagainsttheenginewhile

pivotingthem.

3. Looselysecuretheright-handhandle-

TOOLS/MATERIALSNEEDED: barendto thedeck 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) whichsecuresthe con-

soleto the handlebaron the left-hand

• Needle-nosePliers sideof the unit.

• TireGauge

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

Figure2-1) on theINSIDEof 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 holeinthe handlebarend. Secure
thestrut andhandlebarto the deckwith

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

removedearlier.

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

barendto thedeck.and repeat4-7 on

the right-handside of theunit.

9. Onbothsidesof theunit, securely

tighten thescrews(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 large plasticconnectorand

two wires attachedtoa smallplastic
connector.

Section2: Assembly

2. Plugthe largeconnectorinto the bot-
tom of the ignitionkeyswitchthat 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)wireinto

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 (')

Bed

(Positive =

Lead)

(+) U

Figure2-3: Connectwireterminalsto
batteryterminals,

W

Figure2-4: AttachwireharnesswithJ-

clips.

Chargebattery only with chargersup-
pliedwith machine.Donotshortcircuit

batterywires. Removeanyjewelrybe-
fore workingon or nearthe batteryor

electricstartsystem.

Failure to follow these instructions

couldresultin 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,the enginecanbestarted
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 batteryceils can

result.

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

from the wireharnessbelowthe handle-
barconsole.

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

tor on thewire harness(T).

Togrounded

wall outlet

Figure2-5

Controlrodsare 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. Plugthebattery chargerinto a120V

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

4. Chargebatteryfor 24-48 hours.

5. After charging,unplugbattery

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 hairpinclipwhich 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).

W

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

Figure2-6: Left-handcontrolrodsdetail.

Section2: Assembly

BB

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, insertswivel block (G,

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

2. Addone5/16"washerandsecure

with hairpinclip.

C. AttachBladeDriveControlRod

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

intobladedrive bracket(D, Figure2-7).

Addone 5/16"washerandattach with

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 steps is se-

curedtothe rearof themowerwith two
screws(0, Figure2-7) and 1/4"-20 lock-

nuts.Removethe retainingplateand

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

1. Removethevinyl grip (B, Figure2-8)

from the gearselectlever(I). Placethe
woodedgeagainsttheedgeof thegrip

andslowly pull off the grip.

W,_

L

AA

E_ t_ _ --C

-

] cc

! I ' ,

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

Figure2-7: Rearviewof controlrods.

Z

K

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. Slidespring and washers(J) down

onto gearselectlever.

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

(L).Guidepin (K)ongearselectleverinto

groovein shiftquadrant(P).

5. Holdlowerpartof gearselectlever
(I, Figure2-9) againstbracket(M).

Positionretainingplate(N),removed

earlier,as shown inFigure2-9 (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)clockwiseuntilspur (K - short

rod) ongearselectrod stops in the neu-

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

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

sideto side as necessaryintoeach
transmissiongeardetentuntiltransmis-
sion isinneutral.

NOTE:Movingshift arm(X) allthe way

to theleft,andthenonenotch backto
theright, shouldputtransmissioninto

neutral.Whentransmissionisin neutral,
unitwill movefreelywhenpushedwhile
holdingtheOperatorPresenceControl

lever(W, Figure2-7) down. If transmis-

sion isNOTinneutral,therewill bea
slight dragonthe wheelswhenpushing

unit.

9. Whenshift arm (X) is in neutralposi-

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

of shift link (P)asnecessaryto fit into

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

mustbeheld in theneutralposition

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

adjusted.

10. Inserthookedendof shift link(P,
Figure2-9)into holein 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) and pushunit forward
andbackward.Thewheelsshouldmove

freely. If not, adjustlengthof 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 result if this instruction

is notfollowed.

; r'

I ._1 I

; ,f o ;

I I

J =

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

x

Figure2-9: Detail- TransmissionNeutralAdjustment.

13. Putthe GearSelectLeverin neutral

(N), releaseall of thecontrol leversand

try to pushthe unitforward andback-

ward. The wheelsshould notturn. If

they do turn,anadjustment isneces-

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 wireis con-

nectedto sparkplug beforestarting 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 sectiondescribesthe various

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
therearwheelbrakeandtheseparate
BladeDriveControl. Alwaysengagethis

control beforeengagingthe separate
bladedrive or wheeldrivecontrols.

Alwaysdisengagethis controlbefore
startingtheengine.

ToengagetheOperatorPresence

Control,pressandhold theleveragainst
thehandlebargrip. Doingso releases
thebrakeon the rearwheels,allowing

thewheelsto turn.Theengagedposition
alsopermitsthe separateBladeDrive

Controlto lock in its engagedposition
(allowsthe mowerbladesto turn).

Releasingthe lever (disengaged

position) appliestherearwheelbrake
andquicklystopsthewheels.Releasing

the leverwill alsodisengagethe Blade

DriveControl,which will applya brake

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 the engagedposition.

Tostop the blades,releasethe

OperatorPresenceControl(A). Doingso

will disengagethe BladeDriveControl

(B)and automaticallyapplythe brake

that stops the blades.

Alwaysdisengagethe BladeDrive
Controlbeforestartingtheengine. This
helpsto ensurethatthe bladeswill not

startturningwhen the enginestarts.

The blade-brake-clutchcontrolsystem
shouldstop the mower blades within

three (3) secondsafter release of the
OperatorPresenceControl.

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

Control in the STOP position.

Disconnectthe sparkplug wire and do

not operatethe moweruntilthe blade-
brake-clutchcontrol systemhas been

repaired.

B- BLADE

DRIVECONTROL

Disengage

Engage

C- GEAR

SELECTLEVER

A- OPERATOR

PRESENCECONTROL

Disengage

Engage

Figure3-1

Section3: FeaturesandControls

Operating Symbols Varioussymbolsare usedon the mowerto indicatecontrol settings(your model maynot haveall of the

symbols).Thesesymbolsareshown belowwith 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 and 3 - Medium,4 - Fast),N

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

Toavoiddamagingthetransmis-

sion,donotshiftgearswhenthe
mowerismoving.

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

positionand releasethe lever.

Putthe leverin N(neutral)to manu-
allypushthe mowerand whenthe

mower is not in use.

Figure3-2:
Shiftpattern

onconsole.

Wheel Drive Control

Usethis lever(D, Figure3-3) to en-
gageand disengagedriveto thewheels.

Toengagethe wheels,first selecta
forwardor reversegearwith the Gear

SelectLeverandsqueezetheOperator
PresenceControl(A, Figure3-3). Then,

squeezethe Wheel DriveControllever
(D)againstthehandlebargrip. The

groundspeedcanbevariedbyincreas-
ing or decreasingpressureonthelever.

Toavoidsuddenacceleration, slowly
squeezetheleverwhenfirstengaging

thewheels.

Releasethe WheelDriveControlto
disengagethewheels.Thewheelswill

graduallyslowto astop. NOTE:Tostop
thewheelsquickly, releasethe Operator

PresenceControlalong withtheWheel
DriveControl.

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

wheelswill notstartturning 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

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-

trated) onthe right side of the mower
deckshow the cutting 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 placewhenusingtheunit asa

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.

Figure3-5

Section3: FeaturesandControls

EngineThrottle Control

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

settingfor bestmower performance.

Thethrottlesettingsare shown below.

I_1 CHOKE-Usewhen

startinga coldengine.

H- IGNITION/STARTER

SWITCH

G- THROTTLECONTROL

FAST- Use during mower

operation.

_ure3-6

m_It-SLOW- Usewhenidling

engine.

"_ STOP- Stopsengine.

Ignition/Starter Switch -
(Electric Start Model)

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

engineon electricstart models. Theig-
nition keysettingsareshown below.Do

notturn the keyuntilyou havereadthe
OperationSectionin this Manual.

Alwaysremoveignition keywhen
leavingmower unattendedor whenin-

specting,cleaningor servicingmower.

'_ STOP- Stopsengine.

(_ RUN- After starting, key

returnsto run position.

45

Engine Recoil Starter

Therecoilstarter (I, Figure3-7) is

usedto "pull-start" theengine. Detailed
instructionsfor usingthe recoil starter

arefound in the OperationSectionof this

Manualandinthe EngineOwner's
Manual.Do notpull the recoilstarter

untilyou havereadthe Operation
Section.

Figure3-7

,/

START - Starts engine.
Release key when engine
starts.

lO

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 wiredisconnected
from the spark plug,performthefollow-

ing checksand servicesbeforeeachuse:

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

ual. ReadtheseparateEngineOwner's
Manualprovidedwith the unit.

2.Checkunit for looseor missing hard-
ware.Tightenor replaceasneeded.

3.With the uniton levelground,check
theengineoil levelaccordingto the

instructionsinthe EngineOwner's
Manual. Theoil levelshouldbe atthe

FULLmarkon the dipstick or upto the

top ofthe oilfill holeon engineswith-
out a dipstick.

4. Checkall leversfor freedomof move-
ment.Readjustor repairas needed

beforestarting engine.

5.Checkthatall guardsandshieldsare
in placeand properlysecured.

6. inspecttheareato mowedandre-
moveanydebriswhich couldbe

pickedup andthrown bythe mower
blades.

7.Checkthatthe mulchercoveris prop-

erly installedinthe dischargeopening

(seeinstructions in thisSection).
Removethe mulchercoverto usethe

side-dischargemowingfeature.

8. Onelectricstart models,checkthat
all wiring connectionsare cleanand

tight.

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

equally.

GASOLINEIS HIGHLYFLAMMABLEAND
ITS VAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.TOhelp
preventseverepersonalinjuryor prop-

ertydamage:

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

in the separate Engine Owner's
Manual.

• Neverremovethe gasolinefill 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 tank andfuel

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,clothesdryers,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. Donot
checkfuel level or addfuelwhile in-

doorsor if engineis running orhot.

Allow engineto cool for three(3)

minutes. Fillthe tank withfresh,

11.

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

mix oil with gasoline.Donot use
gasolinewhichcontainsMethanol.

Seethe EngineOwner'sManualfor
instructionsand precautionsregard-

ing the useof gasolinesthat are
blendedwith alcoholsor ethers

(calledoxygenatedor reformulated
gasolines). Securelyreplacecapson

fuel tankandfuel container.
Attachspark plugwire to 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. Adjustthe cutting height from 1 to4
inchesbyrotatingtheCuttingHeight

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

wiseto lowerthe height. Notethat ac-
tualcutting heightswill vary according

to grassand soil conditions. A decaland

pointeron the rightside of the mower

deckindicatesthe heightsetting.

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

settingandthen makea secondcut at
thedesiredheight. In rough terrain,a

highersetting is recommendedasit will
minimizethe chancesof the bladestrik-

ingtheground or hiddenobstructions.

11