Craftsman 900370511, 900.370510, 900.370511 User manual

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Instruction Manual
120 Volt
CONVERTIBLE MULCHING
MOWER
Model No. 900.370511
\
&WARNING:
Before using this product,
read this manual and follow
all its Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions.
Safety
Assembly
Operation
Maintenance
Parts List
Espahol Pdg. 18
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
www.sears.com/craftsman
Form No. 90512524 Rev. 1 JULY 2007 Printed in Mexico
Warranty 2 ProductSpecifications 14
SafetyInstructions 2 ServiceandAdjustments 14
Maintenance 5 Storage 14
Assembly 6 Troubleshooting 15
Operation 8 IllustratedPartsList 16,17
MaintenanceSchedule 13 EspaSol 18
LIMITEDTWOYEARWARRANTYONCRAFTSMANPOWERMOWER
Fortwoyearsfromdateofpurchase,whenthisCraftsmanPowerMowerismaintained,
lubricated,andtunedupaccordingtotheoperatingandmaintenanceinstructionsinthe
owner'smanual,Searswillrepairanydefectinmateria!orworkmanshipfreeofcharge.
IfthisCraftsmanLawnMowerisusedforcommercialorrentalpurposes,thiswarranty
appliesforonly90daysfromthedateofpurchase.
ThisWarrantydoesnotcover:
Expendableitemswhichbecomewornduringnormaluse,suchasrotarymower
blades,bladeadapters,andbelts.
Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuseornegligence,includingbent
crankshaftsandthefailuretomaintaintheequipmentaccordingtotheinstructions
containedintheowner'smanual.
WARRANTYSERVICEISAVAILABLEBYreturningtheCraftsmanpowermowertothe
nearestSearsServiceCenterintheUnitedStates.Thiswarrantyappliesonlywhilethis
productisinuseintheUnitedStates.
ThisWarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhich
varyfromstatetostate.
SEARS,ROEBUCKANDCO.,DEPT.817WA,ROFPMANESTATES,IL60179
£t
_1. WARNING: Do not attempt to
operate this mower unti! you thoroughly
read and completely understand aft
instructions, safety rules, etc. contained
in this manual. Failure to comply can
result in accidents involving fire, electric
shock, or serious personal injury. Save
Owner's Manual and review frequently
for continuing safe operation and
instructing others who may use this
mulching mower.
Safety standards require an Operator
Presence Control Switch to minimize the
risk of injury. Your unit is equipped with
such a Control Switch. Do not attempt to
defeat its function under any circum-
stances.
,II_WARNING: Some dust created by
this product contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Some examples of these chemicals are:
• compounds in fertilizers
• compounds in insecticides, herbicides
and pesticides
arsenic and chromium from chemically
treated lumber
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals,
wear approved safety equipment such as
dust masks that are specially designed to
filter out microscopic particles.
_kWARNING: This product contains
chemicals, including lead, known to the
State of California to cause cancer, and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling.
,_CAUTION: Wear appropriate personal
hearing protection during use. Under some
conditions and duration of use, noise from
this product may contribute to hearing loss.
SAFETY GUIDELINES - DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and
understand this manual.
The information it contains relates to
protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING
PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used
to help you recognize this information.
_. DANGER: Indicates an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
_.WARNING: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
_I_CAUTION: Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Usedwithoutthe safety alert
symbolindicatespotentiallyhazardous
situationwhich, ifnotavoided, may result in
property damage.
_.WARNING: IMPORTANT
SAFETY WARNINGS AND
INSTRUCTIONS
_I.WARNING: When using electric
gardening appliances, basic safety
precautions should always be followed to
reduce risk of fire, electric shock, and
personal injury, includingthe following.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
_. DANGER IMPORTANT SAFE
PRACTICES FOR WALK-BEHIND
MOWERS
This lawn mower is capable of amputating
hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure
to observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read understand and follow all
nstruct ons on the mower and n the
instruction manual before starting.
2. Do not put hands or feet near or under
the mower. Keep clear of the discharge
opening at all times.
3. Only allow responsible adults who are
fam= ar w th the nstruct ons, to operate
this mower.
4. Clear the area where the mower is to be
used of ob ects such as rocks, sticks,
wire, toys, bones, etc. which could be
thrown by the blade. 6bjects struck by
the blade can cause severe in ury to per-
sons. Stay beh nd the hand e when the
motor is running.
5. Be sure the area surrounding the mower
is clear of bystanders before operating.
All bystanders and pets shouidbe kept
at a safe distance. Stop the mower if
anyone enters the area surrounding the
mower.
6. Do not operate mower barefooted or
while wearing sandals. Always wear
substantial footwear.
7. Do not pull mower backward unless
absolutely necessary. Always look
down and behind before and while
moving backward.
8. Never direct discharged material
toward anyone. Avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the
operator. Release switch lever to turn
mower off and stop the blade when
crossing gravel surfaces or when
flipping the handle.
9. Do not operate mower without the
entire grass catcher, discharge guard,
rear guard, or other safety protective
devices in place and working.
Periodically check all guards and safety
protective devices to ensure they are in
good working order and will operate
properly and perform their intended
function. Rep{ace a damaged guard or
other safety device before further use.
10. Never leave a running mower
unattended.
11. Always release the switch lever to stop
the motor and wait until the blade
comes to a complete stop and unplug
the mower before cleaning the mower
removing the grass catcher, unclogging
the discnarge guard, when leaving me
mower or before making any
ad ustments, repa rs or inspect ons.
12. Operate mower only in daylight or good
artificial light when objects in the path
of the blaae are cleany visible from the
operating area of the mower.
13. Do not operate mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs or when
you are tired or il!. Always stay alert
watch what you are do ng, and use
common sense.
14. Avoid dangerous environments. Never
operate mower in damp or wet grass_
never use mower in the rain. Always De
sure of your footing; walk; never run.
15. Disengage the drive system if so
equipped, before starting the motor.
16. If the mower should start to vibrate
abnormally release the switch lever
wait for the blade to stop and unplug
the mower then check for the cause
immediately. Vibration is generally a
warning of trouble.
17. Always wear proper eye and respiratory
protection when operating the mower.
18. The use of any accessory or attach-
ment not recommended for use with
this mower could be hazardous. Only
use accessories approved by Sears.
19. Never overreach while operating the
mower. Always be sure to keep proper
footing and balance at al! times while
operating the mower.
3
SLOPEOPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtoslip
andfallaccidents,whichcanresultin
severe injury. Operation on al! slopes
requires extra caution, if you feel uneasy
on a slope, do not mow it.
1. Mow across the face of slopes; never
up and down. Exercise extreme
caution when changing direction on
slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks,
or other hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could cause a slip and fall
accident. Tal! grass can hide
obstacles.
3. Do not mow on wet grass or exces-
sively steep slopes. Poor footing
could cause a slip and fal! accident.
4. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,
or embankments. You could lose your
footing or balance.
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. Never assume
that children wil! remain where you last
saw them.
1. Keep children out of the mowing area
and under the watchful care of a
responsible adult other than the
operator.
2. Be alert and turn mower off if a child
enters the area.
3. Never allow children to operate the
mower.
4. Use extra care when approaching
blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other
objects that may block your view of a
child.
GENERAL SERVICE
1. Never operate mower in a closed
area.
2. Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be
sure the equipment is in safe working
condition.
3. Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation
regularly.
4. Keep mower free of grass, leaves, or
other debris build-up. Allow mower to
cool before storing.
5. if you strike a foreign object, release
switch lever to turn mower off, wait
for the blade to stop and remove the
safety key and then inspect the
mower. Repair, any damage, before
starting and operating the mower.
6. Never make any adjustments or
repairs with the motor running or while
the safety key is in the mower.
7. Always remove safety key before adjust-
ing, cleaning, repairing, inspecting, trans-
porting, storing or leaving the mower.
8. Check grass catcher components and
the discharge guard frequently and when
necessary replace with Black & Decker
recommended parts only.
9. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade
or wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
10. Maintain or replace safety and instruction
labels, as necessary.
TRAINING:
Read this operator's manual carefully.
Become familiar with the controls and know
how to operate your mower
properly. Learn how to quickly stop mower.
Use mower only as described in this
manual.
Do not operate mower if it has been
dropped or damaged in any manner.
Always have damage repaired before using
your mower.
Do not operate mower without the
recommended extension cord. Ensure that
the cord is in good condition before starting
mower.
• The blade always turns when the motor is
running.
Avoid accidental starting. Do not play with
the Operator Presence Control switch
when mower is not in use.
PREPARATION:
Dress properly. Do not operate mower
when barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Wear only solid shoes with good traction
when mowing.
Always make wheel height adjustments
before starting your mower. Do not attempt
to do this while the mower is running.
Do not plug mower in until it is ready to be
used.
Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust
mask if mowing operation is dusty.
Remove al! adjusting wrenches from
mower before turning it on.
OPERATION:
Theoperationofanylawn
mowercanresultinforeign
objectsthrownintotheeyes,
whichcanresultinsevereeye
damage.Alwayswearsafetyglassesor
eyeshieldswhileoperatingyourlawn
mowerorperforminganyadjustmentsor
repairs.Werecommendawidevision
safetymaskoverthespectaclesor
standardsafetyglasseswithside
shields,availableatSears.
Keepyoureyesandmindonyour
mowerandtheareabeingcut.Donotlet
otherinterestsdistractyou.
Guardagainstelectricshock.Repairor
replacedamagedmowercordor
extensioncordimmediately.
Don'tabusethecord.Neverpull
lawnmowerbythecord.Disconnectby
gentlypullingtheplug,notthecord.
Donotrunthemotorindoors.
Don'tforcethemower.Itwilldothejob
betterandsaferattherateforwhichitis
designed.Whenmowingonrough
surfacesorinhighgrass,selectahigher
cuttingposition.
Keepawayfrombladearea.Beawareof
theriskofinjury.Keephandsandfeet
awayfromtheblade.
DANGER:DONOTattempttoremove
cutmaterialorunclogdebrisfromunder
mowerdeckwhilebladeismoving,or
youwillbeseriouslyinjured.
Ifmowerstalls,releaseoperator
presencecontrolswitchandwaitfor
bladetostoprotating.Unplugcord
beforeattemptingtoremoveanything
fromundermowerdeck.Thoroughly
inspectandhaveanydamagerepaired
beforerestartingandoperatingmower.
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE:
Check the blade and the motor mounting
bolts often to be sure they are tightened
properly.
Check all bolts, nuts and screws at
frequent intervals for proper tightness to
be sure mower is in safe working
condition.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the motor
free of grass, leaves or excessive grease
and oil.
Always keep the blade on your mower
sharp.
Keep mower dry and clean. Always use
a clean damp cloth when cleaning.
Never use brake fluids, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, solvents, or
water to clean mower.
Do not mow if switch does not turn
mower on and off. Have defective switch
replaced at Sears Service Center.
Check damaged parts. Before further
use of the mower, a guard or other part
that is damaged should be carefully
checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended
function. Check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage
of parts, and any other conditions that
may affect mower operation. A guard or
other part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by a
qualified service technician.
When servicing use only identical
Craftsman replacement parts. Servicing
of this mower should be performed only
by a qualified service technician. For
repair service we suggest you return
mower to your nearest Sears Service
Center.
When replacing blade, use only identical
Craftsman replacement blade. Use of
any other blade may result in serious
personal injury or damage to your mower.
Store mower inside. When not in use,
mower should be stored indoors in a
garage, basement, etc. Storage area
should be a dry, locked-up place - out of
reach of children.
Maintain mower with care. Keep blade
sharp and clean for best and safest
performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
DOUBLE INSULATION
Your Mower is DOUBLE INSULATED to
give you added safety. This means that it
is constructed throughout with TWO
separate "layers" of electrical insulation, or
one DOUBLE thickness of insulation
between you and the tool's electrica! system.
Tools built with this insulation system are
not intended to be grounded. As a result,
your mower is equipped with a two-prong
plug which permits you to use extension
cords without concern for maintaining a
ground connection.
NOTE: DOUBLE INSULATION does not
take the place of normal safety precautions
when operating this mower. The insulation
system is for added protection against
injury resulting from a possible electrical
insulation failure within the tool.
41J_.CAUTION: Repair or replace damaged
cords immediately. Use only identical
Craftsman replacement parts.
5
POLARIZED PLUG
To reduce the risk of electric shock, this
mower has a polarized plug (one blade is
wider than the other). This mower must be
used with a suitable polarized 2 wire or 3
wire extension cord. Polarized connections
will fit together only one way. Make sure
that the receptacle end of the extension
cord has large and small blade slot
widths. If the plug does not fit fully into the
extension cord receptacle, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, obtain a suitable
extension cord. If the extension cord does
not fit fully into the outlet, contact a
qualified electrician to install the proper
outlet. Do not change the tool plug or
extension cord in any way.
EXTENSION CORDS
Double-insulated tools have 2 wire cords,
and can be used with 2 wire or 3 wire
extension cords. Only round jacketed
extension cords should be used, and we
recommend that they be listed by
Underwriters Laboratories (U.L)
A
_I.WARNING: To prevent electric shock
use only with an extension cord suitable
for outdoor use, such as SW-A, SJOW-A,
SOW-A, STW-A, STOW-A, SJW-A,
SJTW-A or SJTOW-A.
An extension cord must have adequate
wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge)
for safety, and to prevent loss of power
and overheating. The smaller the gauge
number of the wire, the greater the
capacity of the cable; that is, 16 gauge
has more capacity than 18 gauge. When
using more than one extension to make
up the total length, be sure each individual
extension contains at least the minimum
wire size.
To determine the minimum wire size
required, refer to the chart below: (Refer
to your mower's nameplate to find the
Ampere Rating)
NOTE: Using any other length or rating or
cord will diminish the performance and
possibly the life of the electric motor.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
....................................................... ....................................................
JVott8 Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V 0-25 26-50 51-100 101-150
(0-7,6m) (7,5-15,2m)(15,2-30,4m)(30,4-45,7m)
240V 0-50 51-100 101-200 201-300
(0-15,2m)(15,2-30,4m)(30,4-60,9m)(60,9-91,4m)
Ampere Rating
JMore Not more American Wire Gage
JThan Than
i0 6 18 16 16 14
i6 10 18 16 14 12
i10 12 16 16 14 12
12 - 16 14 12 NotRecommended
I-'t=t".iI:[_] =!_JI=1_i I =]I;I B]=1
The replacement blade is stock # 33243
and is available at Sears Retail Stores and
Service Centers.
CARTON CONTENTS
Mulching Mower (Shipped with Mulch
Insert installed)
Grassbag
Grasscatcher frame
TO REMOVE MOWER FROM CARTON
Your mulching mower has been
completely assembled at the factory
e_cept for the Grasscatcher.
CAUTION: Do not lift the tawnmower
off the ground by holding the height
adjustment finger grip.
Stock#33243
-.i
Remove the Grasscatcher frame,
Grassbag and cardboard fillers.
Remove the mower from the carton and
place all four wheels on the ground or floor.
Check the carton thoroughly and make
sure there are no loose paris.
To Unfold Handle
Raise the handle section into place and
secure by tightening the two knobs. See
figure below.
A
,ILII.WARNING:ForyourownsafetyDO
NOTusethismowerwithouteitherthe
GrasscatcherorMulchInsertinoperating
position.
GRASSCATCHER ASSEMBLY
Slide the grassbag onto the grasscatcher
frame. (See Fig. A)
The grassbag has attachment clips sewn
around the bag opening.
Attach the two top clips to the frame,
then attach the side clips, and lastly the
bottom clip. (See Fig. B)
Refer to "To Install Grasscatcher"
instruction before attaching to mower.
TO INSTALL GRASSCATCHER
Reach down between the mower handle
and raise the rear door to a vertical
position. (See Fig. A)
• Remove the mulch insert. See page 11
To Remove Mulch insert.
Pick up the grasscatcher by the handle
and lower the grasscatcher between the
lawnmower handles. Position the
grass- catcher hanger hooks on the
metal rod under the rear door.
(See Fig. B).
Release the rear door.
_.WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hanger hooks on the
grasscatcher are seated properly, and the
rear discharge door rests firmly against
the top of the grasscatcher.
Q
KNOW YOUR MULCHING MOWER
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR
MULCHING MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your mulching mower to
familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this
manual for future reference.
These symbols may appear on your mulching mower or in literature supplied with the
product. Learn and understand their meaning.
DANGER !
CAUTION ............... DANGER, KEEP HANDS
OR WARNING _ AND FEETAWAY
Grasscatcher
Operator
Presence
Control
Switch
Handle Knob
Height
Adjustment
Control
Height
Indicator
MEETS CPSC SAFETY 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.
_L_WARNING: The blade always turns when the motor is running.
Operator Presence Control Switch - Must be held to the handle to start and run the
motor. Release to stop the motor.
Door - Allows conversion from mulching or bagging operation.
Height Adjustment Control -- Allows for simple one touch height adjustment of all
four wheels at one time.
TO STOP MOWER
To stop mower fully release your grip on
the operator presence control switch.
ATTACHING EXTENSION
CORD TO MOWER
DO NOT connect the extension cord to
power source until you have finished
reading this manual and you are ready to
start mowing. Read the Polarize:] Plug
sectionon page 6 before plugging the
extension cord into the switch housing as
shown in figure below.
1.The extension cord must be polarized
and wil! only plug in one way. Orient the
wide slot with the wide blade in the
switch housing and plug in.
2. Loop the extension cord and push the
loop up through the hole in the switch
housing.
3. Pull the extension cord on the side of
the loop that is plugged into the switch
housing and remove all the slack in this
section of the extension cord..
4. Place the loop over the strain relief tab
on the switch housing. Pull the
extension cord so the loop draws down
around the strain relief tab as shown in
the detail. Double check to see that you
did not loosen the extension cord plug.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Before making any adjustments, turn off,
unplug mower and wait for blade to stop
rotating.
Use the Height Adjustment Control to
raise deck for high cutting and lower
deck for low cutting.
Adjust cutting height to suit your
requirements. Medium position is best
for most lawns.
To raise or lower the cutting height, rest
the palm of your hand on the palm rest
and with your fingers, squeeze upward
on the finger grip and hold.
Palm
Rest
While holding the finger grip up you can
raise or lower the cutting height. The
mulcher has eight blade height
adjustment positions. Refer to the scale
and pointer at the front of the mower.
The pointer will give you the height
setting for cutting your lawn. This setting
can be a reference for the next time you
want to cut your lawn at the same
height. When you have the mower at the
height you like, simply release the finger
grip to lock the height in.
NOTE: To ensure that the deck is securely
locked in one of the eight positions, press
down on the palm rest after releasing the
finger grip.
OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROL SWITCH
4iJ_CAUTION: Federal regulations require
an Operator Presence Control Switch to
be installed on lawn mowers in order to
minimize the risk of blade contact injury.
DO NOT under any circumstances attempt
to defeat the function of this switch.
9
Rememberthatthebladealwaysturns
whenthemotorisrunning.
TheOperatorPresenceControlSwitchis
aleverthatyoupul!backtostartandrun
themower.Theswitchrequiresyoutobe
positionedbehindthemowerhandlefor
moweroperation.
Tooperatetheswitch,insertyourfinger
intotheopening(A)andpushthelever
outsothatyoucangrabitwithyourother
hand.Pulltheleverbacktoturntheunit
onandholditagainstthemowerhandle
tokeepitrunning.Toturnthemoweroff,
justreleasethelever.Thespringloaded
"SNAPACTION"leverwil!quicklyturnthe
moweroff.
Mulch
Insert
,_.WARNING:
For your own safety DO NOT use this
mower without either the grasscatcher or
mulch insert in operating position.
Do not operate the lawnmower if the rear
door is not under spring tension. Take
your mower to the nearest Sears Service
Center for repair.
MULCH INSERT & REAR DOOR
The mulch insert is designed to minimize
the throwing of stones or other objects by
the mower blade backward from under the
mower deck. The mulch insert, along with
the rear door, minimizes the possibility of
accidental foot contact with the blade. DO
NOT operate mower without the mulch
insert and rear door in place.
10
MOWING PROCEDURE
Inspect area where mower is to be used
and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, and other debris which might be
thrown by the rotating blades.
Place most of the extension cord close
to the electrical outlet, out of the path of
the mower.
CAUTION: Do not plug extension
cord into receptacle outlet while standing
in water or when hands are wet.
Begin mowing in the area closest to the
outlet. Always mow forward in a back
and forth pattern across the lawn. Keep
the cord on the cut portion of the lawn.
MOWING TIPS
Mow across the face of slopes, never
up-and-down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes. Do
not mow excessively steep slopes.
Always maintain good footing.
Release switch to turn mower "OFF" and
wait for blade to stop before crossing
any graveled area (stones can be thrown
by the blade).
Set mower at highest cutting height
when mowing in rough ground or in tall
weeds.
From time to time turn off mower and
wait for the blade to come to a complete
stop. Then unplug the power cord and
turn mower on its side. Using an object
such as a stick, wipe out any
accumulation of grass in the blade area.
Be careful of the sharp edges of the blade.
If a grasscatcher is used during the fast
growing season, the grass may tend to
clog up at the discharge opening. Turn
the mower "OFF", wait for the blade to
stop and disconnect the power cord
plug. Remove the catcher and shake the
grass down to the back end of the bag.
Also clean out any grass or debris which
may be packed around the discharge
opening. Replace the grass catcher.
Clean often in wet, spring grass.
If mower should start to vibrate
abnormally, turn mower "OFF" and
unplug power cord. Check immediately
for cause. Vibration is a warning of
trouble. Do not operate mower until a
service check has been made.
ALWAYS turn the mower "OFF" and
unplug the mower when leaving it
unattended even for a short period of
time.
MULCHING
Your new mower is designed to re-cut
the grass clippings many times and
reduce them in size so that, as they fall
into the lawn, they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also, the
mulched grass wil! biodegrade quickly to
provide nutrients to the lawn.
Your mower was shipped with the Mulch
Insert installed.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
For best performance, keep the mower
housing free of built-up grass and debris.
Clean after each use. See CLEANING in
the maintenance section of this manual.
Avoid cutting the lawn when it is wet.
Wet grass tends to form clumps which
interfere with the mulching action. The
best time to mow your lawn is in the
early afternoon. At this time the grass is
dried and the newly cut area will not be
exposed to the direct sun. For best
results, adjust the mower cutting height
so that the mower cuts off only the top
one third of the grass blades. If the lawn
is overgrown it will be necessary to
increase the cutting height to reduce the
pushing effect and reduce overloading
the motor. For extremely heavy mulching
make narrower cuts and mow slowly.
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 second
cut, mow across or perpendicular to the
first cut path. DO NOT mow
perpendicular to the first path if it
would require you to mow across a
hill.
Change your cutting pattern from week
to week. Mow north to south one week
and east to west the next week. This will
help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
TO REMOVE MULCH INSERT
Shut the mower off, wait until the blade
stops and unplug the mower.
Raise the rear door and hotd it up.
11
Locateyourhandinthehandlepocketof
themulchinsert,liftandpul!outthe
mulchinsertcompletely.
Thereardischargedoorisspring
loaded.Whenyoureleaseitthedoorwill
returntotheclosedposition.
TO INSTALL MULCH INSERT
Shut the mower off, wait until the blade
stops and unplug the mower.
Raise the rear door and slide the mulch
insert into the discharge opening until it
is firmly in contact with the deck.
Release the rear door.
Remove square steel washer, plastic
insulator washer and blade.
Blade Nut Plastic
Square
Steel
Washer
Blade
Fan Base
Mulch
insert
TO REMOVE BLADE
Release Operator Presence Control
Switch to turn mower off, wait for the
blade to stop, and unplug mower!
Cut a two foot length of 2x4 wood and
use it to keep blade from turning while
removing blade nut.
Wear gloves, position wood, and loosen
nut counterclockwise as shown. Remove
nut.
TO REPLACE BLADE
Place blade on shaft so that the blade
edges are parallel with the fiat sides of
the shaft. Make sure you place the blade
so that its cutting edges wil! face the
ground when the mower is running.
Place plastic insulator washer on shaft
so that two of the washer's raised edges
fit over the edges of the blade.
Place square steel washer on shaft so
that flat sides of hole in washer are
parallel with flat sides of shaft.
Place blade nut on shaft. Make sure all
parts stay aligned. Position wood to keep
shaft from turning. Securely tighten blade
nut clockwise to 20-30 ft. Ibs.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Keep blade sharp for best mower
performance. A dull blade does not cut
grass evenly.
Wear proper eye protection.
12
Sharpeningthebladetwiceduringamow-
ingseasonisusuallysufficientundernor-
malcircumstances.Sand
causesthebladetodullfast.Ifyourlawn
hassandysoil,morefrequentsharpen-
ingsarerequired.
Replacebentordamagedblade
immediately.
To sharpen blade:
Make sure blade remains balanced.
Sharpen blade at the original cutting
angle.
Sharpen cutting edges on both ends of
blade, removing equal amounts of mate-
rial from both ends.
Secure blade in a vise as shown in
figure below.
• Wear safety glasses and be careful not
to cut yourself.
• Carefully file the cutting edges of the
blade with a fine tooth file or
sharpening stone.
• Check balance of blade. See
instructions for blade balancing.
• After blade is sharpened and balanced
replace blade on mower and tighten
securely.
TO BALANCE BLADE
Check balance of blade by placing
center hole in blade over a nail or round
screwdriver shank, clamped horizontally
in a vise. If either end of the blade
rotates downward, file that end. Blade is
properly balanced when neither end
drops.
both ends
of blade
Vise
Fine
Tooth
File
'.<_
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES TABLE
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
FILL iN DATES
AS YOU COMPLETE
REGULAR SERVICE
h/shYl/
SERVICEDATES
Check for Loose Fasteners X X
clean Lawn Mower X X
Check/Sharpen/Replace Blade X
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 ful! value from the
warranty, operator must maintain mower
as instructed in this manual.
Once a year check blade for wear.
Follow the maintenance schedule in this
manual.
Before each use check for loose
fasteners.
13
LUBRICATION
Nolubricationisrequired.
IMPORTANT:Donotoilorgreaseplastic
wheelbearings.Viscouslubricantswill
attractdustanddirtandwil!shortenthe
lifeoftheself-lubricatingbearings.Ifyou
feeltheymustbelubricated,useonlya
dry,powderedgraphitetubelubricant
spanngly.
TIRES
Keeptiresfreeofgasoline,oilorinsect
controlchemicalswhichcanharm
rubber.
Avoidstumps,stones,deepruts,sharp
objectsandotherhazardsthatmay
causetiredamage.
BLADECARE
Forbestresults,mowerblademustbe
keptsharp.Replacebentordamaged
blades.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
CLEANING
Release Operator Presence Control
Switch to turn mower off, wait for the
blade to stop, and unplug mower!
Use only mild soap and a damp cloth to
clean the mower. Clean out any clippings
which may have accumulated on the
underside of the deck.
PREVENTING CORROSION
Fertilizers and other garden chemicals
contain agents which greatly accelerate
the corrosion of metals. If you mow in
areas where fertilizers or chemicals have
been used, the mower should be
cleaned immediately after use.
_JkCAUTION: DO NOT pour or spray
water on the mower.
Do not store the toot on or adjacent to
fertilizers or chemicals. Such storage can
cause rapid corrosion.
MODEL NUMBER
POWER
RI Ar)F ,£PFFr)
CUTTING WIDTH
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:
900.370510
120v 12 AmP
3600 RPM
19"
20-30 FT. LBS.
[."-]:1.'Irt[_ :f:! _IDT.*'_B]I[II>"-]IitZj1:1_i i_1
4L_CAUTION: Before performing any
service or adjustments:
Release operator presence control
switch and stop motor.
Make sure the blade and all moving
parts have completely stopped.
Unplug power cord.
REAR DEFLECTOR
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.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
To adjust cutting height refer to "Adjust
Cutting Height" in Operation section of this
manual.
Immediately prepare your lawn mower for
storage at the end of the season or if the
unit wi!l not be used for 30 days or more.
LAWN MOWER
When lawn mower is to be stored for a
period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove
all dirt,grease, leaves, etc. Store in a
clean, dry area.
• Clean entire lawn mower (See
"CLEANING" in the Maintenance section
of this manual).
Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and
pins are securely fastened. Inspect
movingparts for damage, breakage and
wear. Replace if necessary.
HANDLE
You can fold your lawn mower handle for
storage.
Ensure that the power cord has been
unplugged.
Loosen both handle knobs.
Carefully fold the handle forward over
the mower.
4J_CAUTION: DO NOT pinch cord
between handle and mower shroud.
14
TROUBLE SHOOTING/CORRECTIVE ACTION GUIDE:
PROBLEM
-Motor will not start
-Motor keeps slowing
down
-Runs but poor cut
"esults
-Excess vibr_ion
-Mower is hard to push
-Mowerleaves clumps
3f grass
-Discharge/Bag plugging
CORRECTIVEACTION
- Check fuse or circud breaker to ensure
power is to outlet
- Check extension cord with another
electrical device to ensure cord is good.
- Call customer service representative
1 800 4 MY HOME
- The underside of the mower may be
plugged with clippings. Turn mower off, wait
for blade to stop and UNPLUG mower and
ctean out.
- Grass may be too tall, try pushing at a
slower pace, or raise cutting height.
- Check blade sharpness and balance, and
correct if required.
- If mulching, there is too much grass.
Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop and
UNPLUG mower and attach discharge chute
to disperse grass
- The blade may be dull. Turn mower off,
wait for blade to stop and UNPLUG mower
and carefully check for sharpness.
- Blade may be damaged (bent or badly
chipped). Turn mower off, wait for blade to
stop and UNPLUG mower and replace if
necessary.
- Grass may be too high or thick for cutting
height. Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop
and UNPLUG mower and raise cutting
height.
- Blade may be loose. Turn mower off, wait
for blade to stop and UNPLUG mower then
check blade for tightness.
- Blade may be bent or badly chipped.
Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop and
UNPLUG mower and replace if necessary.
- Blade may be unbalanced. Refer to blade
balancing section of instruction manual.
- Mower is too close to the ground with the
amount of grass being cut. Turn mower off,
wait for blade to stop and UNPLUG mower
and raise cutting height.
- Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop and
UNPLUG mower and check wheels and
axles to ensure all are rotating easily.
- Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop and
UNPLUG mower and raise cutting
height.
- If mulching, there is too much grass.
Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop and
UNPLUG mower and attach discharge
chute to disperse grass
- Turn mower off, wait for blade to stop and
UNPLUG mower and carefully check blade
for sharpness.
- Grass may be too wet to cut. Wait for
grass to dry.
- Grass may be too wet, try again when
grass is dry.
- There is too much grass. Turn mower off,
wait for blade to stop and UNPLUG mower
and raise cutting height.
15
/