Troy-Bilt 12B-753B063 Owner's manual

Brand: Troy-Bilt

Model: 12B-753B063

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

This manual is also suitable for

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.

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.

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.

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

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,

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).

H A,E _ T "----" G

Figure2-6: Left-handcontrolrodsdetail.

Section2: Assembly

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,_

E_ t_ _ --C

] cc

! I ' ,

H] -G--N-:_ g D

Figure2-7: Rearviewof controlrods.

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-

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Section5: Maintenance

_ 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.

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Troy-Bilt 12B-753B063 Owner's manual

Brand: Troy-Bilt

Model: 12B-753B063

Category: Lawnmowers

Type: Owner's manual

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