TROKBILT'____
Operator's Manual
Wide-Cut TM 33"
Combination Mower
Models 753B
E753B
(fuel tank styles vary by engine model)
IMPORTANT:READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-cov-
ered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system isequipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). if a
spark arrester 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 arrester
for the muffler is available by contacting the service department at Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
TROY-BILT LLC, P.O. BOX 361131, CLEVELAND, OH 44136-0019
PRINTED IN USA FORM NO. 770-10602D
(12/2002)
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Content Page
Safety ................................................................... 1
Assembly ................................................................. 4
Features and Controls ....................................................... 8
Operation ................................................................ 11
Maintenance .............................................................. 16
Off-Season Storage ........................................................ 24
Lubrications ............................................................... 25
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 27
Parts List ................................................................. 28
Warrany Information ........................................................ Back Cover
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator's Manual isan important part of your new Wide-Cut TM mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the infor-
mation from it in the space provided below. This informationis very important if you need help from our Customer
Support Department or an authorized dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking at the rear surface of the tine shield. A sample model plate is ex-
plained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in
the space below
O BILT" TROY-BILT LL(
P* O* BOX 361131
www.troybilt.com CLEVELAND,OH44136
330-558-7220
• 866-840-6483,
Copy Model Number Here
Copy Serial Number Here
ENGINEINFORMATION
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issueswith regards to performance, power-rating,
specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual packed
separately with your unit for more information.
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance
of this unit, please ca]] the Customer Support Department.
Call 1- (330) 558-7220 or 1- (866) 840-6483 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please have
your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locatethis in-
formation. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.
Safety
WARNING:
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproduc-
tive harm.
SafetyAlertSymbol
,_ This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this
Owner's Manual to alert you to potential
hazards. Wheneveryou seethis symbol, readand obeythe
safety messagethat follows it. Failureto obey the safety
message could result in personal injury or property
damage.
IMPORTANT
Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers
This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observethe
following safety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.
I. GENERALOPERATION 5
1. Read,understand,andfollow all in-
structionson the machineandin the
manuals.Bethoroughly familiar with
thecontrolsandthe proper useof
the mowerbeforestarting. 6.
2. Donot put handsor feet nearor
under rotatingparts.Keepclearof
the mowerbladeand discharge 7.
openingatall times.
,
3. Onlyallowresponsibleindividuals,
whoarefamiliar with the instruc- 9.
tions, to operatethe mower.
4. Clearthe areaof objectssuchas
rocks, toys,wire, bones,sticks,etc.,
which couldbe pickedupand
thrown bythe blade. 10.
11.
Besuretheareaisclearof other
peoplebeforemowing.Stopmower
if anyoneentersthe area. Keepby-
standersat least25 feetawayfrom
theareaof operation.
Donot operatethe mowerwhen
barefootor wearingopensandals.
Alwayswearsubstantialfoot wear.
Donot pull mower backwards
unlessabsolutelynecessary.Look
downand behindbeforeandwhile
moving backwards.
Donot operatethe mowerwithout
properguards, plates,grasscatcher
or othersafety protectivedevicesin
place.
Referto providedinstructionsfor
properoperationand installationof
accessories.Onlyuseaccessories
approvedbyGardenWay
Incorporated.
Stopthebladewhencrossinggravel
drives,walks, or roads,
Stoptheengineanddisconnectthe
sparkplug wirefrom thespark plug
wheneveryou leavethe unit, before
cleaningthemoweror unclogging
the chute.
12. Shuttheengineoff, wait until the
bladecomesto a completestop, and
disconnectthespark plugwire be-
fore installing or removingthe
mulchercoveror the optionalgrass
catcher. Makecertainthatthegrass
catcheris securelyattachedbefore
operatingthemower.Emptythe
grasscatcheraftereachuse-
decomposingdebriscouldgenerate
enoughheatto catchfire.
13. Mow in daylightor goodartificial
light.
14. Donotoperatethemower while
underthe influenceofalcoholor
drugs.
Section1:Safety
15. Neveroperatemowerin wet grass.
Alwaysbesureofyour footing; keep
a firm holdon thehandleand walk;
neverrun.
16. DisengagetheWheelDriveLeveron
self-propelledmodelsbeforestarting
the engine.
17. If the unitshouldstartto vibrateab-
normally,stop theengineanddis-
connectthesparkplug wire. Then
checkimmediatelyfor thecause.
Vibrationis generallya warningof
trouble.
18. Alwayswearsafetygogglesor safety
glasseswith sideshieldswhenoper-
ating mower.
19. Watchfor traffic whenoperating
near,or whencrossingroadways.
20. Neverattemptto carrychildrenor
otherpassengerson themower.
Theycouldfall off and beseriously
injured,or theycould interferewith
thesafeoperationofthemower.
21. Checkthe operationof theOperator
PresenceControlBarbeforeeach
use.SeetheMaintenanceSectionof
this manualfor instructions.If the
engineruns longerthanthreesec-
ondsafter theOperatorPresence
ControlBaris released,thesystem
is notworking properly.Immediately
contactyour localservicedealeror
thefactory TechnicalService
Departmentfor instructions.Donot
usethemower until themechanism
is repaired.
22. Themower isequippedwith a safety
dischargechute,comeswith special
mulchercovers,and offersanop-
tional grasscatcher. Thesafetydis-
chargechute must beworking prop-
erlyat all times. Neverattemptto
disconnector otherwisecausethis
dischargechuteto ceaseworking. If
used,mulchercoveror grass
catcherattachmentmust be installed
properlyandfunction correctly. Do
notuseyour equipmentotherwise.
23. Neverruntheengineinanenclosed
area.Engineexhaustcontainscarbon
monoxide,adeadlygasthat isodor-
less,colorless,andtasteless.Always
runtheengineoutdoorsand make
surethereisadequateventilation.
II. SLOPEOPERATION
Slopeseree majorfactorrelatedto
slipandfall accidentswhichcanresult
insevereinjury. Allslopesrequire
extracaution.Ifyoufeel uneasyone
slope,donotmow it.
DO:
Mow acrossthefaceof slopes;never
up anddown. Exerciseextremecau-
tion whenchangingdirection on
slopes.Avoidslopesgreaterthan
15o.
Removeobjectssuch asrocks,tree
limbs,etc.
Watchfor holes, ruts,or bumps.Tall
grasscanhideobstacles.
DONOT:
Donot mow neardrop-offs, ditches,
or embankments.Theoperatorcould
loosefooting or balance.
Donot mowexcessivelysteepslopes.
Donot mowon wet grass.Reduced
footing couldcauseslipping.
III. CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccuriftheopera-
tor isnotalerttothepresenceofchil-
drem Childrenereoftenattractedtothe
mowerandtothemowingactivity.
Neverassumethatchildrenwill remain
whereyoulastsewthem.
1. Keepchildrenout of themowing
areaand underthewatchful careof
a responsibleadult.
2. Bealertandturn moweroff ifchil-
dren enterthearea.
3. Beforeandwhile moving backwards,
look behindand downfor small
children.
4. Neverallowchildrento operatethe
mower.
5. Useextracarewhenapproaching
blind corners,shrubs,trees,or other
objectsthat mayobscurevision.
IV.SERVICE
1. Useextracarein handlinggasoline
andotherfuels.Theyareflammable
andtheirvapors areexplosive.
a) Useonlyan approvedcontainer.
b) Neverremovegascapor add
fuelwhentheengineis running.
Allowengineto cool beforerefu-
eling.Do notsmoke.
c) Neverrefuelthe machine
indoors.
d)
e)
Neverstorethemachineor fuel
containerinsidewherethereis
an openflame,such asawater
heater,etc.
Movemowerawayfrom any
gasolinefumesbeforestarting
theengine.
2. Neverrunan engineinsidea closed
area.
,
Nevermakeadjustmentsor repairs
with the enginerunning. Disconnect
the spark plugwireand keepthe
wireawayfrom the plugto prevent
accidentalstarting.
4. Keepall nuts and bolts,especially
the bladeattachmentbolts,tight and
keepequipmentin goodcondition.
5. Nevertamperwith safetydevices.
Checktheir operationregularly.
,
Keepmowerfreeof grass,leavesor
otherdebrisbuild-up.Cleanupoil or
fuel spillage.Allowmowerto cool
beforestoring.
7,
After striking anobject,stop theen-
gineand disconnectthespark plug
wire. Inspectthemowerand repair,
if necessary,beforerestarting.
8. Neverattemptto makemowercut-
ting heightadjustmentswhilethe
engineis running.
,
Grasscatchercomponentsaresub-
ject to wear,damageanddeteriora-
tion, whichcouldexposemoving
partsor allowobjectsto bethrown.
Frequentlycheckcomponentsand
replacewith factory recommended
parts,whennecessary.
2
Section1:Safety
10. Mower bladesare sharpandcan
cut. Wrapthe bladeor weargloves,
and useextracautionwhenservic-
ing them.
11. Donot changetheenginegovernor
settingor overspeedtheengine.
12. Donot touch enginepartswhich
may behotfrom operation.Allow
parts to coolcompletelybeforein-
specting,cleaningor repairingthe
mower,
13.
14.
15.
To accessthe undersideof the
mower,tip the mower rearward.Do
nottip the mowerforward or on ei-
ther of its sides,unlessspecifically
advisedto do so in this manual.
Maintainor replacesafetyand in-
structionaldecals. Referto thesep-
aratePartsCatalogfor replacement
decalinformation.
Forunitsequippedwith electric
start:
a) Batteriesproduceexplosive
gases.Keepsparks,flame,
cigarettes,etc.,away. Ventilate
theareawhenchargingthe bat-
tery.Donotchargethebatteryin
anairtight space.
b) Donot usea batterycharger
otherthantheone providedwith
the mower.
c) Thebatterycontainstoxic mate-
rials. Donotdamagethe battery
case.If the caseis brokenor
damaged,avoidcontactwith the
batterycontents.
d) Properlydisposeof adamaged
or worn out battery.Checkwith
localauthoritiesfor properdis-
posalmethods.
e) Donotshort circuitthe battery.
Severeburnsandfire canresult.
SAFETYDECALS
Makecertainall safetydecalsonthis equipmentarekeptcleanand in goodcondition. Thedecalsareshown (at reducedsizes)
below. Ifyou needa replacementdecal,pleasereferto the PartsCatalogthataccompaniedthis Manual.
CAUTION
Ontop,rearofengineplatform
OnControlPanel(forelectricstartmodel)
Beneathbelt/pulley
cover
DANGER
Onleft sideof
mowerdeck
OnControlPanel(for recoilstartmodel)
Ondischargechute
3
4
ASSEMBLYSTEPS
To preventpersonalinjuryor property
damage, do not attempt to start the
engine until all assembly steps are
complete and you have read and
understand the safety, controls and
operatinginstructionsinthismanual.
INTRODUCTION
Pleasecarefullyfollow theseassembly
stepsto properlyprepareyour machine
for use. Werecommendthat you read
this Sectioninits entiretybeforebegin-
ningassembly.
NOTE:All referencesto left, right, front
andrearof the machinearedetermined
bystandingbehindthe handlebarsand
facing thedirectionof forward travel.
INSPECTION AFTER DELIVERY
inspectthe shippingcrateand machine
immediatelyafter delivery. Makesure
neitherthecarton northe contentshave
beendamaged.
ifyoufind or suspectanydamage,con-
tact thecarrier(truckingcompany)
immediately. Inform themof thespecific
damageandthatyou wish to file aclaim.
To protectyour rights, besureto put
this inwriting tothe carrierwithin 15
days. Thecarrierwill letyou know how
to proceedwith your claim. Pleaseletus
know ifyou needanyassistance.
STEP1: Unpacking Mower
NOTE:LEFTandRIGHTsidesof the unit
areasviewedfrom the operator'sposi-
tion behindthe handlebars.
1. Cutstraps,if present,securingunit
to pallet. Leaveuniton palletduring as-
sembly(to safelyremoveunit from pal-
let,wait until you havecompletedas-
semblysteps1-4).
2. Removeany protectivepackaging
from aroundthehandlebars.Cutthe
plastictie strapsholdingthecontrol rods
and struts tothe handlebars.
STEP2: Attach Handlebars
to Engine Deck
NOTE:Fourscrews(D, Figure2-2) are
usedto connectthehandlebarsto the
enginedeck. Atthefactory,two of these
screws (front) arethreadeddirectlyinto
lock nutsweldedto thebacksidesof the
deck.Theremainingtwo screws (rear)
securethe lower handletothe deck.
1. Removeand savethetwo 5/16"-18x
3/4"screws (front) mentionedinthe
NOTEabove.
2. Carefullypivot the handlebarsover
theengineand positionthe handlebar
ends(E,Figure2-2) againstthe sidesof
theenginedeck.Donotalloowthe han-
dlebarsto rubagainsttheenginewhile
pivotingthem.
3. Looselysecuretheright-handhandle-
TOOLS/MATERIALSNEEDED: barendto thedeck byreinsertingthe
• WireCutter screw (D,Figure2-2) removedearlier.
• Two 7/16" Wrenches Donotsecurethe left-handhandleat
• 3/8" Wrench this point inassembly.
• 1/2" Wrench 4. Removethe nutfrom the lowerscrew
• Scissorsor PenKnife (B,Figure2-1) which securesthe con-
soleto the handlebaron theleft-hand
• Needle-nosePliers sideof the unit.
• TireGauge
5. Positiona handlebarstrut's smaller
hole(A,Figure2-1) overthescrew (B,
Figure2-1) on theINSIDEof thecon-
sole, with thestrut's fiat sideagainstthe
console.
6. Usingthenut removedearlier,secure
thestrut to theconsole/handlebar.
Figure2-1
Figure2-2: Attachhandlebarsandstruts
toenginedeck,
7. Align the looseendof the left-hand
handlebarstrut (A, Figure2-2) overthe
front holeinthe handlebarend.Secure
thestrut and handlebarto thedeckwith
the5/16"-18x 3/4"screw(D, Figure2-2)
removedearlier.
8. Removethescrew(front) that is
looselysecuringthe right-handhandle-
barendto thedeck.and repeat4-7 on
the right-handsideof theunit.
9. Onbothsidesof theunit, securely
tighten thescrews(D, Figure2-2) atthe
lowerendsofthe handlebarbeforetight-
eningthe screws(B & F,Figure2-1) on
theconsole.
STEP3: Electric Start Model
A. SecureWireHarness
1. At theunattachedendof theelectrical
wire harness,therearefour wiresat-
tachedtoa large plasticconnectorand
two wires attachedto a small plastic
connector.
Section2: Assembly
2. Plugthe largeconnectorintothe bot-
tom of the ignitionkeyswitchthat is lo-
catedonthe undersideof the handlebar
console(not pictured).
3. Usetwo cabletiesto securethewire
harnessto the right handlebarandaway
from any movingparts. Placetheties an
equaldistanceapart.
B. AttachWireLeadsto Battery
1. Thebatteryis locatedatthe rear,
right-sideofthe enginedeck.
2. Atthe lowerendofthe electrical
wiring harness,locatea redwire lead
anda blackwire lead.
• Plugterminal on red(positive)wireinto
redterminal(U, Figure2-3) on battery.
• Plugterminalon black(negative)wire
into blackterminal (V).
3. Ifapplicable,attachwire harnessto
enginedeckusingJ-clips (W, Figure
2-4) asshown. BendJ-clips overto
secure.
Black(GroundLead) V (')
Bed
(Positive =
Lead)
(+) U
Figure2-3: Connectwireterminalsto
batteryterminals,
W
Figure2-4: AttachwireharnesswithJ-
clips.
Chargebattery onlywith chargersup-
pliedwith machine.Donotshortcircuit
batterywires. Removeanyjewelrybe-
fore workingon or nearthe batteryor
electricstartsystem.
Failure to follow these instructions
couldresultin personalinjuryor prop-
ertydamage.
C. ChargetheBattery
Chargea newbatteryfor 24-48 hoursto
ensureafull charge. If the mowermust
be usedimmediately,the batterymay
haveenoughof a chargeto startthe en-
gine.If not,theenginecanbestarted
with the ropepull starter. NOTE:Charge
thebatteryafter theinitial useof the
mowerto helpensureit isfully charged.
If battery is removed, do not operate
engine without insulating positive (+)
battery cable terminal with electrical
tape or sparkingfrom batteryceils can
result.
1. Tochargethe battery,locatethe plas-
tic connector(T, Figure2-5) that hangs
from the wireharnessbelowthe handle-
barconsole.
2. Plugtheconnectoron the battery
charger(Z, Figure2-5) intotheconnec-
tor on thewire harness(T).
Togrounded
wall outlet
Figure2-5
Controlrodsare adjusted at the fac-
tory andshouldnot requireadditional
adjustmentduringassembly.Afteras-
sembling unit, control rod
adjustment should be checked(and
re-adjusted,ifnecessary)accordingto
informationin MaintenanceSection.
Failureto followthis instructioncould
result in severe personal injury or
propertydamage.
3. Plugthebatterychargerinto a120V
groundedwall outlet. NOTE:Thebattery
chargeris designedfor useindoorsand
shouldnot beexposedto rainor snow.
4. Chargebatteryfor 24-48 hours.
5. After charging,unplug battery
chargerfrom wall outlet,then unplug
chargerfrom wire harness.
STEP4: Attach Control Rods
A. AttachWheelDriveControlRod
1. Locatethe wheeldrivecontrol rod (F,
Figures2-6A & 2-7) and removethean-
gledendfrom theleft handlebarbyre-
movingthe hairpinclipwhich securesit
to the WheelDriveControllever(V,
Figure2-6A)
2. At left sideof enginedeck,insert
swivelblock(H, Figures2-6 & 2-7) on
wheeldrivecontrol rod into wheeldrive
control arm(U, Figure2-6).
W
H A,E _ T "----" G
Figure2-6: Left-handcontrolrodsdetail.
Section2: Assembly
BB
Figure2-6A:Attachwheel drivecontrolrod
tolever.
3. Adda 5/16"washer(A,Figure2-6)
andsecurewith ahairpinclip (B).
4. At upperend of control rod,re-insert
theangledendintothe WheelDrive
Controllever(V,Figure2-6A)and re-
attachwith hairpinclip (BB) removed
earlier.
B. AttachOperatorPresenceControl
Rod
1. Locatethe OperatorPresenceControl
rod (E,Figures.2-6and 2-7). At bottom
of control rod, insertswivelblock (G,
Figures2-6 & 2-7) intocontrol arm (T,
Figure2-6).
2. Addone5/16"washerandsecure
with hairpinclip.
C. AttachBladeDriveControlRod
1. Locatethe bladedrivecontrol rod(C,
Figure2-7). Insertoneend ofcontrol rod
intobladedrive bracket(D, Figure2-7).
Addone 5/16"washerandattachwith
hairpinclip(CC).
2. Inserttheotherendof rodinto bot-
tom end of BladeDriveControllever(J,
Figure2-7). Addone 5/16"washerand
attachwith hairpinclip (AA).
D.AttachandAdjustGearSelectLever
NOTE:Theretainingplate(N, Figure2-7)
mentionedin thefollowing stepsisse-
curedtothe rearof themower with two
screws(0, Figure2-7) and 1/4"-20 lock-
nuts.Removethe retainingplateand
saveit, alongwith thetwo screws,be-
fore proceedingwith assembly.
1. Removethevinyl grip (B,Figure2-8)
from the gearselectlever(I). Placethe
woodedgeagainsttheedgeof thegrip
andslowly pull off the grip.
W,_
L
AA
E_ t_ _ --C
-
] cc
! I ' ,
H] -G--N-:_ g D
Figure2-7: Rearviewof controlrods.
Z
K
Pin(K)mustbeinthis detent
whentransmissionneutralis - ._
adjusted.
Figure2-8: Detail- GearSelectLeverin Neutral(N) position.
Section2: Assembly
2. Insertnylon bushing(Z, Figure2-8)
upinto console(L).
3. Slidespringand washers(J)down
onto gearselectlever.
4. Insertgearselectlever(I) upthrough
nylonbushing(Z) inhandlebarconsole
(L).Guidepin (K)ongearselectleverinto
groovein shiftquadrant(P).
5. Holdlowerpartof gearselectlever
(I, Figure2-9) againstbracket(M).
Positionretainingplate(N), removed
earlier,asshown in Figure2-9 (plate
belowbracket). Secureplatewithtwo
1/4"-20x 1/2"screws (0) and 1/4"-20
Iocknutsremovedearlier.
6. Slidegrip (B,Figure2-8) backonto
gearselectlever(I).
7. Rotategearselectlever(I,Figures2-
8 &2-9) clockwiseuntilspur (K - short
rod) ongearselectrod stopsin the neu-
tral positiondetenton the shift pattern
quadrant(Figure2-8).
8. Moveshift arm (X,Figure2-9) from
sideto sideasnecessaryintoeach
transmissiongeardetent untiltransmis-
sion isin neutral.
NOTE:Movingshift arm(X) allthe way
to theleft,andthenonenotch backto
theright, shouldputtransmissioninto
neutral.Whentransmissionisin neutral,
unitwill movefreelywhenpushedwhile
holdingtheOperatorPresenceControl
lever(W, Figure2-7) down. If transmis-
sion isNOTinneutral,therewill bea
slight dragonthe wheelswhenpushing
unit.
9. Whenshift arm (X) is in neutralposi-
tion, rotateshift link(P) toward endof
gearselectleverrod (I). Adjust length
of shift link (P) asnecessaryto fit into
holein bottomof gearselectlever(I).
NOTE:Pin(K) on GearSelectLever(I)
mustbeheld in theneutralposition
detenton theshift quadrant(seeFigure
2-8) while shift link(P, Figure2-9) is
adjusted.
10. Inserthookedendof shift link(P,
Figure2-9) into hole in bottomendof
gearselectlever(I) andsecurewith
hairpinclip(Q).
NOTE:It may benecessaryto lift gear
selectlever(I) to install shift link (P).
11. Removeunitfrom shippingcrate.
To remove,hold downOperator
PresenceControllever(W, Figure2-7)
which releasesthewheelbrake.
12. With uniton levelground,hold
downOperatorPresenceControllever
(W, Figure2-7) and pushunit forward
andbackward.Thewheelsshouldmove
freely. If not, adjust lengthof shift link
(P,Figure2-9) as necessary.
Do not use the mower if the wheels
continue to turn after releasing the
Operator Presence Control end the
WheelDriveControl.
Severe personal injury or property
damagecould resultif this instruction
is notfollowed.
; r'
I ._1 I
; ,f o ;
I I
J =
-...... ..... 77-
x
Figure2-9: Detail- TransmissionNeutralAdjustment.
13. Putthe GearSelectLeverin neutral
(N), releaseall of thecontrol leversand
try to pushthe unitforward andback-
ward. Thewheelsshould notturn. If
they do turn, anadjustment isneces-
sary. DONOTOPERATETHEUNIT
UNTILTHEWHEELBRAKEMECHANISM
HASBEENADJUSTEDANDISWORK-
INGPROPERLY.See"WheelBrake
Adjustment"inSection5 "Maintenance."
STEP5: Check Motor Oil Level
1. Movemowerto alevelarea.Press
andhold OperatorPresenceControl
lever(W, Figure2-7) to movemower.
2. Themower isshippedwith oil in the
engine.However,youMUSTcheckthe
oil levelaccordingto theinstructionspro-
videdin theseparateEngineOwner's
Manualincludedinthe unit'sliterature
packagebeforestartingthe mower.
• Keepoil levelatthe FULLmarkon the
dipstick to avoidenginedamage.
• Changeoil accordingto scheduleand
instructionsin Section5 "Maintenance."
STEP6: Check Tire Pressure
1. Useatire gaugeto checktheair
pressurein the reartires. Theair pres-
sureshouldbe between15-20 PSI(20
PSImaximum).
2. Keepboth tires equallyinflatedto
helppreventmachinefrom pullingto
oneside.
STEP7: After Assembling and
Before UsingUnit
1. Readthis entireOwner'sManualfor
propersafety,operationand mainte-
nanceinformation.
2. Makesuresparkplug wireis con-
nectedto sparkplug beforestarting unit.
FeaturesandControls
Before operating mower, be sure to
readall safety, controlsand operating
instructions in this Manual and on
decalslocatedonmachine.
Severe personal injury or property
damagecouldresult if this instruction
isnotfollowed.
IMPORTANT: THE MOWER IS
EQUIPPED WITH A BLADE-BRAKE-
CLUTCHCONTROLSYSTEMWHICHIS
DESIGNED TO STOP THE MOWER
BLADESWITHIN THREE(3) SECONDS
AFTER RELEASEOFTHE OPERATOR
PRESENCECONTROL. THIS SYSTEM
WILL STOPTHEBLADESBUTNOTTHE
ENGINE.THEREFORE,YOUCANDISEN-
GAGETHE BLADEDRIVEAT ANYTIME
WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP AND
RESTARTTHEENGINE.THIS FEATURE
IS PARTICULARLYUSEFULWHENYOU
NEEDTO CROSSGRAVELDRIVESOR
ROUGHTERRAIN AND YOU DO NOT
WANT THE SPINNING BLADES
TO STRIKE STONES OR HIDDEN
OBSTACLES.
MOWERFEATURESAND
CONTROLS
This sectiondescribesthevarious
featuresand controlson the unit. Refer
tothe nextsection"Operation"for
detailedoperatinginstructions. Also,
readtheseparateEngineOwner's
Manualfor a detailedexplanationofthe
proper useof theenginecontrols.
Operator Presence Control
TheOperatorPresenceControl lever
(A, Figure3-1) regulatesthe operationof
therearwheelbrakeand theseparate
BladeDriveControl. Alwaysengagethis
control beforeengagingthe separate
bladedrive or wheeldrivecontrols.
Alwaysdisengagethis control before
startingtheengine.
ToengagetheOperatorPresence
Control,pressand hold theleveragainst
thehandlebargrip. Doingso releases
thebrakeon the rearwheels,allowing
thewheelsto turn. Theengagedposition
alsopermitstheseparateBladeDrive
Controlto lock in its engagedposition
(allowsthe mowerbladesto turn).
Releasingthe lever(disengaged
position) appliestherearwheelbrake
andquicklystopsthewheels.Releasing
the leverwill alsodisengagethe Blade
DriveControl,which will applya brake
that stopsthe bladeswithin three(3)
seconds.
Blade Drive Control
Usethis lever(B,Figure3-1) to en-
gagedriveto the mowerblades.
Toengagetheblades,first engagethe
OperatorPresenceControl(A,Figure3-
1). Then,pushthe spring-loadedBlade
DriveControllever(B)forward until it
staysin theengagedposition.
Tostop the blades,releasethe
OperatorPresenceControl(A). Doingso
will disengagethe BladeDriveControl
(B)and automaticallyapplythe brake
that stopsthe blades.
Alwaysdisengagethe BladeDrive
Controlbeforestartingtheengine. This
helpsto ensurethatthe bladeswill not
startturningwhentheenginestarts.
The blade-brake-clutchcontrolsystem
shouldstop the mower blades within
three (3) secondsafter release of the
OperatorPresenceControl.
If the bladesdo not stopwithin three
(3) seconds, put the Engine Throttle
Control in the STOP position.
Disconnectthe sparkplug wire and do
not operatethe moweruntilthe blade-
brake-clutchcontrolsystemhas been
repaired.
B- BLADE
DRIVECONTROL
Disengage
Engage
C- GEAR
SELECTLEVER
A- OPERATOR
PRESENCECONTROL
Disengage
Engage
Figure3-1
Section3: FeaturesandControls
Operating Symbols Varioussymbolsare usedon the mowerto indicatecontrol settings(your modelmaynot haveall of the
symbols).Thesesymbolsareshown belowwith a descriptionof their meaning.
ENGINE ENGINE ENGINE
FAST SLOW CHOKE ENGAGE DISENGAGE STOP START RUN
GearSelect Lever
Usethis lever(C,Figure3-1) to select
anyof four forward groundspeeds(1 -
Slow,2 and 3 - Medium,4- Fast),N
(Neutral)andR(Reverse).Thegearshift
patternisshown in Figure3-2.
Toavoiddamagingthetransmis-
sion,donotshiftgearswhenthe
mowerismoving.
Forforward travel,useoneofthe four
numberedsettings.Toselectreverse,
shiftto neutralandthenpull upon the
lever.Turnthe leverto theR (reverse)
positionand releasethe lever.
Putthe leverin N(neutral)to manu-
allypushthemowerand whenthe
mower isnot in use.
Figure3-2:
Shiftpattern
onconsole.
Wheel Drive Control
Usethis lever(D, Figure3-3) to en-
gageand disengagedriveto thewheels.
Toengagethe wheels,first selecta
forwardor reversegearwith theGear
SelectLeverandsqueezetheOperator
PresenceControl(A, Figure3-3). Then,
squeezetheWheelDriveControllever
(D)againstthehandlebargrip. The
groundspeedcanbevariedbyincreas-
ing or decreasingpressureon thelever.
Toavoidsuddenacceleration, slowly
squeezetheleverwhenfirstengaging
thewheels.
Releasethe WheelDriveControlto
disengagethewheels.Thewheelswill
graduallyslowto a stop. NOTE:Tostop
thewheelsquickly, releasethe Operator
PresenceControlalongwith theWheel
DriveControl.
Whenstartingthe engine,theWheel
DriveControlshouldbedisengaged(re-
leased). This helpsto ensurethat the
wheelswill notstartturning whenthe
enginestarts.
Do notengagethe WheelDriveControl
without first engaging the Operator
Presence Control. Doing so could
resultin wearor damageto the wheel
brakemechanism.
A- OPERATOR
PRESENCECONTROL
Disengage
Engage
Engage
Disengage
D- WHEEL
DRIVECONTROL
Figure3-3
Cutting Height Control Lever
Usethis lever(E,Figure3-4) to adjust
the cutting heightfrom 1to 4 inches.
Notethat actualcutting heightswill vary
accordingto soil conditions.
Turn theleverclockwiseto raisethe
heightor counterclockwiseto lowerthe
height. Adecaland pointer(not illus-
trated) onthe right sideofthe mower
deckshow thecutting heightsettings
rangingfrom A (highest)to G (lowest).
Figure3-4
Mulcher Cover
The mulchercover (F,Figure3-5)is
pre-installedat thefactory. It must be
kept in placewhenusingtheunit asa
mulching mower. Themulchercoveris
designedto keepthe dischargechute
raisedup whileyou mow. Whenthe
cover is removedfor side-discharge
mowing,thedischargechutelowers.
Referto "4. SelectMulchingor Side-
DischargeMowing" inthe Operation
Sectionfor mulchercover installation
instructions.
Figure3-5
Section3: FeaturesandControls
EngineThrottle Control
This lever(G, Figure3-6) isusedto
adjustenginespeedsandto stopthe en-
gine. Alwaysrun engineatfast speed
settingfor bestmower performance.
Thethrottlesettingsare shown below.
I_1 CHOKE-Usewhen
startinga coldengine.
H- IGNITION/STARTER
SWITCH
G- THROTTLECONTROL
FAST- Use duringmower
operation.
_ure3-6
m_It-SLOW- Usewhenidling
engine.
"_ STOP- Stopsengine.
Ignition/Starter Switch -
(Electric Start Model)
This three-positionswitch (H, Figure
3-6) is usedto startand stop the
engineon electricstart models. Theig-
nition keysettingsareshown below.Do
notturn the keyuntilyou havereadthe
OperationSectionin this Manual.
Alwaysremoveignition keywhen
leavingmower unattendedorwhenin-
specting,cleaningor servicingmower.
'_ STOP-Stopsengine.
(_ RUN- After starting, key
returnsto run position.
45
Engine Recoil Starter
Therecoilstarter(I, Figure3-7) is
usedto "pull-start" theengine. Detailed
instructionsfor usingtherecoilstarter
arefound in theOperationSectionof this
Manualand in the EngineOwner's
Manual.Do notpull the recoilstarter
untilyou havereadthe Operation
Section.
Figure3-7
,/
START - Starts engine.
Release key when engine
starts.
lO
Operation
Before operating mower, be sure to
readall safety, controlsand operating
instructions in this Manual and on
decalslocatedonmachine.
Severe personal injury or property
damagecould result if this instruction
isnotfollowed.
BEFOREOPERATINGMOWER
1. Pre-Operation Checklist
With the sparkplug wiredisconnected
from thespark plug,performthefollow-
ing checksand servicesbeforeeachuse:
1. ReviewSection1:"Safety"andSection
3, "FeaturesandControls"in this man-
ual. ReadtheseparateEngineOwner's
Manualprovidedwith the unit.
2.Checkunitfor looseor missinghard-
ware.Tightenor replaceasneeded.
3.With the uniton levelground,check
theengineoil levelaccordingto the
instructionsinthe EngineOwner's
Manual. Theoil levelshouldbe atthe
FULLmarkon thedipstick or upto the
top ofthe oil fill holeon engineswith-
out a dipstick.
4. Checkall leversfor freedomof move-
ment.Readjustor repairasneeded
beforestartingengine.
5.Checkthat all guardsandshieldsare
in placeand properlysecured.
6. inspecttheareato mowedandre-
moveanydebriswhich couldbe
pickedup andthrown bythe mower
blades.
7.Checkthat the mulchercoveris prop-
erly installedinthe dischargeopening
(seeinstructionsin this Section).
Removethe mulchercoverto usethe
side-dischargemowing feature.
8. Onelectricstart models,checkthat
all wiring connectionsare cleanand
tight.
9. Checktheair pressurein therear
tires (15-20PSI). Keeptires inflated
equally.
GASOLINEISHIGHLYFLAMMABLEAND
ITS VAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.TOhelp
preventseverepersonalinjuryor prop-
ertydamage:
• Follow gasoline safety rules in
Section1: "Safety" of this Manualand
in the separate Engine Owner's
Manual.
• Neverremovethegasolinefill capor
oddfuel when indoorsor whenengine
is runningor still hot.Allow engineto
cool at least three (3) minutesbefore
refueling.
• Keep smokingmaterials, sparks or
flamesfar awayfromfuel tankandfuel
container.
• Store gasoline in an approvedfuel
containerandin a well-ventilatedarea.
Store it safelyoutof the reachof chil-
dren. Do notstore gasolinewhere va-
porsconreachon opensparkor flame
or where ignitionsourcesore present
(such as hot water or space heaters,
furnaces,clothesdryers,stoves,elec-
tric motors,etc.).
• Fill tankto 1/2"belowbottomoffiller
neckto allowfor fuel expansion.Wipe
up spilled gasoline immediately and
movemowerawayfromgasolinefumes
before starting engine. Securely re-
place caps on fuel tank and fuel
container.
10.
Removethefuel capand checkthe
levelof gasolineaccordingto the in-
structionsin the EngineOwner's
Manual.Cleanaroundfuel fill area
beforeremovingfuelcap. Donot
checkfuellevelor addfuelwhile in-
doorsor if engineis running or hot.
Allow engineto cool for three(3)
minutes. Fillthetank with fresh,
11.
cleanunleadedgasolinewitha mini-
mum octaneratingof 77. Leave1/2"
ofspacefor fuel expansion.Donot
mix oil with gasoline.Donot use
gasolinewhich containsMethanol.
Seethe EngineOwner'sManualfor
instructionsand precautionsregard-
ing theuseof gasolinesthat are
blendedwith alcoholsor ethers
(calledoxygenatedor reformulated
gasolines). Securelyreplacecapson
fuel tankandfuel container.
Attachspark plugwireto spark plug
after completingabovechecklist.
2. Set Mower Cutting Height
To avoidpersonalinjury, do notadjust
cutting heightwhile wheels or blades
are turning. Release all handlebar
controlsandwait for all motiontostop
beforeadjustingcuttingheight.
1. Releaseall controlsbeforeadjusting
thecutting height.
2. Adjustthecutting heightfrom 1 to4
inchesbyrotatingtheCuttingHeight
Control lever(Figure3-4) eitherclock-
wiseto raisethe heightor counterclock-
wiseto lowerthe height. Notethat ac-
tualcutting heightswill vary according
to grassand soilconditions. A decaland
pointeron the rightsideof the mower
deckindicatesthe heightsetting.
3. Inheavyor tall grass,it is usually
betterto makethefirst cut at a higher
settingandthen makea secondcut at
thedesiredheight. In rough terrain,a
highersetting is recommendedasit will
minimizethe chancesof the bladestrik-
ingtheground or hiddenobstructions.
11
Section4: Operation
3. Test Blade-Brake-Clutch
Central System
Themower isequippedwith a blade-
brake-clutchwhich isdesignedto stop
the mowerbladeswithin three(3)
secondsafter releaseofthe Operator
PresenceControl or theBladeDrive
Control. Nevertamperwith, or attempt
to defeatthe purposeofthis safety
device.
Thecontrol systemisa mechanical
devicewhich issubjectto wear.
Therefore,test theoperationofthe
blade-brake-clutchcontrol systembefore
eachuseof themower.Referto "Blade
BrakeControlTest"atthe endofthis
Section.
4. Select Mulching or Side-
Discharge Mowing
Beforeinstallingor removingmulching
cover, stop engine, wait for parts to
stopmoving,anddisconnectsparkplug
wire. Removeignition key on electric
startmodels.
Youcanusethe mowereitherasa
mulchingmower or asa side-discharge
mower. To usethe mulchingfeature,in-
sert the mulchercoveras described
below. Removethe mulchercoverto
side-dischargegrassclippings. The
mulchercoverisdesignedto keepthe
dischargechuteraisedup whilemowing.
Whenthe coveris removed,the dis-
chargechutewill loweritselffor side-
dischargemowing.
To installor removemulcher cover:
1. Stoptheengineand waitfor all parts
to stop moving. Disconnectthespark
plugwirefrom thespark plug.Remove
the ignitionkeyon electricstart models.
2. Toinstall thecover,insertthe right-
sidetabof thecover intothefront sup-
port bracket(A,Figure4-1). Insertthe
cover intothedischargeopening,mak-
ingsurethat theslot (B)in theleft side
of thecover iscompletelyengagedinthe
rearedgeof thedeckopening.
B
Figure4-1: Mulchercover
STARTINGANDSTOPPING
THEENGINE
Do not operate the engine in an
enclosed area. Engine exhaust
containscarbon monoxide, a deadly
gas that is odorless, colorless and
tasteless. Alwaysrunengineoutdoors
and make sure there is adequate
ventilation.
3. Toremovethe cover,slidethecover
to the right(front of mower)to disen-
gagetheslot (B)from the mowerdeck
andthen prythe left-sideof thecover
outand off.
MOVINGTHE MOWERWITHOUT
ENGINEPOWER
Themower canbe manuallypushed
or pulledby puttingthe GearSelect
Lever(C, Figure4-2) in N (neutral)and
pressingand holdingtheOperator
PresenceControl(A,Figure4-2) down
againstthehandlebargrip.
Tostop the wheelsatanytime,
releasetheOperatorPresenceControl.
ToStart the Engine
1. Movemowerto alevelarea.
2. Releaseall controls on mowerto pre-
ventwheelsor mower bladesfrom rotat-
ing whenenginestarts.
3. MoveEngineThrottleControl(E,
Figure4-2) fully upwardto chokesetting
to starta coldengineor to fast (rabbit)
settingto starta warm engine.
Toavoidinjury:
• Keephandsand feet clear of mower
blades or other rotating parts.
• Lookbehindyouto be surethere are
no obstacles before pulling recoil
starterrope.
F-Ig
B- Blade Drive
Control
C- Gear Select Lever
E - Engine Throttle
Control
A- Operator
Presence Control
Figure4-2: MowerControls
D- Wheel Drive Control
12
Section4: Operation
4. To startengineusingrecoilstarter:
A. Standon leftside(asviewedfrom
behindhandlebars)of machine.Be
sureyour feetaresafelyawayfrom
the undersideof the mowerdeckand
all mowercontrolsare released.
Placeonefoot ontop of tire.
B. Graspstarterrope handle(Figure3-
7) andpull slowly until ropepulls
slightly harder.Letroperewind
slowly. Thenpull ropewith a rapid,
full arm stroke. Letropereturn
slowly. Ifenginefails to startafter
threepulls, repeatinstructionsstart-
ingwith Step2 (try settingthrottle at
fast setting).
C. Whenenginestarts,operatein fast
throttle setting(movethrottle from
chokesettingto fastsetting).
5. To startengineusingelectricstarter:
A. Standbehindthe handlebarsand re-
leaseall mower controls.
B.Turnignition key (F,Figure4-2) fully
clockwiseto crank engine.To avoid
damageto startermotor,do not
crankenginefor longerthanfive sec-
ondsat a time.Also,allow 15sec-
onds betweeneachstart attempt.If
enginefails to startafterthreeat-
tempts, repeatinstructionsstarting
with Step2 (try settingthrottle atfast
setting).
C. Whenenginestarts,releasekeyandit
will returntotherun (middle)posi-
tion.
D. Operateengineat fastthrottle setting
(movethrottle from chokesettingto
fast setting).
NOTE:If theelectricstartsystemis not
functioning,the enginecanbestarted
with the recoilstarter.Todo so, first put
the ignitionkeyin the run (middle)posi-
tion. Thenfollow Steps1-4 above.
Leavethe keyin therun positionduring
engineoperation.
ToStop the Engine
1. Releaseall mowercontrolsto stop
wheelsor mower blade.
2. Movethrottle controldownto slow
(turtle) position.(Wheneverpossible,
graduallyreduceenginespeedbefore
stoppingengine.)
3. MoveThrottle Controlall theway
downto stop position or turn ignition
key(electricstart models)fully counter-
clockwiseto stop position.
4. Onelectricstart models,removethe
ignition keybeforeleavingthemower
unattended.
ENGAGINGTHEBLADES
To ovoid injuryfrom rotatingblades,
keep face, hands and feet clear of
mowerbladesat all times.
ToEngagethe Blades
1. Start engineasdescribedin "ToStart
the Engine"instructions. Putengine
throttle infast speedsetting.
2. Pressandhold OperatorPresence
Control(A,Figure4-2) againsthandle-
bargrip.
3. Slowly pushBladeDriveControl(B,
Figure4-2) fully forward until it staysin
the engagedposition. The bladesare
nowrotating.
ToStop the Blades
To stopthe blades,releasetheOperator
PresenceControl.
TOENGAGETHEWHEELS
• To avoiddamagingthetransmission,
donotshiftgearswhilein motion.
• To avoid damagingthe wheel brake
mechanism,do not engagethe Wheel
DriveControlwithoutfirstengagingthe
OperatorPresenceControl.
1. Start engineasdescribedin "To
Startthe Engine"instructions.
2. FORFORWARDTRAVEL:
A. Pressand hold OperatorPresence
Control (A,Figure4-2) againsthan-
dlebargrip.
B. Putthe GearSelectLever(C,Figure
4-2) intoone ofthe numberedset-
tings (1 - Slow,2and 3 - Medium,4
- Fast).Whenfirst practicingwith
themower,put leverin No.1 setting.
Selectforward speedsaccordingto
mowing conditionsand terrain. Use
slowerspeedson roughterrainor
whengrassis heavyor thick. The
forward speedcanbe increasedon
smoothterrainor ifthe grasscover
is light. Allowthewheelsto stop
completelybeforeshiftingfrom one
forward speedintoanother.
BeforeengagingtheWheel DriveLever
for the very first time, checkthat the
neutral(N) positionon the GearSelect
Lever is properly adjusted. See
"Neutral Adjustment" in Section 5:
Maintenance for the procedure to
follow.
Failureto follow this instructioncould
result in personal injury or property
damage.
C.Tostartthe wheels,slowlysqueeze
theWheelDriveControl(D, Figure4-
2).Theharderyou squeeze,the
fasterthe wheelswill turn. Toavoid
suddenacceleration,slowlysqueeze
thelever.
O.TOSTOPTHEWHEELS:
•Tostop drivepowerto thewheels,
releasetheWheelDriveControl. The
wheelswill graduallyslowto astop.
•To quicklystop thewheels,release
boththeWheelDriveControland
the OperatorPresenceControl.
3. FORREVERSETRAVEL:
Toavoidinjuryorpropertydamage:
• Look behind the mower before
andduringreverseoperation.
• Stopthemowerbladesbeforeoperat-
ingin reverse.
A. Stopthe mowerbladesandwheelsby
releasingthe OperatorPresence
Control(A,Figure4-2).
B. Pressand holdOperatorPresence
Controlagainsthandlebargrip.
13
Section4: Operation
C. Putthe GearSelectLever(C, Figure
4-2) in R(reverse)settingbyfirst
movingleverto N(neutral). Then
pull leverup,turn itto Rposition,
andreleaselever.
D.To startthewheels,slowlysqueeze
WheelDriveControl(D, Figure4-2).
To avoidsuddenacceleration,slowly
squeezethe lever.
E.TOSTOPTHEWHEELS:
•Tostop drivepowerto thewheels,
releasetheWheelDriveControl.The
wheelswill graduallyslowto astop.
•To quicklystop thewheels,release
boththeWheelDriveControland
the OperatorPresenceControl.
• ReturntheGearSelectLeverto the
N(neutral)positionwhenyouhave
completedreverseoperation. Allow
thewheelsto stop completelybe-
fore shiftingfrom R(reverse)intoa
forward speed.
Themowerturns easilybypushing
the handlebarsin theoppositedirection
thatyou want to turn.Thedifferential
mechanisminsidethetransaxlewill
allowthe insideturning wheelto stop or
slow downwhiletheoutsideturning
wheelis poweredbythe drivesystem.
Reducethewheelspeedbeforeturn-
ingthe mower.Fortight turns, disen-
gagethe WheelDriveControland manu-
ally pushthe mowerthroughtheturn (if
needed,putthe GearSelectLeverin
neutralsothewheelsturnfreely).
MOWINGTIPSANDHINTS
Toavoidinjuryorpropertydamage:
• Before mowing, thoroughly inspect
area where mower is to be used and
remove all stones, sticks, wires,
bones,nailsandotherforeignobjects.
• Disengage mower blades before
crossinggravel drives, roads,or side-
walksto preventbladesfrom throwing
stonesorotherhazardousobjects.
MowWhen
LawnIsDry
Forbestresults,avoidcuttinggrass
whenit is wet. Wetgrasstends toform
clumpswhich interferewith thecutting
action. Thebesttimeto mowis in the
lateafternoonor earlyeveningwhenthe
grassis usuallydry.
CutTop1/3 of
GrassBlades
Cuttingmorethan 1/3of grass length
maycausethegrassto becomeexces-
sivelydry. Intall grass,it maybe neces-
saryto mowata highersettingandthen
mow againatthedesiredheight. NOTE:
Thecutting heightiscritical to achieving
a well-groomedlawn. Youshouldexper-
imentwith varioussettingsto find that
"just right" cuttingheight.
VaryCuttingPattern
Varythecutting patternfrom weekto
weekto helppreventmattingofthe
grass. Oneweek,mowfrom northto
south,the nextweek mowfrom eastto
west. Overlapseveralincheswhen
mowingto obtainan evenappearance.
MowingonSlopes
Donot mow excessivelysteepslopes
(seeWARNINGstatementthat follows).
Slowdownand exerciseextremecaution
whenchangingdirectionon slopes.
Beforemowing on slopes,checktheen-
gineoil leveland makesurethat thelevel
is attheFULLmark. Maintaininga FULL
oil levelis particularlyimportantwhen
operatingon slopesasoil can bedrained
awayfrom vitalengineparts.
Toavoidinjuryorpropertydamage:
• Maximum safe operating angle
is 150.
• Exceedingmaximum safe operating
angle may cause tipping or loss of
footing.
• Donotmowwetslopes.
• Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.
• Exercise extreme caution when
changingdirectiononslopes.
MulchingLeaves
• Themowercanbe usedto mowfallen
leaves.Theleafparticlesfilter downinto
the lawnandprovideaddedfertilizer.
•Theleavesmustbe dry inorder to be
mulched.
• Usea slowerground speedif the
leavesarenotmulchedintofine parti-
cles.
• Ifyou mulch oakleaves(whichaddacid
to thesoil), addlimetothe lawninthe
springto reducetheacidityof thesoil.
KeepMowerBladesSharp
Forbestmower performance,keepthe
bladessharp. Dullbladeswilltear,
bruiseand split theendsof grass. See
bladesharpeninginstructionsin Section
5: Maintenance.
CleonMowerFrequently
Cleanthe undersideofthe mowerdeck
frequentlyto removegrassbuild-up.
Seemower cleaninginstructionsin
Section5: Maintenance.
PrecisionTrimming
Forprecisiontrimming, usethe slow-
estgearand inchthe moweralong by
"feathering"theWheelDriveControl
lever. Or,disengagethe wheeldrive by
releasingtheWheelDriveControlso that
youcanmanuallymaneuverthe mower
(if needed,put theGearSelectLeverin
neutralsothat thewheelsturn freely).
14
Section4: Operation
BLADEBRAKECONTROLTEST
Whenthe OperatorPresenceControl
isreleasedduring operationofthe
mower,theenginedoesnot stop,but
the bladesshouldstop within three(3)
seconds. Thefollowing test providesa
visualtest ofwhetherthe BladeBrake
ControlSystemisfunctioning. Perform
this test beforeeachuseofthe mower.
1. Parkmoweron a portionof lawn
which hasnot beenrecentlymowed.
2. Setthe cuttingheightsothe mower
cuts 1/3of thegrassheight.
To avoid personal injury or property
damage,make surethat the moweris
ongrass,andthatthetest area isclear
of foreignobjectsand bystandersbe-
foreyou beginthe BladeBrakeControl
Test.
If the OperatorPresenceControlor the
Blade Drive Controlare not adjusted
correctly,the bladesmay continueto
rotate after release of the Operator
PresenceControl. If the bladesdo not
stopwithinthree(3) secondsofrelease
ofthe OperatorPresenceControl,move
the EngineThrottleControltothe STOP
position, disconnect the spark plug
wire, andmovethewire awayfromthe
sparkplug. Do not operatethe mower
until the Blade Brake ControlSystem
hasbeenrepaired.
Failure to do this couldresult in per-
sonalinjuryor propertydamage.
3. Starftheengine.
4. Pressthe OperatorPresenceControl
downagainstthe handlebargrip and
pushthe BladeDriveControlfully for-
warduntil it staysin theengagedposi-
tion.
5. Putthe GearSelectLeverinthe No.
setting.
6. Engagethe wheelswith theWheel
DriveControlanddrivethe mowerfor
severalfeet. ThenreleasetheOperator
PresenceControl.
A. Lookatthelawnjust mowed.The
lawnshouldbe cut upto thepoint
wherethe OperatorPresenceControl
was released.
B. Pressthe OperatorPresenceControl
againstthe handlebargrip but DO
NOTre-engagethe BladeDrive
Control. Drivethe mowerforward
for severalmorefeet. Releasethe
OperatorPresenceControlandlook
atthe lawn.Thegrassshould NOT
havebeencut. This indicatesthat
the OperatorPresenceControlhas
disengagedthebladedriveand
stoppedtheblades.
7. If the mowercutsthegrass in Step
6-B,theOperatorPresenceControlis
NOTdisengagingthebladedrive.
Immediatelystoptheengine,discon-
nectthesparkplugwire,andmovethe
wireawayfromthesparkplug.
8. Donot usethemower untilthe Blade
BrakeControlSystemhasbeenin-
spected,adjustedor repairedbyan au-
thorizeddealer.
15
Maintenance
_ eforeinspecting,cleaningorservicingthemachine,shutoffengine,waitformovingpartstostop,disconnectspark
plugwireandmovewireawayfromsparkplug.Removeignitionkey(electricstartmodels).
Failuretofollowtheseinstructionscanresultinseriouspersonalinjup/orpropertydamage.
Carefully read this Section on mower
and engine maintenance and service.
Performing the required maintenance
according to schedule will ensure the
properperformanceand long lifeof your
machine.
Beforeinspecting,cleaningorservicing
the machine, shut off engine, make
surethatall movingpartshavecometo
a completestop,disconnectsparkplug
wire and movewire away from spark
plug. Removeignition key on electric
startmodels.
Failureto followtheseinstructionscan
result in personal injury or property
damage.
NOTE: All referencesto left, right, front
andrearofthemachinearedeterminedby
standingbehindthehandlebarsandfacing
thedirectionoffon_ardtravel.
IMPORTANT:REFERTO
MAINTENANCECHARTINTHIS
SECTIONFORALISTINGOFREGU-
LARLYSCHEDULEDMAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES,
ENGINESERVICE
Routineengineserviceis described
below. Formorecompleteengineser-
viceinformation, referto theengine
manualprovidedwith your machine.
Forcompleteengineservice,contactan
authorizedenginedealer.
ENGINEOIL
OILLEVEL:With moweron level
ground,the engineoil levelmust bebe-
tweenthe "ADD"and "FULL"markson
the dipstickatall times. Checkbefore
eachuseandevery5 operatinghours.
OILCHANGE:Ona newengine,change
oil afterfirst 2 hoursof use,thenchange
oil regularlyasspecifiedon the
MaintenanceChart. Referto Engine
Owner'sManualfor oil capacity.
OILTYPE:Useclean,high qualitydeter-
gentoil havingan A.P.I.serviceclassifi-
cationof SE,SFor SG. Usenospecia!
additiveswith oil. Referto theEngine
Owner'sManualfor recommendedSAE
viscosity gradesthat matchthe starting
temperatureanticipatedbeforethe next
oil change.
CheckingOilLevel:
1. Parkmachineon levelground.
2. Stopengine,waitforpartstostop
moving,anddisconnectsparkplug
wire.
3. Cleanareaaround dipstick (Z, Figure
5-1) to preventdirtfrom enteringoil fill
hole.
4. Removedipstick. Oillevelmustbe
between"ADD"and "FULL"marks. Do
notexceed"FULL"markon dipstick.
5. Toaddoil, pourslowly intodipstick
opening. Whileadding,checkoil level
frequentlybysecurelyreplacingdipstick
and removingto readoil level.Wipedip-
stickcleaneachtime oil levelis
checked.
6. Afterfilling to "FULL"mark,securely
replacedipstick.
ChangingOil:
Changeoil while engineisstill warm
from recentoperation. Warmoil flows
morefreelyandcarriesawaymoreim-
purities.
1.Stopengine,waitforpartstostop
moving,anddisconnectsparkplug
wire.
2. Removedipstick (Z, Figure5-1).
3. Removeprotectivecap (A,Figure5-
2) to exposeoil drain port (B).
4. Pushoil drain hose(D)(includedin
hardwarebagwith unit) ontooil drain
port. Routeotherendof hoseto anap-
propriateoil collectionreceptacle.
5. Twist oil drain fixture (C)to theopen
position. Pullout. Drainoil completely.
6. Pushin andtwist oil drain fixtureto
the closedposition. Removedrain
hose.Replaceprotectivecap(A).
7. Refill enginewith fresh oil andse-
curely replacedipstick.
NOTE:Pleasedisposeofall wastemate-
rials inan ecologicallyresponsibleman-
ner. Useproperwastematerialstorage
containers.
Figure5-1:BriggsandStrattonengineoil
fill.
Figure5-2:Oildrain.
16
Section5: Maintenance
_ eforeinspecting,cleaningorservicingthemachine,shutoffengine,waitformovingpartstostop,disconnectspark
plugwireandmovewireawayfromsparkplug.Removeignitionkey(electricstartmodels).
FailuretofollowtheseinslnJctionscanresultinseriouspersonalinjur/orpropertydamage.
ENGINECLEANING
• Stopengine,waitforpartstostep
moving,disconnectsparkplug wire,
andallowenginetocoolbeforein-
spectingorcleaningengine.
• Dailyor moreoften,beforerunningen-
gine,removegrassandchafffrom recoil
fingerguardor rotatingscreento prevent
enginedamagecausedbyoverheating.
Alsokeepcoolingvanes,governorlink-
age,springsandcontrolsfreeofdebris.
• Dailyor moreoften, beforerunningen-
gine,cleanmufflerarea(be suremuffler
iscool)to removeall grassandcom-
bustibledebris. If engineis equipped
with a sparkarrestorscreen,removeas-
semblyevery50 hoursfor cleaningand
inspection.Replaceifdamaged.
• Grassor chaff mayclogengine'sair
coolingsystem,especiallyafter pro-
longedoperationcutting tall, dE/grass.
SeeEngineOwner'sManualfor instruc-
tions on cleaningunderneaththeengine
blowerhousing.
AIR CLEANERSERVICE
Improperair cleanermaintenancecan
causeenginedamage.Referto the
EngineOwner'sManualfor morecom-
pleteair cleanerserviceinformation.
SERVICESCHEDULE:
Outerfoam pre-cleaner- washand re-oil
every25 operatinghoursor everysea-
son, whicheveroccursfirst.
innerpapercartridge- cleanor replace
every100operatinghoursor everysea-
son, whicheveroccursfirst.
ToServiceAir Cleaner(Figure5-3):
1. Stopengine,waitfor partsto stop
moving,anddisconnectsparkplug
wire.
2. Unscrewmountingscrewsand/or re-
moveknobs(D). Removecovers(E).
Removepapercartridge(B) andfoam
pre-cleaner(A).Separatefoam pre-
cleanerfrom papercartridge.
3. Washfoam pre-cleaner(A) in liquid
Figure5-3: BriggsandStrattonair cleaner
assembly.
detergentandwarm water. Squeezedry
in a cleancloth.
4. Saturatefoam pre-cleanerin clean
engineoil. Wrapin clean,absorbent
clothand squeezeto removeall excess
oil.
5. Replacepapercartridge (B),if
necessary.
6. Reassembleair cleanercomponents.
Tighten knobs/screws(D) securely.
Securecoverassembly(E)on air
cleanerbody.
SPARKPLUG
Inspectthespark plug(Figure5-4) after
every100 hoursof operation.Besure
the gap issetat .030".Donot reuseplug
if it is severelyworn or damaged.
Bestresultsare obtainedwith a new
plug. SeeEngineOwner'sManualto de-
termine proper replacementplug. Use
of incorrectplugcancauseenginedam-
age.
NOTE:Donot cleansparkplugin ma-
chineswhich useabrasivegrit. Clean
sparkplug byscrapingor wire brushing,
or washingwith a commercialsolvent.
\
.030"l:eeler Gauge
Figure5-4:Sparkplug.
Charge batteryonlywith chargersup-
plied withmachine.Donotshortcircuit
batterywires. Removeany jewelry be-
fore workingon or near the battery or
electricstartsystem. Failureto follow
these instructionscouldresult in per-
sonalinjuryor propertydamage.
BATTERY(if applicable)
Chargebatteryif unit is to bestoredfor
longerthanthreeweeks.Duringthe
mowingseason,the batteryiskept
chargedbythe chargingsystemonthe
engine.
To ChargeBattery:
1. Plugchargerconnectorintowire har-
nessconnectorlocatedbelowignition
switch inhandlebarconsole.
2. Plugchargerinto120Vwalloutlet.
(Notethatbatterychargerisdesignedfor
useindoorsandshouldnot beexposedto
rainor snow.)
3. Chargebatteryfor 24-48 hours if unit
isto be storedfor longerthanthree
weeks.
4. Aftercharging,unplugchargerfrom
outlet,then unplugchargerfrom con-
nectoronwire harnesslocatedbelow
handlebarconsole.
CARBURETOR
Thecarburetor isadjustedat thefactory.
It shouldnot needto bereset. If black
exhaustis noted,checktheair cleaner
first. An over-rich mixtureis usually
causedbya poorlyservicedor clogged
air cleanerelement,notan improperly
adjustedcarburetor. If readjustmentis
necessary,referto EngineOwner's
Manualor contactyour enginedealer.
17
Section5: Maintenance
I
_ eforeinspecting,cleaningorservicingthemachine,shutoffengine,waitformovingpartstostop,disconnectsparkI
plugwireendmovewireawayfromsparkplug.Removeignitionkey(electricstartmodels).
Fa uretofo owthesenslructonscanresult nseronspersonanup/orpropertydamage.
ENGINESTORAGE Thebeltcover mustbe removedto per- 5. Loosenfour mounting bolts (L) se-
form severalmaintenanceprocedures, curing spindlehousing (beneathmower
To RemoveBeltCover: deck)to mowerdeck.
If enginewill be unusedfor 30 daysor
more,prepareitfor storagebyfollowing
therecommendedproceduresfound in
theEngineOwner'sManual.
MOWERSERVICE
Thefollowing maintenance/repairproce-
durescan beperformedbyeitherthe
owneror anauthorizedservicedealer.
Seeanauthorizedservicedealerfor
completemowerservice.
1.Stopengine,waitforall partsto
stopmoving,anddisconnectspark
plug wire.
2. Removefour screws (R,Figure5-5)
and removecover.
To ReinstallBeltCover:
1. Positionbelt coverin place.
2. Securewith thefour screwsremoved
earlier.
TIPPING MOWERFOR SERVICE
Beforeservicingunderside of mower,
stop engine, wait for ell partsto stop
moving, end disconnect spark plug
wire. Remove ignition key from
keyswitch on electric start models.
Failureto followthis instructioncould
result in personal injury or property
damage.
Whenservicingthe undersideof the
mowerfor anyreason,the mower
shouldonlybetipped backwardon its
rearwheels(andsecurelyproppedupto
preventitfrom failing). Tippingthe
mowerforward or to eithersidecould
result in damageto engine.
TIP: Beforetipping mower,installa
small plasticsandwichstyle bagunder
thegascapandtighten securely. This
will virtuallyeliminateanyfuel seepage
from thecap. Besureto removethe
plasticbagbeforere-usingmower.
BELTCOVERREMOVAL
Do not operateunit withoutbelt cover
installed. Failuretofollowthis instruc-
tion couldresult in personalinjury or
propertydamage.
Figure5-5: Beltcoverremoval
BLADESPINDLE BELT
6. Slidespindlehousing(with pulleyat-
tached)toward center.
7. Replacebelt(N)with newbelt.
IMPORTANT:SETBLADESPERPEN-
DICULAR(90°)TOEACHOTHER.
8. Rotatearm(K) to movespindle
housingandapplytensionto belt. Belt
cogs andpulleygroovesmust meshto-
gether.Whenapplyingmoderatefinger
tension (8-12 Ibs.),beltshoulddeflect
approximately1/2" (12.7mm) at (P),
midpointof deck.
9. Tightenbolts (L) to 15 ft.-Ibs. (20.3
Nm).Tightenscrew(J).
10. Bladesmustnot contactdeck.
Checkand readjustas needed.
11. Reinstallbladedrive beltandbelt
cover (removedearlier).
REPLACEMENT
Followthis procedureto removeand re-
placethe bladespindledrivebelt(re-
movebladedrive beltfirst; see"Blade
DriveBeltReplacement"inthis Section).
1. Stopengine,waitforall partsto
stopmovinganddisconnectsparkplug
wire.
2. Removebeltcover(see"BeltCover
Removal").
3. Align sight holes(0, Figure5-6) in
pulleywith spindlehousing-to-mower
deck mountingbolts (L).
4. Loosenscrew(J) and rotatearm (K)
to the rear.
"""- _ "''BLADES "
MUSTBEPEHPEHDICULAR
TOEACHOTHER
Figure5-6: BladeSpindleBelt.
18
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