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— answers from the official manualAnswers from the official manual.
Common questions
Common Questions
10 totalHow do I start the lawn mower if it has been cold?
Push the primer five times before attempting to start and hold the operator presence control bar down while pulling the starter handle quickly. In cooler weather, repeat priming steps may be necessary; wait a few minutes before trying again if you flood the engine (Page 6).
What do I do if my lawn mower won't start?
Ensure the fuel tank is full and that there's no water in it. Clean or replace the air filter, ensure spark plug wire is connected to the spark plug, check for a loose blade or broken blade adapter, and make sure the control bar is depressed against the handle (Page 13).
How often should I change the oil in my lawn mower?
Change the engine oil after the first two hours of operation, then every 25 hours or at least once a year if not used for 25 hours within one year (Page 9).
How do I adjust the cutting height on my lawn mower?
Squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel to move it up or down. Ensure all wheels are at the same setting and tighten them properly (Page 7).
What should I do if my mower blade becomes unbalanced?
Use a file or grinding wheel to sharpen an unbalanced mower blade, ensuring that it remains balanced during the process. If imbalance persists after sharpening, replace the blade (Page 10).
How do I maintain the air filter on my lawn mower?
Replace the air filter every year or as needed if using it in dusty conditions. Do not wash the air filter; clean only by brushing off dust from inside and outside of its cover (Page 8).
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Full Manual
14 pages

Owner's Manual
®
4.5 HORSEPOWER 20" SmDE DISCHARGE ROTARY LAWN MOWER
Model No. 917.387221
#### ,, Safety
CAUTRON: Read and follow all Safety Rules and Instructions before operating this equipment
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

Warranty 2 Product Specifications 11 Safety Rules 2 Service and Adjustments 13 Assembly 4 Storage 14 Operation 6 Troubleshooting 15 Maintenance Schedule 10 Repair Parts 32 Maintenance 10 Parts Ordering Back Cover
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN POWER MOWER For two years from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Lawn Mower is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up according to the operating and maintenance instructions in the owner's manual, Sears will repair free of charge any defect in material or workmanship. If this Craftsman Lawn Mower is used for commercial or rental purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from the date of purchase. This Warranty does not cover: ° Expendable items which become worn during normal use, such as rotary mower
blades, blade adapters, belts, air cleaners and spark plug.
. Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual,
Warranty service is available by returning the Craftsman power mower to the nearest Sears Service Center/Department in the United States. This warranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state° SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO., D/817 WA, HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILLINOIS 60179
TRAINING: ° Read this operator's manual carefully_
turer. Use of such attachments may be hazardous.
Become familiar with the controls and know how to operate your mower properly. Leam how to quickly stop mower.
o The blade turns when the engine is
running, PREPARATION:
= Do not allow children to use your mower. Never allow adults to use mower without proper instructions.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, especially small children and pets.
o Use mower only as the manufacturer intended and as described in this manual.
• Dress properly, Do not operate mower when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Wear only solid shoes with good traction when mowing.
° Do not operate mower if it has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Always have damage repaired before using your mower.
= Check fuel tank before starting engine. Do not fill gas tank indoors, when the engine is running or when the engine is
o Do not use accessory attachments that are not recommended by the manufac-

hot.Allowtheenginetocoolforseveral minutesbeforefillingthegastank,Clean offanyspilledgasolinebeforestartingthe engine.
o Never cut grass by pulling the mower towards you. Mow across the face of slopes, never up and down or you might lose your footing. Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Use caution when operating the mower on uneven terrain or when changing directions -- maintain good footing.
° Alwaysmakewheelheightadjustments beforestartingyourmower.Never attempttodothiswhiletheengineis running_
• Mowon_y in daylight or good artificial
• Never operate your mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or other safety devices in place.
lighL OPERATION:
###### MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
o Always keep a sharp blade on your mower.
CAUTION: Always disconnect spad_ plug wire and place wire where it cannot contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs. WARNING The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
° Do not run the engine indoors. Exhaust
fumes are dangerous.

Theseaccessorieswereavailablewhenthislawnmowerwasproduced.Theyarealso availableatmostSearsretailoutletsandservicecenters.MostSearsstorescanalso orderrepairpartsforyou,whenyouprovidethemodelnumberofyourlawnmower. Someoftheseaccessoriesmaynotapplytoyourlawnmower.
###### LAWN MOWER PERFORMANCE
CLIPPING DEFLECTOR _ _
FOR REAR DISCHARGE LAWN MOWERS MULCHER KITS STABIUZER
######## FOR t FOR
REAR DISCHARGE SIDE DISCHARGE
LAWN MOWERS LAWN MOWERS
GRASS CATCNERS GRASS CATCHERS
###### GAS CANS LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE
UFFLERS AIR FILTERS SPARK PLUGS
BELTS BLADES BLADE ADAPTERS WHEELS ENGINE OIL
Read these instructions and this manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower. Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etco, necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.
• Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thoroughly for additional loose parts.
HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE iMPORTANT: Unfold handles carefully so as not to pinch or damage contol cables. o Raise handles until lower handle section
locks into place in mowing position.
° Remove protective padding, raise upper handle section into place on lower handle,and tighten both handle knobs.
TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON o Remove loose parts included with
= Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle_
mower.
= Cut down two end corners of carton and lay end panel down flat.
° Your fawn mower handle can be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "Adjust Handle" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual
= Remove all packing materials except padding between upper and lower

Operator presence control bar
Upper handle Lift up
Mowing position
Lower handle
KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER READ THIS OWNER'S MANUALAND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER, Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of vadous controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
............... ,,,,,,iH ,i,,,,,i _ .... ii ................ ........ These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their meaning,
CAUTION ENGINE ENGINE FAST SLOW CHOKE FUEL OiL DANGER, KEEP H._,.NDS OR WARNING ON OFF AND FEET AWAY
Engine zone control :_erator presence cable control bar
Upstop bracket Starter handle
knob
CabLe clip
cap
Engine oil cap with dipstick Primer
Housing
Mulcher
Wheel adjuster (on each wheel)
MEETS CPSC SAF_ REQUIREMENTS ........................................... Sears rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U,S_Consumer Product Safety Commission, The blade turns when the engine is running. Operator presence control bar- must be held down to the handle to start the engine, Release to stop the engine. Primer- pumps additional fuel from the carburetor to the cylinder for use when starting a cold engine,
,Starter handle- used for starting the engine, Mulcher plate - Located at the discharge opening must be removed when converting to bagging or discharging operation,
5

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 a wide vision safety mask over the spectacles or standard safety glasses°
= Lift discharge guard and remove mulcher plate.
o Mower can now be used for side discharging or optional grass catcher' can be attached.
• To retum to mulching operation, simply reinstall mulcher plate as shown.
CAUTION; Do not run your lawn mower without discharge guard, approved grass catcher or muicher plate in place.
ENGINE SPEED The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable,
__(a Mulcher
Plate
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL CAUTION: Federal regulationsrequirean engine controlto be installedon this lawn mower in orderto minimizethe riskofblade contact injury.Do not under any circumstances attemptto defeat thefunction ofthe operator control, The blade tums when the engine is running.
Tab BEFORE STARTING ENGINE OIL Your lawn mower is shipped without oilinthe engine_
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower_
= Be sure mower is level and area around oil fill is clean. ° Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to the full line on the dipstick.
Plate Tab
Lower Wheels for High Cut
° Use 20 ozs. of oil. For type and grade of oi! to use, see "ENGINE" in Customer Responsibilities section of this manual,
_Lever
o Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill
Raise Wheelsfor Low Cut
= Check oil level before each use. Add oi! if needed. Fillto full line on dipstick.
= To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap each time.
###### TO ADJUST CUTT1NG HEIGHT
• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
• Reinstall engine oit cap and tighten_
o Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium positionis best for most lawns.
° To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wfleel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.
GAS
• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline witl increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
NOTE: Adjuster is property positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.
Your lawn mower has been shipped ready for mulching operation. To convert to discharging or bagging operation:
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), use fresh, clean winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting. WARNING: Experience indicates that
TO CONVERT TO DISCHARGING MOWER Your mower isshipped ready to be used as a mulcher, To convert to bagging ordischarging:

alcoholblendedfuels(calledgasoholorusing ethanolormethanol)canattractmoisturewhich leadstoseparationandformationofacids duringstorage.Addicgascandamagethefuel systemofanenginewhileinstorage.Toavoid engineproblems,thefuelsystemshouldbe emptiedbeforestorageof30daysorlonger. Drainthegastank,starttheengineandletit rununtilthefuellinesandcarburetorareempty. Usefreshfue!nextseason.SeeStorage instructionsforadditionalinformation°Never useengineorcarburetorcleanerproductsin thefueltankorpermanentdamagemayoccur.
catchers will collect less grass° To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.
bIULCH?NG MOWING TIPS IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housingfree of built-up grass and trash. Clean underside of mower housing after each use. See "CLEANING" in CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES section ofthis manual. o The special mulchingblade wiltrecur the
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank filler neck, Do not overfill. Wipe off anyspilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. TO START ENGINE
grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades,
(5) times before trying to start. Use a firm push° This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes°
° Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet, Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes w_h the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn isthe early afternoon, At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area will not be exposed to the direct suno
• To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar. NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps° In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not starL If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades.
If the lawn isovergrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the
Gasoline _ler cap
engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and raise the rear of the lawn mower one wheel adjuster setting higher than the front.
Engine oil ,_, capwldipstick "4_"-. fi
MOWING TiPS o Under certain conditions, such as very tall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly..

MAINTENANCE"'SCHEDULE ___ ,,_o_ S ............... F'LL 'N DATES /__7_,y
AsYouCOMPLetE .... RE U RSERV,OE SERVICEDA.:
Check for Loose Fasteners _ i Clean!Inspect Grass Catcher
(if Equipped) 6/ _ ,, 6/ . L__
clean Under Ddve Cover{power-pr0pe!!edMowers} , _ , Check drive bell/pulleys
E (power..Pr0pe!!edMowers) _'4I Check/Sharpen!Replace Blade I _ a Lubrication Chart ,,, _ 6"' Clean BatterylRecharge i (Electric Start Mowers) ........ i ..................... _ .........6'r4
E Check,Engine Oil Level _#'
G clean Air Rler
I InspectMuffler N clean or Replace Spark Plug E Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge _e'2
##### LUBRICATION CHART
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments if] the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season, • Once a year', replace the spark plug,
(_ Wheel adjuster (_ Engine oil
_) Brake spring
clean or replace air filter element and check blade for wear° A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.
bracket (_) Discharge
(_ Handle bracket mounting pin
guard hinge pin
= Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual BEFORE EACH USE o Check engine oil level.
Sray lubricant (_) Refer to CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES "ENGINE" section_
= Check for loose fasteners. LUBRICATION
IMPORTANT; Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART")

: RODUCT SPECnFnCATaONS MODEL NUMBER 917.387221 SERIAL NUMBER DATE OF PURCHASE HORSEPOWER: 4°5 DISPLACEMENT: 11°5 CUo IN. GASOLINE CAPACITY/TYPE: 1.5 QUARTS
UNLEADED REGULAR OIL TYPE (API-SF/SG/SH): SAE 30 (ABOVE 32°F)
SAE 5W-30 (BELOW 32°F) OIL CAPACITY: 20 OZSo SPARK PLUG(GAP: ,030") CHAMPION J19LM VALVECLEARANCE: INTAKE: .004 - .008
EXHAUST: .-O04- .008
SOLID STATE IGNITION AIR GAP: .0125 IN. BLADE BOLT TORQUE: 35-40 FT. LBS.
The model and serial numbers wilt be found on a decal attached to the rear of the lawn mower housing_Record both serial number and date of purchase in space provided above°
o Remove blade and attaching hardware
LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. TIRES ,, Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect
(bolt,lock washer and hardened washer). NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key insidehub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged° TO REPLACE BLADE
control chemicals which can harm rubber.
= Avoid stumps, stones, deep r'u'ts,sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
= Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft° Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.
BLADE CARE For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. TO REMOVE BLADE o Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug
and place wire where itcannot come in contact with spark phg_
,, Instal! the btade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft,
. Turn lawn mower on itsside. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up_
. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.
= The recommended tightening torque is35_
40 ft, tbs. iMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat treated.
o Remove blade bolt by turning counterclockwise. Use a 9/16" box or open-end wrench.

NOTE:Wedonotrecommendsharpening
SAE VISCOS f'_" GRADES
blade-butifyoudo,besurethebladeis balanced. Crankshaft
Blade keyway
_PEF_TURE RANGE ANT IC_=ATED B-_FORE NEXT O_L CHANGE
Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oi!.
Changetheoilafterthefirsttwohoursofoperation and every25 hoursthereafteror'at leastoncea yearifthe lawnmower isnot usedfor 25 hoursin oneyear.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use.,Tighten oi! plug securely each time you check the oil level TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
washer edge adapter' Lock washer
TO SHARPEN BLADE Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced° An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine_ o The blade can be sharpened with a file
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower'to drain oil, d_ainfuel tank by running engine until fuel tank isempty.
° Disconnect spark plug wire fi'omspark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug_
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 nai!. If blade is balanced, it should remain in
= Wipe off any spilled oil on lawn mower and on side of engine.
a horizontal position. If either' end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced_
= Fillengine with oil Fill only to the "FULL" line on the dipstick. DO NOT OVER FILL.
• Replace engine oil cap. ° Reconnect spark plug wire to spark plug.
GRASS CATCHER (If purchased as an accessory) o The grass catcher may be hosed with
water, but must be dry when used.
= Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. tf catcher needs replacing, replace only with a manufac-
Container
AIR FILTER Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air fitter_ Replace the air'filter every year, more often if you mow in very dusty, dirty conditions. Do not wash air filter. TO CHANGE AiR FILTER ° Remove the air filter by turning counter_
turer approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower model number
when ordering. ENGINE LUBRICATION Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SF,SG or SH, Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improvestarting in cold weather, these multi-v_scosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F.
clockwise to the stop and pull away from collar=
. Remove filter from inside of cover. ° Clean the inside of the cover and the collar
to remove any dirt accumulation. o Insert new filter into cover_

PutairfiltercoverandfilterintocoUar aligningthetabwiththeslot. Pushinoncoverandturnclockwiseto tighten.
CLEANBNG iMPORTANT: For best performance, keep mower housing free of built-up grass and trash. Clean the underside of your mower after each use. CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug ,, Clean the underside of your lawn mower by
;ol_ar Clip
Turn counter-
toremove
scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash_
Air filter
Tab Turn clockwise
= Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runshotter and shortens engine lifeo
to tighten Air filter cover
4UFFLER
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil,etc.
nspect and replace corroded muffler as it :ouldcreate a fire hazard and/or damage, _,PARK PLUG
o We do not recommend using a garden hose to clean lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.
;hange your spark plug each year to make tour engine start easier and runbetter. Set _parkplug gap at .030 inch°
###### 3AUTION: BEFORE PERFORMING ANY
TO ADJUST HANDLE Your lawn mower handle can be raised or
._ERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS: Release control bar. Make sure the blade and all moving
lowered foryour mowing comfort° Four (4) positions are available: high, medium high, medium low and lowo Handles are shipped mounted in the medium low position.
parts have completely stopped.
Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.
• To change from medium low to medium high position, the upper and lower handle sections will have to be turned over.
.AWN MOWER rO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT _ee "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the _)peration section of this manual. :{EAR DEFLECTOR Fhe rear deflector' attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize he possibility that objects will be thrown out of he rear of the mower into the operator "nowing position, tf the deflector becomes Jamaged, it should be replaced. )ISCHARGE GUARD ]'he discharge guard attached to the dis:harge opening of your lawn mower, is 3rovided to prevent the possibility of injury "esulting from objects being thrown out of the :tischarge opening into the operator mowing )osition. If the discharge guard becomes :lamaged, it should be replaced_
,, Remove the controls and operator presence control bar from the upper handle. ,, Remove the starter rope guide from the lower handle. o Remove hairpin cotters.
CAUTION: The operator presence control bar must pivot freely to permit blade brake engagement when control bar is released_ Do not overtighten the fasteners holding the controls to the upper handle.
11

Shipping position Medium low
Medium high
x_X_.
Squeeze toX'x_'x,X
Hairpin clip Mounting
###### bracket
ENGINE CARBURETOR Your carburetor has a non-adjustable fixed main jet for mixture control, if your engine does not operate properly due to suspected carburetor problems, take your lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and adjustment. ENGINE SPEED
Low
High
The engine speed has been factory seL Do not attempt to increase engine speed as it may result in personal injury° Ifyou believe the engine is running too fast or too slow, take your lawn mower to an authorized service center for repair and adjustment.
IMPORTANT; When folding the handle for storage or transportation, be sure to fold the handle as shown or you amy damage the control cables. o When setting up your handle from the
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit wilt not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER When lawn mower isto be stored for a period oftime, clean itthoroughly,remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.
storage position, the lower handle will automatically lock into the mowing position,
= Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" inthe Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
Lowerhandle
• Lubricate as shown in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual
Squeeze tc remove
Mounting Hairpin clip bracket
Operator presence control bar
HANDLE You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage. ° Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower
Upper handle--___."-'-'-J_ ,;//,_:'}
handle toward each other until the lower handle dears the handle bracket, then move handle forward.
..: _xf// Mowing " position
o Loosen upper handle mounting bolts enough to allow upper handle to be folded back.
Lower handle

ENGINE OIL Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual), CYLINDER
ENGINE FUELSYSTEM IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent
gum deposits from forming inessential fue! system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter, fuel hose, or tank during storage.. Also, experience
indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanot) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage, o Drain the fuel tank° ° Start the engine and let it run until the fuel
plug hole into cylinder.
• Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil,
another.
lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occurs,
° Use fresh fuel next season NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fue! gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container.. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container, Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor ifusing fuel stabilizer.
use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust.
IMPORTANT: Never cover mower while engine and exhaust areas are still warm° CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with
gasoline in the tank inside a building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.. Allow the engine to coo! before storing in any enclosure.
TROUBLESHOOTINGCHART
CAUSE
CORRECTION ,, Clean/replace air filter° ,, Fill fuel tank_ o Drain tank and refill with
PROBLEM Does not start
fresh clean fuel.
° Drain fuel tank and carburetor and refill tank with fresh gasoline, • Connect wire to plug.
!3

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART PROBLEM
###### CORRECTION
CAUSE o Rear oflawn mower housing
.o otpower
= Set to "Higher Cut"
###### pos_on.
cutting blade dragging heavy grass,
to"Higher Cut" position. Clean/replace air filter: Clean underside of mower
Cutt_g too much grass.
airfilter:
Buildup of grass, leaves, trash under mower:
housing. Checkoil level
much oil in engine, Walking speed too fast.
at slower walking speed.
all wheels at same height Clean underside of mower housing.
Worn, bent or loose blade.
###### cut- uneven
Wheet heights uneven=
Buildup of grass, leaves trash under mower.
,,,
###### ° Woml bent or toose bladei
_cessive Ab_ion
QContact an authorized service center,
engine crankshaft_
° Depress control bar to upper handle before pulling starter rope. Contact an authorized service center. Replace blade adapter, Move lawn mower to cut grass or to hard surface
rope hard
= Engine flywheet brake is on when control bar isreleased.
Bent engine crankshaft,
E_ladeadapter broken, Blade dragging in grass,
start engine.
° Raise cutting height. Replace blade, Clean grass catcher.
Cutting height too low, on blade wornoff. Catcher not venting air.
catcher
filling (if so _luipped)
. Raise cutting height.
Grass is too high or wheel height is too low. Rear of fawnmower
to push
Raise rear mower housing one (1) setting higher= Empty grass catcher. Adjust handle height to suit.
housingor blade dragging
grass. Grass catcher too full. Handle height pos_on not right for you,