DRIVE WHEELS
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.
GEAR CASE
•To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash
•The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.
GEAR CASE WITH METAL HOUSING:
•If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Premium 1 Grease, Part No. 750369. Do not substitute.
GEAR CASE WITH PLASTIC HOUSING:
•If lubricant is required, use only ELF Multis EP00. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
Read the maintenance section of your engine manual.
LUBRICATION
Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Refer to engine manual.
TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (SEE ENGINE MANUAL)
•Be sure lawn mower is on level surface.
•Oil will drain more freely when warm.
•Catch oil in a suitable container.
•For engines without dipstick, remove bottom oil drain plug.
•For engines with oil fill cap/dipstick, remove bottom drain plug or remove en- gine oil cap and turn mower on its side.
•After oil has drained completely, replace oil drain plug and tighten securely.
•Refill engine with oil. Pour slowly. Do not overfill.
•Fill to top of slot inside of filler hole or to “FULL” line on dipstick on models so equipped. Keep oil at proper level.
AIR FILTER
Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Clean the element after every 25 hours of operation or every season. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions. See the maintenance section of your engine manual.
MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.
SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Set spark plug gap according to engine manual specifications.
CLEANING
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of grass
•Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove buildup of grass and trash.
•Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
•Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean your lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter, and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can shorten engine life.
GRASS CATCHER (IF SO EQUIPPED) Grass catcher may be hosed with water but must be dry when used.
CAUTION: Under normal usage, the
catcher material is subject to deterioration and wear and should therefore be checked to ensure compliance with original manufacturer specifications.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR
FOR MULCHING -
•Rear mulcher plate installed and rear door closed.
•Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
•Rear mulcher plate removed.
•Grass catcher installed.
•Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
•Rear mulcher plate installed and rear door closed.
•Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without rear mulcher plate or plug in place or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.
GRASS CATCHER
(REAR BAGGING MODELS ONLY)
TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER
•Simply open rear door and lift grass catcher up and away from mower.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying. It will cause unnecessary wear. 
CAUTION: Under normal usage, the catcher material is subject to deterioration and wear and should, therefore, be checked frequently for replacement. Any replacement catcher should be checked to ensure compliance with original manufacturer's specifi cations.
CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower without the rear door, approved grass catcher or clipping deflector in place.
Never attempt to operate mower with the rear door removed or propped open.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR
Your lawn mower is equipped with an op- erator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle in order to start and operate the lawn mower.
CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.
DRIVE CONTROL
“STANDARD DRIVE” CONTROL
•
•Forward motion will stop when the op- erator presence control bar is released. To stop forward motion without stopping engine, release the operator presence control bar slightly until the drive control disengages. Hold operator presence control bar down against handle to con- tinue mowing without
•To keep drive control engaged when turning corners, push down on handle and lift front wheels off ground while turning lawn mower.
Drive control
TO ENGAGE DRIVE CONTROL
Operator presence control bar
DRIVE CONTROL DISENGAGED
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