OPERATION
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect |
control chemicals which can harm rub- |
ber. |
5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL
MODELS WITH REMOTE THROTTLE Engine speed is controlled by the throttle control located on the upper handle.
•Move lever forward to FAST engine speed for starting and better bagging.
•Move lever backward for SLOW engine speed.
•Some models have engines equipped with a choke feature. Move the lever all the way forward to the CHOKE position when starting a cold engine.
SLOW
FAST
CHOKE (START)
Remote throttle control
MODELS WITH FIXED SPEED ENGINES Engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Engine speed is not adjustable.
•Reinstall wheel components in the same order as they were before removal. Tighten securely.
•Make sure all wheels are at same height.
Flat washer
Wheel
Bolt
MODELS WITH “QUICK ADJUST” WHEEL HEIGHT ADJUSTERS NOTE: For shipping purposes, the rear wheels on your lawn mower may not be adjusted to the same position as the front wheels. Before operating mower adjust all wheels to the same cutting height.
•Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
•Adjust cutting height to suit your require- ments. Medium position is best for most lawns.
•To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9- position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp |
objects and other hazards that may |
cause tire damage. |
Blade adapter | Key | Crankshaft |
|
| keyway |
Lockwasher |
|
|
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2.Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3.Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4.Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.
5.Remove blade and attaching hard- ware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE
1. Position the blade adapter on the en- |
gine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter |
Blade |
|
|
Blade |
|
|
bolt Hardened |
|
|
washer | Trailing edge | Crankshaft |
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade
is balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.
•The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
DRIVE COVER
Clean under the drive cover at least twice a season. Scrape underside of cover with a putty knife or similar tool to remove any buildup of trash or grass.
DRIVE WHEELS
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Adjust cutting height to suit your require- ments. Medium position is best for most lawns. Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
MODELS WITH MANUAL ADJUST
•Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and reassemble in desired adjustment hole.
LEVER BACKWARD | Plate tab |
TO LOWER MOWER |
|
LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER Lever
| and crankshaft keyway are aligned. |
2. | Position blade on the blade adapter |
| aligning the two (2) holes in the blade |
| with the raised lugs on the adapter. |
3. | Be sure the trailing edge of blade (op- |
| posite sharp edge) is up toward the |
| engine. |
4. | Install the blade bolt with the lock |
| washer and hardened washer into |
| blade adapter and crankshaft. |
Check drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc. are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels.
If necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both drive wheels.
•If after cleaning, the drive wheels do not turn freely, contact your nearest autho- rized service center.
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