CRAFTSMAN Push Mower Instruction Manual

CRAFTSMAN Push Mower

CRAFTSMAN Push Mower

MOWERModel Nos.CMXGMAM2703840CMXGMAM1125499CMXGMAM7815137CMXGMAM7815145CMXGMAM1125500

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, CONTACT US. SI TIENE DUDAS O COMENTARIOS, CONTÁCTENOS.1-888-331-4569WWW.CRAFTSMAN.COM

WARNING!Before using this equipment, read the manual and follow all safety rules and operating instructions. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Features may vary by model. Not all features in this manual are applicable to all models and the model depicted may differ from yours.

Form No. 769-19750(December 13, 2018)

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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!

WARNING!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 debris. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

WARNING!CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

GENERAL OPERATION

• Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety before 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 of this machine before operating it.
• This machine is a precision piece of power equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise extreme caution at all times. This machine has been designed to perform one job: to mow the grass. Do not use it for any other purpose.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 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 rules of safe operation should be allowed to use this machine.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be 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 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, stay in the operator zone behind handles and keep children, bystanders, helpers, and pets at least 75 feet from the mower while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during 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 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 cutting deck. Contact with a blade can amputate fingers, hands, toes, and feet.
• A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.
• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being pulled 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 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: a. Step back from the mower to fully extend your arms forward. b. Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing. c. Pull the mower back slowly, no more than halfway toward you. d. Repeat these steps as needed.
• Do not operate the mower while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on machines so equipped while starting the engine.
• The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt 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 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 run.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally, stop 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 a complete stop before removing the grass Bagger 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 the mower without a proper trail shield, discharge cover, grass Bagger, blade control handle, or other safety protective devices in place and working. Never operate the 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 not touch.
• Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height adjustment while the engine is running.
• Only use parts and accessories made for this machine by the manufacturer. Failure to do so can result in personal injury.
• When starting the engine, pull the 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.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care, and good judgment.

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. The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill. Be prepared to maintain control of the machine. 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 to avoid loss of control.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes; turn uphill not down.
• Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps 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 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, because you could lose your footing or balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope guide.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause 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 the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn the mower off if a child enters the area.
• Before and while moving backward, look behind and down for small children.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners, 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 suffer burns from a hot muffler.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this 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.

SERVICE

Safe Handling of Gasoline:To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme 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.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or trailer 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 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 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 of ignition.
• Never fuel machine indoors because flammable vapors will accumulate in the area.
• Never remove the gas cap or add fuel while the engine is hot or running. Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
• Never over-fill fuel tank. To allow for expansion of the fuel, do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
• Replace the gasoline cap and tighten securely.
• If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move the machine to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine.
• Never store the machine or fuel container near an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer, or other gas appliances.
• To reduce fire hazards, keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel soaked debris.
• Allow the machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.

General Service:

• Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
• 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 manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade only. Use of parts that 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 wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect 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 adjustment while the engine is running.
• Grass Bagger components, discharge cover, and trail shield 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 them immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only. Use of parts that 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 the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
• Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
• Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
• Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper disposal of fluids and materials can harm the environment.
• 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 have the machine inspected annually by a qualified 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.

DO NOT MODIFY THE ENGINE

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify the 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 the factory setting of the engine governor.

NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS

Engines that 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), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) and Three-Way Catalyst  (TWC) if so equipped. 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 arrestor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).

If a spark arrestor 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 arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest Parts and Repair Service Center. For location and purchase information call 1-888-331-4569.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine before attempting to assemble and operate.

Symbol	Description
	READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate
	DANGER — ROTATING BLADESTo reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover or grass bagger is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
	DANGER—BYSTANDERSDo not mow when children or others are around.
	DANGER — HAND/ FOOT CUTKeep hands and feet away from rotating parts.
	DANGER — THROWN DEBRISRemove objects that can be thrown by the blade in any direction. Wear safety glasses.
	DANGER — SLOPESUse extra caution on slopes. The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill. Be prepared to maintain control of the machine. To avoid loss of control, operate across slopes, not up and down. When turning, turn uphill, not down. Do not operate on slopes greater than 15°.
	WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLEAllow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
	WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDENever run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
	WARNING— HOT SURFACEEngine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine and muffler to cool before touching.

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.SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

SLOPE GAUGE

 

USE THIS SLOPE GAUGE TO DETERMINE IF A SLOPE IS TOO STEEP FOR SAFE OPERATION!To check the slope, proceed as follows:1. Remove this page and fold along the dashed line.2. Locate a vertical object on or behind the slope (e.g. a pole, building, fence, tree, etc.)3. Align either side of the slope gauge with the object (See Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).4. Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).5. If there is a gap below the gauge, the slope is too steep for safe operation (See Figure 2 above).

WARNING!Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury or death.The machine is heavy and can speed up when going downhill. Be prepared to maintain control of the machine. To avoid loss of control, operate across slopes, not up and down.  When turning, turn uphill, not down. Do not operate the machine on slopes in excess of 15 degrees.

ASSEMBLY

IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the Operation section of the Engine  Operator’s Manual before starting or running your machine.NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the lawn mower is observed from the operating position.UnpackingOpening Carton1. Cut each corner of the carton vertically from top to bottom.2. Remove all loose parts.3. Remove loose packing material.Removing Unit From Carton1. Lift unit from the rear to detach it from underlying carton material and roll unit out of carton.2. Check carton thoroughly for any other loose parts.Loose Parts In Carton• Grass Catcher• Side Discharge Cover• Engine OilAssemblyAttaching The Handle1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles.a. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts handle as shown in Figure 1.Do not loosen or remove adjacent hex head screws.

b. While stabilizing the mower so it doesn’t move, pivot the upper handles up as shown in Figure 2. Do not crimp the cable while lifting the handle up.

Figure 2

2. Remove T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3.

3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly:a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower handle (shown inFigure 3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket.See Figure 4.NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not pull handle all the way out.b. Insert the T-bolts removed in Step 2 through the handle brackets and lower handle and tighten securely to secure the handle in place.See Figure 4.

c. Reattach wing nuts and carriage bolts removed in Step 1 into lower holes of handle as shown in Figure 5.4. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. Refer to Figure 6.

a. Hold blade control against upper handle.b. Slowly pull starter rope handle from the engine and slip starter rope into the rope guide. See Figure 6.c. Tighten rope guide wing knob.d. Use cable ties to secure blade control cable to lower handle.

Attaching the Grass Catcher1. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher. Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside).a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is at the bottom.b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Figure 7.2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher:a. Lift rear discharge door.

ADJUSTMENTS

b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown inFigure 8. Let go of the discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcherTo remove the grass catcher, lift the rear discharge door on the mower. Lift grass catcher up and off the slots in the handle brackets. Release rear discharge door to allow it to close the rear opening of the mower.

Attaching Side Discharge Cover

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher is off of the unit and rear discharge door is closed.1. On the side of the mower, lift the mulch cover. See Figure 9.2. Slide two hooks of side discharge cover under hinge pin on mulching cover assembly. Lower mulching cover. Do not remove side mulching cover at any time, even when you are not mulching.

Adjustments Cutting Height

There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the front and rear right wheel.1. Pull the height adjustment lever outward towards the wheel (the unit will tend to fall when the lever is moved outward). See Figure 10.2. Move the lever to the desired position for a change in cutting height. See Figure 10.3. Release lever towards the deck.IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same position. For rough or uneven lawns, move each height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will prevent you from cutting the grass too close to the ground.

Handle Pitch (If Equipped)For the convenience of operation, you may adjust the pitch of the handle as follows:1. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from handle. See Figure 11.2. Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most comfortable. See Figure 11 inset.3. Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts removed in Step 1.

OPERATION

 

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 the engine and blade.

WARNING!This blade control is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operation.

Cutting Height Adjustment LeverOne adjustment lever is located on the right rear wheel and one is located on the right front wheel. Both levers have to be at the same position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the Assembly Section.Deck Wash (If Equipped)Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system. Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside.Mulch Cover (If Equipped)The mulch cover is used for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the side discharge chute, some mower models have the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

Side Discharge CoverYour mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions on page 9 in the Assembly section to attach the side discharge cover.

WARNING!Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on the cutting deck. Refer to the warning label on the unit.Grass Catcher (If Equipped)The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is full, remove it up through the handles and empty it before any further mowing.Trail ShieldThe trailing shield is attached to the rear of the mower and is there to protect the operator from flying debris. Do not use the mower unless the shield is fully functional and in place.Recoil StarterThe recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Meets ANSI Safety StandardsCraftsman Lawn Mowers conform to the safety standard of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

GAS AND OIL FILL-UPIMPORTANT: Refer to the separate Engine Operator’s Manual for additional engine information.This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in this section before starting or running your machine.1. Add provided oil before starting mower for the first time.2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate Engine Operator’s Manual.

WARNINGUse 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.

To Start Engine

WARNINGBe sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawnmower 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 lawnmower.

Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for instructions on starting and stopping the engine.

WARNINGKeep a firm grip on the starter cord handle to prevent rapid retraction of starter cord (kickback). Rapid retraction can pull hand and arm toward engine faster than you can let go, and result in broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains.

To Stop Engine1. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

WARNINGWait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or removing the grass catcher.

Using as MulcherFor mulching grass, remove the grass catcher or side discharge chute from the mower. When you remove the grass catcher from the mower, the rear discharge door will close.  When you remove the side discharge chute, the mulching cover will close. 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 (If Equipped)You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.1. Attach grass catcher following instructions on page 8 in the Assembly section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower until grass bag is full.2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNINGIf you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Disconnect the spark plug wire, 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.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

WARNINGBefore performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting.

Follow the maintenance schedule given below. This chart describes service guidelines only. Use the Service Log column to keep track of completed maintenance tasks. To locate the nearest Service Center or to schedule service, call the following toll free number:1-888-331-4569. See the Engine Operator’s manual packed with the mower for detailed instructions on how to perform many of the following maintenance items.

Interval	Item	Service	Service Log
Each Use	Engine oil level	1. Check
2.Loose or missing hardware	2. Tighten or replace
3. Air cleaner	3. Check
4. Unit and engine	4. Clean
1st Month or 5 hours	Engine oil	1.Change
Annually or 25 hours	Air cleaner *	Clean
2. Control linkages/pivots and wheels	2. Lube with light oil
3. Underside of mower deck	3.Clean
Annually or 50 hours	Engine oil	Change
Annually	Spark plug	Replace
	2. Air Cleaner	2. Replace
Before Storage	Fuel system	Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel, or add stabilizer to a full tank of fresh fuel prior to storage.

* Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne debris is present. Replace air cleaner if very dirty.

WARNINGAlways stop engine, allow engine to cool, disconnect spark plug wire, and ground against engine before performing any type of maintenance on your machine.

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 equipment 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.

LubricationBlade ControlLubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with light oil. This control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 13.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE

Engine MaintenanceRefer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your mower for a detailed description of all engine-related service specifications.Clean Engine• Daily or before every use, clean grass, chaff or accumulated debris from engine. Keep linkage, spring, and controls clean. Keep area around and behind muffler free of any combustible debris.• Keeping engine clean allows air movement around engine.• Engine parts should be kept clean to reduce the risk of overheating and ignition of accumulated debris.

CAUTIONDo not use water to clean engine parts. Water could contaminate fuel system. Use a brush or dry cloth.

Mower MaintenanceCleaning DeckClean underside of the mower deck once a season to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for this job.1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing, keeping the muffler side down. Hold mower firmly.

WARNINGNever 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.Deck Wash (If Equipped)Your mower’s deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part of its deck wash system.Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following steps AFTER EACHMOWING:1. Push the mower to a level, clear location on your lawn, near enough for your garden hose to reach. Remove the grass bag if attached.

CAUTIONMake certain the mower’s discharge chute is directed AWAY from your house, garage, parked cars, etc.

2. Remove the fast attach deck wash nozzle from the mower deck and thread it onto the end of your garden hose.3. Attach garden hose with the deck wash nozzle to the water port on your deck’s surface. See Figure 14.4. Turn the water ON.5. Start the engine as described in the Operation section.6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.8. Turn the water OFF and detach the deck wash nozzle from the water port on your deck’s surface.After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine and blade running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry

Blade Care

WARNINGWhen removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.2. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.3. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 15.4. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.5. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.

WARNINGAn unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury.

6. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter  such that the side of the blade marked “Grass Side” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. See Figure 15 inset.7. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.8. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.).To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

WARNINGNever store lawn mower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly ventilated areas where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark, or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or gas appliance.

Preparing The EngineFor engines stored over 30 days:• To prevent gum from forming in fuel system or on carburetor parts, run engine until it stops from lack of fuel or add a gasoline additive to the gas in the tank. If you use a gas additive, run the engine for several minutes to circulate the additive through the carburetor.• An oil change is not required but if you desire to change the oil then change while the engine is warm.• Clean engine of surface debris.

Preparing The Lawn Mower• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.• Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.

WARNINGWhen handling the cutting blade, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

• Refer to Preparing the Engine for correct engine storage instructions.• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn mower before storage.Battery• The battery must be stored with a full charge. Extended storage of a discharged battery will reduce life and capacity of the battery. For optimal battery life, charge the battery once per month while in storage.• Remove electric start push key and keep in a safe place out of the reach of children.

TROUBLESHOOTING

WARNINGDisconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent unintended starting. Before performing any type of maintenance/service, disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while performing any adjustments or repairs.

This section addresses minor service issues. To locate the nearest Service Center or to schedule service, call the following toll free number: 1-888-331-4569.

Problem	Cause	Remedy
Engine fails to start	1.Blade control disengaged.2.Spark plug boot disconnected.3.Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.4.Engine not primed (If equipped with primer).5.Faulty spark plug.6.Engine flooded.7.Blocked fuel line.	1.Engage blade control.2.Connect wire to spark boot.3.Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.4.Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.5.Clean, adjust gap, or replace.6.Wait a few minutes to restart.7.Contact your Parts & Repair Center to have fuel line cleaned.
Engine runs erratic	1.Spark plug boot loose.2.Stale fuel.3.Vent in gas cap plugged.4.Water or dirt in fuel system.5.Dirty air cleaner.6.Blocked fuel line.	1.Connect and tighten spark plug boot.2.Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.3.Clear vent.4.Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel. Refill with fresh fuel.5.Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance in the Engine Manual.6.Contact your Parts & Repair Center to have fuel line cleaned.
Engine overheats	1.Engine oil level low.2.Air flow restricted.	1.Fill crankcase with proper oil.2.Clean area around and on top of engine.
Occasional skips (hesitates)	1. Spark plug gap too close.	1. Adjust gap. Refer to Spark Plug Maintenance in Engine Manual.
Idles poorly	1.Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.2.Dirty air cleaner.	1.Reset gap or replace spark plug.2.Refer to Air Cleaner Maintenance in the Engine Manual.
Excessive vibration	1.Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.2.Bent cutting blade.	1.Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.2.Replace blade.
Mower will not mulch grass	1.Wet grass.2.Excessively high grass.3.Dull blade.	1.Do not mow when grass is wet wait until dry to cut.2.Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting path.3.Sharpen or replace blade.
Uneven cut	1.Wheels not positioned correctly.2.Dull blade.	1.Adjust cutting height lever on right front and right rear wheel to same position.2.Sharpen or replace blade.

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