Poulan Lawn Mower 172782 User Manual

DELUXE PUSH ROTARY  
LAWN MOWER  
172782 Rev. 3 05.13.03 BY  
Printed in U.S.A.  
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II. SLOPE OPERATION  
IV. SERVICE  
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and  
other fuels. They are flammable and  
vapors are explosive.  
Slopes are a major factor related to slip  
and fall accidents which can result in  
severe injury. All slopes require extra cau-  
tion. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not  
mow it.  
- Use only an approved container.  
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel  
with the engine running. Allow engine  
to cool before refueling. Do not smoke.  
- Never refuel the machine indoors.  
- Never store the machine or fuel  
DO:  
• Mow across the face of slopes: never  
up and down. Exercise extreme caution  
when changing direction on slopes.  
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree  
limbs, etc.  
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall  
grass can hide obstacles.  
container inside where there is an  
open flame, such as a water heater.  
• Never run machine inside a closed area.  
• Never make adjustments or repairs with  
theengine(motor)running.Disconnectthe  
spark plug wire, and keep the wire away  
fromtheplugtopreventaccidentalstarting.  
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade  
attachment bolts, tight and keep equip-  
ment in good condition.  
DO NOT:  
• Do not trim near drop-offs, ditches or  
embankments. The operator could lose  
footing or balance.  
• Do not trim excessively steep slopes.  
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced foot-  
ing could cause slipping.  
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check  
their proper operation regularly.  
• Keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orother  
debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage.  
Allow machine to cool before storing.  
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you  
strike an object. Repair, if necessary,  
before restarting.  
• Neverattempttomakewheelheightadjust-  
ments while the engine (motor) is running.  
• Grass catcher components are subject  
to wear, damage, and deterioration,  
which could expose moving parts or  
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently  
check components and replace with  
manufacturer’s recommended parts,  
when necessary.  
III. CHILDREN  
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator  
is not alert to the presence of children.  
Children are often attracted to the machine  
and the mowing activity. Never assume  
that children will remain where you last  
saw them.  
• Keep children out of the trimming area  
and under the watchful care of another  
responsible adult.  
• Be alert and turn machine off if children  
enter the area.  
• Before and while walking backwards,  
look behind and down for small children.  
• Never allow children to operate the ma-  
chine.  
• Use extra care when approaching blind  
corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects  
that may obscure vision.  
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut.  
Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and  
use extra caution when servicing them.  
• Do not change the engine governor set-  
ting or overspeed the engine.  
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new Lawn Mower. It has been designed,  
engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and perfor-  
mance.  
Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your  
nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and  
the proper tools to service or repair this unit.  
• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you at-  
tempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to  
prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.  
Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those  
parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. 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.  
• All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have  
been placed in the parts bag.  
3
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TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON  
• Remove all loose parts from carton.  
• Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always  
wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.  
THINGS TO KNOW BEFOREYOU ASSEMBLE OR OPERATEYOUR LAWN  
MOWER  
Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn  
mower?  
What is the right and left side of the  
lawn mower?  
When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is  
mentioned in this manual, it means when  
you are in the operating position (standing  
behind the handle).  
Look for the grass discharge opening on  
your mower. If the opening is on the right  
side of the mower housing, it is a side  
discharge mower. If the opening is at the  
back of the mower housing, it is a rear dis-  
charge mower. Only rear discharge lawn  
mowers have a grass catcher included with  
the mower. Approved grass catchers for  
side discharge mowers may be purchased  
from your nearest authorized dealer.  
Do I have a mulching lawn mower?  
Look for the grass discharge opening on  
your mower. Raise the discharge guard  
(rear door on rear discharge mowers). If  
the opening is closed off by a plate, then  
your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To  
convert to a discharging mower, see the  
Operation section of this manual.  
What kind of engine is on my lawn  
mower?  
When learning how to operate your new  
lawn mower, you will need to know what  
kind of engine powers the mower. A decal  
on the engine will indicate the manu-  
facturer and type or brand name of the  
engine.  
BRIGGS & STRATTON ENGINES  
02579-briggs  
02579-briggs  
02583-bs_classic  
02585-bs_sprint  
FRONT  
02579-briggs  
02584-bs_quantum  
LEFT  
HAND  
SIDE  
RIGHT  
HAND  
SIDE  
TECUMSEH  
ENGINES  
HONDA  
ENGINES  
01737-honda  
®
BACK or REAR  
(Operating Position)  
ASSEMBLY  
HOW TO SET UPYOUR LAWN  
MOWER  
UNFOLD HANDLE  
IMPORTANT: Unfold handle carefully so  
as not to pinch or damage control cables.  
CAUTION: Do not operate this lawn  
mower without the discharge guard or an  
entire approved grass catcher in place.  
These guards are for your protection and  
are required by the American National  
Standards Institute and Consumer Prod-  
ucts Safety Commission.  
2 POSITION / “ADJUSTABLE” HANDLES  
• Raise handles until lower handle section  
locks into place in operating position.  
CAUTION: Disconnect spark plug wire  
from spark plug and place wire where it  
cannot come in contact with spark plug.  
4
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Operator presence  
control bar  
3 POSITION “QUICK” HANDLES  
• Raise lower handle section to operating  
position and squeeze the bottom ends  
of lower handle towards each other until  
the pin in handle can be inserted into  
one of the three height adjustment holes.  
Upper handle  
LIFT UP  
LIFT  
UP  
3 POSITION “QUICK”  
Handle pin  
SQUEEZE  
Mowing  
position  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
Lower handle  
3 POSITION “EURO” / “EZ” HANDLES  
• Raise lower handle section to operating  
position and align hole in handle with  
one of three height positioning holes.  
• Insert handle bolt through handle and  
bracket and secure with knob.  
ALL HANDLES  
• Repeat for opposite side of handle.  
• Raise upper handle section into place on  
lower handle, remove protective padding  
and tighten both handle knobs.  
3 POSITION “EURO”  
• Remove handle padding holding opera-  
tor presence control bar to upper handle.  
Your lawn mower handle can be ad-  
justed for your mowing comfort. Refer to  
“ADJUST HANDLE” in the Service and  
Adjustments section of this manual.  
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.  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
Knob  
Bolt  
INSTALL REAR WHEELS  
(HIGH WHEEL MOWERS ONLY)  
Some high wheel models require washers  
whichwillbeprovidedinapartsbag. Ifprovid-  
ed, installwashersontheaxlerstasshown.  
• Install one (1) rear wheel on the axle of  
rear wheel adjuster.  
3 POSITION “EZ”  
• Install 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely.  
• Repeat procedure for other rear wheel.  
Knob  
Bolt  
Wheel  
Axle  
assembly  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
Wave  
Washers  
Flanged  
locknut  
5
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ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER  
(REAR DISCHARGE MOWERS ONLY)  
HINGE BRACKET MOUNTED  
Rear door  
IMPORTANT: If your model lawn mower  
is mulcher ready, the mulcher plate or plug  
must be removed before using mower as  
a bagger. To convert mower to bagging or  
discharging, see the Operation section in  
this manual.  
Hinge bracket  
Grass  
catcher  
frame  
Look at the different grass catcher illustra-  
tions that follow. Determine which type  
of grass catcher you have and follow the  
appropriate instructions.  
“FABRIC TOP” GRASS CATCHERS  
TO ASSEMBLE AND ATTACH GRASS  
CATCHER  
Formed tabs  
• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag  
with rigid part of bag on the bottom.  
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.  
NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold  
them in warm water for a few minutes. If  
bag gets wet, let it dry before using.  
• Lift the rear door on the mower housing.  
• For HINGE BRACKET mounted catcher,  
place the grass catcher frame onto the  
formed tabs on the rear door hinge  
bracket.  
HANDLE BRACKET MOUNTED  
Handle bracket hooks  
Rear  
door  
Grass  
catcher  
handle  
• For HANDLE BRACKET mounted  
catcher, place frame side hooks into  
slots in handle brackets.  
• For DOOR PIVOT PIN mounted catcher,  
place the grass catcher frame hooks  
onto the door pivot pins.  
• For DOOR SLOT mounted catcher,  
place the grass catcher frame hooks into  
the slots of the rear door.  
Catcher frame side hook  
DOOR PIVOT PIN MOUNTED  
Pivot pins  
Rear  
door  
Grass  
catcher  
handle  
NOTE: The grass catcher is secured to the  
lawn mower housing when the rear door is  
lowered onto the grass catcher frame.  
Catcher frame  
Catcher frame hook  
DOOR SLOT MOUNTED  
Rear door slots  
Vinyl  
bindings  
Grass  
catcher  
handle  
Rigid  
bottom  
Catcher frame hook  
6
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“HARD TOP” GRASS CATCHER  
ASSEMBLE FRAME AND BAG  
• Install two (2) blunt pointed screws in  
front holes and tighten securely.  
• Thread upper tubular frame into hem of  
bag as shown. Be sure angled ends of  
frame point downwards.  
• Slip lower frame into tubular upper frame  
as shown.  
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.  
Sharp pointed screws  
(Rear and side holes)  
Catcher top  
Blunt pointed screws  
(Front holes)  
Catcher bag and frame  
Hem  
TO ATTACH HARD TOP CATCHER  
• Open the rear door on mower housing.  
• Place frame side hooks into slots in  
handle brackets.  
• Release rear door, allowing it to nest into  
top of catcher.  
Start here  
Upper tubular frame  
Upper tubular  
frame  
Rear door  
Handle bracket  
slots  
Vinyl bindings  
Lower frame  
Grass catcher  
frame hook  
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 manufac-  
turer's specifi cations.  
CAUTION: Do not run lawn mower  
without the discharge guard (rear door),  
approved grass catcher, clipping deflector  
or mulcher plate in place. Never attempt  
to operate mower with the discharge guard  
(rear door) removed or propped open.  
ASSEMBLE TOP TO FRAME AND BAG  
NOTE: For ease of assembly, place  
catcher top upside down on work surface.  
• Nest bag and frame assembly into  
catcher top.  
• Install two (2) sharp pointed screws into  
rear holes first and tighten securely.  
• Pull catcher bag forward on frame to  
remove slack.  
• Install two (2) remaining sharp pointed  
screws in side holes and tighten se-  
curely.  
• Align lower frame and catcher top front  
holes.  
7
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IMPORTANT: The engine alternator will  
SPARK PLUG BOOT  
not charge a discharged battery.  
On some models a spark plug boot is  
packed loose in the parts bag. If your  
model has the boot, install on spark plug  
wire and reconnect spark plug wire to  
spark plug.  
ALL UNITS:  
At the end of the mowing season the  
battery should be charged for 48 hours to  
protect the battery during winter storage.  
CAUTION: Always disconnect the  
Spark plug  
engine connector (male) from the battery  
connector (female) to prevent accidental  
starting when transporting or storing your  
lawn mower after the season.  
HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH  
Engine  
connector  
(male)  
Harness  
connector  
(female)  
Boot  
TO PREPARE BATTERY  
(ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY)  
NOTE: Your battery must be charged  
before you can start your lawn mower.  
Battery  
charger  
UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY  
SWITCH ONLY:  
Charger  
connector (male)  
• Connect battery charger connector  
(male) to harness connector (female).  
DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY  
UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY  
or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:  
• Disconnect engine connector (male)  
from battery connector (female).  
Engine  
connector  
(Male)  
• Connect battery charger connector  
(male) to battery connector (female).  
ALL UNITS:  
• Plug battery charger into 110 volt A.C.  
outlet.  
Battery  
charger  
• Leave battery charger connected for 24  
hours before starting your engine for the  
first time.  
Battery  
charger  
connector  
(Male)  
Battery connector (Female)  
UNITS WITH HANDLE-MOUNTED KEY  
SWITCH ONLY:  
• After charging, disconnect harness  
connector (female) from battery charger  
connector (male).  
TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH  
Charger connector  
(male)  
Battery connector  
(female)  
Connect your battery charger to charge  
battery after each use.  
IMPORTANT: The engine will not recharge  
your battery.  
UNITS WITH DECK-MOUNTED BATTERY  
or TRIMPLATE-MOUNTED KEY SWITCH:  
• After charging, connect engine connector  
(male) to battery connector (female).  
Your engine has an integral alternator for  
partial charging. Connect your battery  
charger to charge battery as required.  
Engine  
connector (male)  
Battery charger  
8
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OPERATION  
The operation of any lawn  
BRIGGS & STRATTON CLASSIC or SPRINT  
mower can result in foreign  
objects thrown into the  
ENGINE MOUNTED SPEED CONTROL  
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 recom-  
mend standard safety glasses or a wide  
vision safety mask worn over spectacles.  
Spark  
plug  
HOW TO USEYOUR LAWN MOWER  
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL  
MODELS WITH REMOTE THROTTLE  
Engine  
speed  
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.  
control lever  
Primer (if equipped)  
BRIGGS & STRATTON QUANTUM  
ENGINE MOUNTED SPEED CONTROL  
• 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.  
Engine speed control lever  
Primer (if  
equipped)  
SLOW  
FAST  
CHOKE  
(START)  
TECUMSEH  
ENGINE MOUNTED SPEED CONTROL  
Engine speed  
control lever  
Remote  
throttle  
control  
MODELS WITH ENGINE MOUNTED  
SPEED CONTROL  
Primer (if equipped)  
The engine speed is controlled by a lever  
located at the carburetor on the engine.  
HIGH or FAST position is for starting  
engine, normal cutting and better grass  
bagging. LOW or SLOW position is for  
light cutting, trimming and fuel economy.  
MODELS WITH FIXED SPEED ENGINES  
Engine speed was set at the factory for  
optimum performance. Engine speed is  
not adjustable.  
9
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TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT  
FOR MULCHING MOWERS ONLY  
Most mulching mowers are shipped ready  
to be used as a mulcher.  
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.  
“REAR DISCHARGE ONLY” MOWERS  
Some models have a seperate mulcher  
plug, other models have the mulcher plug  
built into the rear door. To convert to bag-  
ging or discharging, the plate or plug (if  
so equipped) must be removed from the  
discharge opening of the lawn mower.  
• Open rear door and remove mulcher  
plate or plug (if so equipped). Store  
mulcher plate or plug in a safe place.  
You can now install grass catcher or  
optional clipping deflector accessory.  
To return to mulching operation, install  
mulcher plate or plug into discharge  
opening of mower.  
MODELS WITH MANUAL ADJUST  
BOLT-ON WHEELS  
• Remove wheel, bolt, and hardware and  
reassemble in desired adjustment hole.  
• Reinstall wheel components in the same  
order as they were before removal.  
Tighten securely.  
• Make sure all wheels are at the same  
height.  
Flat washer  
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower  
without mulcher plate/plug in place or ap-  
proved clipping deflector or grass catcher  
in place. Never attempt to operate the  
lawn mower with the rear door removed or  
propped open.  
Wheel  
Bolt  
3/8-16  
Locknut  
Spacer  
MULCHER "PLATE"  
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.  
Slots  
Mulcher  
plate tabs  
To change cutting height, squeeze ad-  
juster lever toward wheel. Move wheel  
up or down to suit your requirements.  
Be sure all wheels are in the same set-  
ting.  
MULCHER "PLUG"  
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.  
LOWER WHEELS  
FOR HIGH CUT  
Plate tab  
Mulcher plug  
RAISE WHEELS FOR LOW CUT  
Lever  
10  
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MULCHER PLUG BUILT INTO REAR DOOR  
• Position lock lever over hinge bracket as  
shown and raise lever to lock mulcher  
plug in place.  
• Allow discharge guard to rest against  
lock lever.  
To return to discharging or bagging  
operation, simply lower lock lever and  
remove mulcher plug from mower.  
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower  
without discharge guard, approved grass  
catcher or mulcher plate or plug in place.  
Raise  
discharge  
guard  
“SIDE DISCHARGE ONLY” MOWERS  
MULCHER PLATE TYPE  
To convert to bagging or discharging,  
mulcher plate must be removed from un-  
derside of lawn mower.  
Hinge bracket  
• Remove the four (4) screws and lock  
nuts securing the mulcher plate to the  
mower.  
• Store mulcher plate and hardware in a  
safe place.  
• Mower can now be used for side  
discharging or optional grass catcher  
accessory can be attached.  
To return to mulching operation, simply  
reinstall mulcher plate and tighten hard-  
ware securely.  
Lock  
lever  
“down”  
Mulcher plug  
position  
Screw and  
lock nut  
RAISE LEVER  
TO LOCK  
Mulcher plate  
MULCHER PLUG TYPE “A”  
To convert to mulching operation, mulcher  
plug must be installed into discharge open-  
ing of mower.  
• Raise discharge guard and work  
mulcher plug into discharge opening of  
mower.  
LOWER LEVER  
TO UNLOCK  
11  
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MULCHER PLUG TYPE “B”  
“COMBI-CUT” MOWERS  
To convert to mulching operation, mulcher  
plug must be installed into discharge open-  
ing of mower.  
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be  
used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging  
or discharging:  
• Open discharge guard.  
• Insert tab of mulch plug into housing  
opening.  
• Align hooks of mulch plug over hinge  
rod of discharge guard. Push mulch plug  
down until mulch plug is seated in hous-  
ing opening.  
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower  
without discharge guard, approved grass  
catcher or mulcher plug in place.  
REAR BAGGING  
• Open rear door and remove mulcher  
plate. Store mulcher plate in a safe  
place.  
You can now install grass catcher.  
To convert to mulching or discharging  
operation, install mulcher plug into rear  
discharge opening of mower, making  
sure all tabs are seated properly.  
Slots  
Housing  
opening  
Hooks  
Mulcher  
plate tabs  
Mulch plug  
Tab  
SIDE DISCHARGING  
• Mulcher plate must be installed into rear  
discharge opening of mower (see above  
instructions).  
Hinge rod  
• Open mulcher door and install discharge  
deflector under door as shown.  
• Mower is now ready for discharging  
operation.  
To convert to mulching or bagging  
operation, discharge deflector must be  
removed and mulcher door must be  
closed.  
Mulcher door  
12  
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Open mulcher door  
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.  
Discharge  
deflector  
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.  
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN  
CONVERTINGYOUR “COMBI-CUT”  
LAWN MOWER  
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.  
13  
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BEFORE STARTING ENGINE  
Read the engine manual packed with your  
mower.  
TO START ENGINE  
CAUTION: The mower blade rotates  
whenever the engine is running.  
FILL ENGINE WITH OIL  
Your lawn mower is shipped without oil in  
the engine.  
• Be sure mower is level and area around  
oil fill is clean.  
• Move engine speed control to FAST  
position (or to CHOKE/START position  
on models equipped with choke feature).  
• If your mower has a primer, to start a  
cold engine, push primer as many times  
as instructed in the engine manual  
packed with your mower. Use a firm  
push. This step is not usually necessary  
when starting an engine which has  
already run for a few minutes.  
• Hold operator presence control bar  
down against handle.  
MODELS WITH RECOIL STARTER  
• Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow  
starter rope to snap back.  
MODELS WITH ELECTRIC STARTER  
• Push the engine start button (or turn the  
key on models so equipped).  
IMPORTANT: Do not crank engine more  
than five continous seconds between each  
time you try to start. Wait 5 to 10 seconds  
between each attempt.  
• Remove engine oil filler plug (oil fill cap/  
dipstick on models so equipped).  
• Slowly add oil. For type and grade of  
oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Mainte-  
nance section of this manual.  
• Fill to the top of slot in filler hole (to  
“FULLline on dipstick on models so  
equipped). Do not overfill.  
• Replace plug (oil fill cap/dipstick on  
models so equipped) and tighten.  
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil  
as needed.  
To change oil, see Maintenance section  
of this manual.  
FILL GASOLINE TANK  
• Fill gasoline tank with fresh, clean, un-  
leaded gasoline. DO NOT USE PRE-  
MIUM GASOLINE. BE CAREFUL NOT  
TO OVERFILL TANK.  
WARNING: Experience indicates that  
alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or  
using ethanol or methanol) 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. To avoid engine  
problems, the fuel system should be  
emptied before storage of 30 days or  
longer. Drain the fuel tank, start the  
engine and let it run until fuel lines and  
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next  
season. See Storage Instructions for  
additional information. Never use engine or  
carburetor cleaner products in fuel tank or  
permanent damage may occur.  
ALL MODELS  
• For engines equipped with choke, slowly  
move engine speed control lever to  
FAST after engine starts.  
TO STOP ENGINE  
To STOP engine, release operator pres-  
ence control bar.  
NOTE: For engines with a primer, it may  
be necessary to repeat priming steps  
in cooler weather. In warmer weather,  
overpriming may cause flooding and  
engine will not start. If you do flood  
engine, wait a few minutes before  
attempting to start and DO NOT repeat  
priming steps.  
Operator  
presence  
control bar  
Recoil  
starter  
handle  
(center  
mount  
type)  
Recoil  
starter handle  
(side mount type)  
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MOWING TIPS  
FOR MULCHING MOWERS ONLY  
- MULCHING MOWING TIPS  
IMPORTANT: For best performance,  
keep mower housing free of built-up  
grass and trash. See “CLEANING” in the  
Maintenance section of this manual.  
• For most cutting conditions and better  
bagging performance, the engine speed  
should be set in the FAST position.  
• Under certain conditions, such as when  
mowing very tall grass, raise the mower  
height on the first cut to reduce pushing  
effort, to avoid overheating the engine,  
and to avoid leaving clumps of grass  
clippings. Make the second cut to the  
desired height.  
• The special mulching blade will recut the  
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 ac-  
tion of the blades.  
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet.  
Wet grass tends to form clumps and  
interferes with the mulching action. The  
best time to mow your lawn is the early  
afternoon. At this time the grass has  
dried and the newly cut area will not be  
exposed to the direct sun.  
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the  
width of cut.  
• For side discharge lawn mowers, cut in  
a counterclockwise direction, starting at  
the outside of the area to be cut, in order  
to spread grass clippings more evenly  
and to put less load on the engine. To  
keep clippings off of walkways, flower  
beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clock-  
wise direction.  
• 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 is overgrown it  
will be necessary to raise the height of  
cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep  
from overloading the engine and leaving  
clumps of mulched grass. For extremely  
heavy mulching, reduce your width of  
cut by overlapping previously cut path  
and mow slowly.  
• When using a rear discharge lawn  
mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps  
of cut grass may not enter the grass  
catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing  
speed) and/or run the lawn mower over  
the area a second time.  
1/3 MAX  
• If a trail of grass clipping is left on the  
right side of a rear discharge lawn mow-  
er, mow in a clockwise direction with a  
small overlap to collect the clippings on  
the next pass.  
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be-  
come filled with dirt and dust with use  
and the catcher will collect less grass.  
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher  
off with water and let dry before use.  
• Certain types of grass and grass  
conditions may require that an area be  
mulched a second time to completely  
hide the clippings. When doing a sec-  
ond cut, mow across or perpendicular to  
the first cut path.  
• Change your cutting pattern from week  
to week. Mow north to south one week  
then change to east to west the next  
week. This will help prevent matting and  
graining of the lawn.  
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MAINTENANCE  
LUBRICATION CHART  
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS  
The warranty on this lawn mower does not  
cover items that have been subjected to op-  
erator abuse or negligence. To receive full  
valuefromthewarranty, operatormustmain-  
tain mower as instructed in this manual.  
Some adjustments will need to be made  
periodically to properly maintain your unit.  
All adjustments in the Service and Adjust-  
ments section of this manual should be  
checked at least once each season.  
• Once a year, replace the spark plug,  
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.  
Wheel  
adjuster (on  
each wheel)  
Engine oil  
Side dis-  
charge mower  
guard hinge rod  
Rear dis-  
charge mower  
rear door  
• Follow the Maintenance Schedule in this  
manual.  
hinge rod  
BEFORE EACH USE  
• Check engine oil level.  
• Check for loose fasteners.  
LUBRICATION  
Keep unit well lubricated.  
Handle bracket mounting pins  
Spray lubricant  
See “ENGINE” in Maintenance section.  
IMPORTANT: Do not oil or grease plastic  
wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will  
of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel  
they must be lubricated, use only a dry,  
attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.  
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TO SHARPEN BLADE  
LAWN MOWER  
Care should be taken to keep the blade  
balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause  
excessive vibration and eventual damage  
to lawn mower and 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.  
Always observe safety rules when perform-  
ing any maintenance.  
TIRES  
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect  
control chemicals which can harm rub-  
ber.  
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp  
objects and other hazards that may  
cause tire damage.  
BLADE CARE  
For best results, mower blade must be kept  
sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades.  
TO REPLACE BLADE  
Turn lawn mower. See engine manual  
for proper direction of turning over the  
engine.  
• Use a wood block between blade and  
mower housing to prevent blade from  
turning when removing blade bolt.  
• Protect your hands with gloves and/or  
wrap blade with heavy cloth.  
• Remove blade bolt, lock washer and flat  
washer.  
• Remove blade and blade adapter.  
• Inspect the key inside blade adapter.  
Replace adapter if damaged.  
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is grade 8 heat  
treated.  
• Install new or sharpened blade with  
trailing edge up toward the engine.  
• Position blade on blade adapter. Align  
the two (2) holes in blade with raised  
lugs of adapter.  
• Reassemble blade bolt, lock washer  
and flat washer into blade adapter and  
crankshaft in exact order as shown.  
• Position block of wood between blade  
and mower housing.  
• Tighten blade bolt securely. Recom-  
mended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs.  
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening  
blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is  
balanced.  
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 “FULLline on dipstick on models so  
equipped. Keep oil at proper level.  
Crankshaft  
keyway  
Blade adapter  
Key  
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.  
Lockwasher  
Blade  
Crank  
shaft  
Blade  
bolt  
Hardened  
washer  
Blade adapter  
Trailing edge  
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MUFFLER  
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it  
could create a fire hazard and/or damage.  
• 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.  
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  
GRASS CATCHER (IF SO EQUIPPED)  
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep  
mower housing free of grass build-up and  
trash. Clean the underside of your mower  
after each use.  
• Clean the underside of your lawn mower  
by scraping to remove buildup of grass  
and trash.  
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.  
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS  
CAUTION: Before performing any service or adjustments:  
• Release operator presence control bar.  
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.  
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in  
contact with spark plug.  
Off-  
center  
hole  
LAWN MOWER  
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT  
See “TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT” in  
the Operation section of this manual.  
TO ADJUST HANDLE  
2 POSITION HANDLES  
The handle can be mounted in a high or  
low position. The mounting holes in the  
bottom of lower handle are off center for  
raising or lowering the handle.  
• Remove upper handle and all parts at-  
tached to lower handle.  
LOW POSITION  
HIGH POSITION  
• Remove hairpin cotters from lower  
handle bracket mounting pin.  
• Squeeze lower handle in to remove it  
from mounting pins.  
Turn lower handle over to raise or lower  
handle.  
• Squeeze lower handle in and position  
holes onto mounting pins on handle  
bracket.  
• Reassemble hairpin cotters onto mount-  
ing pins.  
• Reassemble upper handle and all parts  
removed from lower handle.  
TURN LOWER  
HANDLE OVER  
TO ADJUST HEIGHT  
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3 POSITION “EURO” OR “EZ”  
High  
Handle pin  
The handle on your lawn mower has three  
(3) height positions - adjust to height that  
suits you.  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
Medium  
• Remove knob and carriage bolt on one  
side of the lower handle.  
SQUEEZE  
Low  
• While holding handle assembly, remove  
knob and carriage bolt from opposite  
side, align hole in handle with desired  
hole in handle bracket and reassemble  
bolt and knob and tighten securely.  
• Align opposite side of handle with same  
positioning hole and secure with bolt and  
knob.  
“EURO” ADJUSTMENT  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
Knob  
Bolt  
“ADJUSTABLE” HANDLES  
The upper handle may be adjusted to four  
(4) different height positions.  
• Loosen both handle knobs only enough  
to allow the upper handle to pivot to the  
desired adjustment position.  
• Tighten both handle knobs securely.  
“EZ” ADJUSTMENT  
Handle  
knob  
High  
Med.  
Low  
Bolt  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
Handle  
knob  
Knob  
REAR DEFLECTOR (IF EQUIPPED)  
The rear deflector, attached between the  
rear wheels of your mower, is provided to  
minimize the possibility that objects will  
be thrown out of the rear of the mower  
into the operator mowing position. If the  
deflector becomes damaged, it should be  
replaced.  
3 POSITION “QUICK”  
The handle on your lawn mower has three  
(3) height positions - adjust to height that  
suits you.  
• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower  
handle towards each other until the pin  
in handle can be inserted into one of the  
three height adjustment holes.  
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See the adjustment section of your engine  
manual for further instructions.  
ENGINE  
CARBURETOR  
The carburetor has been preset at the fac-  
tory and adjustment should not be neces-  
sary. However, minor adjustment may be  
required to compensate for differences in  
fuel, temperature, altitude or load.  
• The air filter must be assembled to the  
carburetor when running engine.  
ENGINE SPEED  
The engine speed has been factory set.  
Do not attempt to increase engine speed  
as it may result in personal injury. If you  
believe the engine is running too fast  
or too slow, take your lawn mower to an  
authorized engine service center for repair  
and adjustment.  
• Best carburetor adjustment is obtained  
when fuel tank is 1/4 full.  
• In order for the engine to run, the operator  
presence control bar must be held in the  
operating position. Therefore, and assis-  
tant will be required to hold the control bar  
intheoperatingpositionwhenmakingnal  
adjustment to the carburetor.  
THROTTLE CONTROL  
If it becomes necessary to adjust or  
replace the throttle control, see the adjust-  
ment section of your engine manual.  
STORAGE  
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for  
storage at the end of the season or if the  
unit will not be used for 30 days or more.  
• Loosen upper handle mounting hard-  
ware enough to allow upper handle to be  
folded back.  
CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower IMPORTANT: When folding handles for  
with gasoline in the tank inside a building  
where fumes may reach an open flame  
or spark. Allow the engine to cool before  
storing in any enclosure.  
storage or transportation, be sure to fold  
handles as shown or you may damage the  
control cables.  
SQUEEZE  
TO FOLD  
LAWN MOWER  
When lawn mower is to be stored for a pe-  
riod of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all  
dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean,  
dry area.  
Lower handle  
• Clean entire lawn mower (See “CLEAN-  
ING” in the Maintenance section of this  
manual).  
• Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance  
section of this manual.  
• Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and  
pins are securely fastened. Inspect  
moving parts for damage, breakage and  
wear. Replace if necessary.  
Operator presence  
control bar  
FOLD  
FORWARD  
Upper handle  
FOR  
STORAGE  
Touch up all rusted or chipped paint  
surfaces; sand lightly before painting.  
Lower  
handle  
HANDLE  
Your handle may be folded for storage as  
shown.  
NOTE: The upper handle may have an  
"anti-fold" bracket located on the right side  
of the handle. This bracket prevents the  
upper handle from folding forward, which  
helps protect control cable(s) from dam-  
age.  
• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower  
handle towards each other until handle  
clears the handle brackets and swing  
handles forward over mower.  
Mowing  
position  
2 POSITION / “ADJUSTABLE” HANDLES  
When setting you handles up from the  
storage position, the lower handle will au-  
tomatically lock into mowing position.  
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3 POSITION HANDLES  
When setting up your handle from the stor- experience indicates that alcohol blended  
age position, the lower handle will require fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or  
fuel hose, or tank during storage. Also,  
manually locking into the mowing position. methanol) can attract moisture which leads  
to separation and formation of acids during  
3 POSITION “EURO”  
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel  
system of an engine while in storage.  
• Drain the fuel tank.  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
• Start the engine and let it run until the  
fuel lines and carburetor are empty.  
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner  
products in the fuel tank or permanent  
damage may occur.  
Knob  
Bolt  
• Use fresh fuel next season.  
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable  
alternative in minimizing the formation  
of fuel 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 if us-  
ing fuel stabilizer.  
3 POSITION “EZ”  
ENGINE OIL  
Knob  
Bolt  
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace  
with clean oil. (See “ENGINE” in the  
Maintenance section of this manual).  
CYLINDER  
• Remove spark plug.  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
• Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through  
spark plug hole into cylinder.  
• Pull starter handle slowly to distribute oil.  
• Replace with new spark plug.  
BATTERY (IF EQUIPPED)  
Disconnect the battery from the engine  
connector and charge battery 48 hours.  
OTHER  
3 POSITION “QUICK”  
• Do not store gasoline from one season  
to another.  
• Replace your gasoline can if your can  
starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your  
gasoline will cause problems.  
Handle pin  
SQUEEZE  
Handle  
adjustment  
bracket  
• If possible, store your unit indoors and  
cover it to protect it from dust and dirt.  
• Cover your unit with a suitable protective  
cover that does not retain moisture. Do  
not 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 cool before  
storing in any enclosure.  
ENGINE  
FUEL SYSTEM  
IMPORTANT: It is important to prevent  
gum deposits from forming in essential fuel  
system parts such as carburetor, fuel filter,  
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TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed  
to an authorized Service Center.  
PROBLEM  
CAUSE  
CORRECTION  
Does not start  
1. Dirty air filter.  
2. Out of fuel.  
3. Stale fuel.  
1. Clean/replace air filter.  
2. Fill fuel tank.  
3. Drain fuel tank and refill tank  
with fresh, clean gasoline.  
4. Drain fuel tank and refill tank  
with fresh, clean gasoline.  
5. Connect wire to plug.  
4. Water in fuel.  
5. Spark plug wire is  
disconnected.  
6. Bad spark plug.  
7. Loose blade or broken  
blade adapter.  
8. Control bar in released  
position.  
6. Replace spark plug.  
7. Tighten blade bolt or  
replace blade adapter.  
8. Depress control bar to  
handle.  
9. Control bar defective.  
10.Fuel valve lever (if so  
equipped) in OFF position.  
9. Replace control bar.  
10.Turn fuel valve lever  
to the ON position.  
11.Weak battery (if equipped). 11.Charge battery.  
12.Disconnected battery  
connector (if equipped).  
12.Connect battery to engine.  
Loss of power  
1. Rear of lawn mower  
housing or cutting blade  
dragging in heavy grass.  
2. Cutting too much grass.  
3. Dirty air filter.  
4. Buildup of grass, leaves,  
and trash under mower.  
5. Too much oil in engine.  
6. Walking speed too fast.  
1. Raise cutting height.  
2. Raise cutting height.  
3. Clean/replace air filter.  
4. Clean underside of mower  
housing.  
5. Check oil level.  
6. Cut at slower walking speed.  
22  
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TROUBLESHOOTING - See appropriate section in manual unless directed  
to an authorized Service Center.  
PROBLEM  
CAUSE  
CORRECTION  
Poor cut –  
uneven  
1. Worn, bent or loose blade.  
1. Replace blade. Tighten  
blade bolt.  
2. Set all wheels at same  
height.  
2. Wheel heights uneven.  
3. Buildup of grass, leaves  
and trash under mower.  
3. Clean underside of  
mower housing.  
Excessive  
vibration  
1. Worn, bent or loose blade.  
2. Bent engine crankshaft.  
1. Replace blade. Tighten  
blade bolt.  
2. Contact a qualified service  
center.  
Starter rope  
hard to pull  
1. Engine flywheel brake is on 1. Depress control bar to  
when control bar is released.  
upper handle before  
pulling starter rope.  
2. Bent engine crankshaft.  
2. Contact a qualified service  
center.  
3. Blade adapter broken.  
4. Blade dragging in grass.  
3. Replace blade adapter.  
4. Move lawn mower to cut  
grass or to hard surface.  
Grass catcher  
not filling  
(If so equipped)  
1. Cutting height too low.  
2. Lift on blade worn off.  
3. Catcher not venting air.  
1. Raise cutting height.  
2. Replace blade.  
3. Clean grass catcher.  
Hard to push  
1. Grass is too high or wheel  
height is too low.  
1. Raise cutting height.  
2. Rear of lawn mower  
housing or cutting blade  
dragging in grass.  
3. Grass catcher too full.  
4. Handle height position not  
right for you.  
2. Raise rear of lawn mower  
housing one (1) setting  
higher.  
3. Empty grass catcher.  
4. Adjust handle height to suit.  
23  
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