GB
14
F-040442L
4. (Figure 12) To shift to a different speed, re-
lease the drive lever (4). Move the shift
control lever (2) to another speed.
5. To stop, release the drive lever (4).
6. (Figure 13) The drive lever will automatical-
ly move to the DISENGAGED position (1).
Check the operation of the drive system as
follows.
1. (Figure 13) With the engine not running and
the drive lever in the DISENGAGED posi-
tion (1), pull the mower backwards. The rear
wheels must freely turn.
2. With the engine not running and the drive
lever in the ENGAGED Position (2), pull the
mower backwards. The rear wheels must
now be engaged and will not turn.
3. If the drive system does not operate correct-
ly, adjust the drive cable. See “How To Adjust
The Drive Cable” in the maintenance section.
WARNING: For safe operation, the
drive system must immediately dis-
engage when the drive lever is re-
leased. If the drive system does not disen-
gage correctly, do not operate the mower
until the drive system is adjusted or re-
paired by an authorized service center.
How To Start The Engine (Figure 10)
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs.
IMPORTANT: Before you start the engine,
check the drive lever and drive cable for cor-
rect operation. See “How To Adjust The Drive
Cable” in the Maintenance section.
NOTE: The engine design does not include a
throttle control or an engine speed adjust-
ment. The engine is set at the best speed for
cutting grass, bagging grass, and for ex-
tended engine life.
1. Check the oil.
2. Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gaso-
line. See “How To Prepare The Engine”.
Leaded gasoline will increase deposits and
shorten the life of the valves.
NOTE: Do not use gasohol or methanol. Do
not use premium unleaded gasoline.
WARNING: Always use a safety
gasoline container. Do not smoke
when adding gasoline to the fuel
tank. When inside an enclosure, do not add
gasoline. Before you add gasoline, stop the
engine and let the engine cool for several
minutes.
3. Make sure the spark plug wire is connected
to the spark plug.
4. (Figure 13) Make sure the drive lever is in
the DISENGAGED position (1).
WARNING: To prevent an accident,
make sure the drive lever is in the
DISENGAGED position. When the
drive lever is in the ENGAGED position, do
not start the engine.
5. The primer button is located on the engine.
Push the primer button, wait two seconds.
For the number of times required to push the
primer button, see the engine manufacturer’s
instructions.
NOTE: Do not use the primer button to
start a warm engine.
6. (Figure 10) Stand behind the mower. Hold
the engine stop lever (1) in the operating
position as shown.
7. (Figure 10) Recoil-Start Models: Rapidly
pull the recoil-start grip (2). Slowly return
the recoil-start grip (2).
8. If the engine does not start in 5 or 6 tries,
See the “Trouble Shooting Chart” Instruc-
tions.
WARNING: Engine exhaust con-
tains CARBON MONOXIDE, an
ODORLESS and DEADLY GAS,
never run engine indoors, or in an en-
closed poorly ventilated area where fumes
may accumulate. Do not allow hands, feet,
hair or any loose clothing to contact any
moving parts on engine or mower. To pre-
vent a severe burn - temperature of muffler
and nearby areas may exceed 150_F -
avoid contact with these areas.
How To Operate The Mower
WARNING: Before operating, check
the condition of the grass bag for
wear or deterioration. If worn or
damaged, replace the parts only with ap-
proved factory replacement parts. For re-
placement parts, see the parts list in this
Instruction Book.
To completely fill the grass bag, operate the
engine at a fast speed.
How To Empty The Grass Bag (Figure 2)
WARNING: Before you remove the
grass bag, stop the engine. Before
you remove any grass from the
mower housing, disconnect the wire from
the spark plug.
1. (Figure 2) Raise the rear door (1) to a verti-
cal position.
2. Lift the frame assembly (2) from the rear
door pivot rod (4).
3. Empty the grass from the bag.
4. To mount the grass bag on the mower, raise
the rear door (1).
5. (Figure 3) Put the two hooks (3) of the
frame assembly onto the rear door pivot
rod (4).
6. Lower the rear door (1).
MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 3.
Engine Maintenance
Use the following maintenance section to keep
your unit in good operating condition. All the
maintenance information for the engine is in the
engine manufacturer’s instructions. Before you
start the engine, read this book.
WARNING: Before you make an in-
spection, adjustment (except
carburettor), or repair, disconnect
the wire from the spark plug.
Lubrication
1. For maximum performance, lubricate the
wheels and all pivot points with engine oil
every 25 hours.
2. To lubricate the engine, refer to the engine
manufacturer’s instructions.
3. (Figure 9) Lubricate the drive bearings on
each end of the drive shaft as follows.
SRemove the rear wheel and the pinion gear.
SRaise the side of the mower and lubricate the
drive shaft with motor oil.
SDo not lower the mower until the oil flows into
the drive bearing.
SAssemble the pinion gear and the rear
wheel.
NOTE: Do not lubricate the engine stop
cable. Lubricants will damage the cable and
prevent the cable from moving freely. Re-
place the cable if bent or damaged.
How To Clean The Mower Housing
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs. Before you
clean the mower housing, stop the
engine and disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
Grass and other debris can keep the mower
from working correctly. After you mow, clean the
mower housing as follows.
1. Stop the engine.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3. Clean the top and the bottom of the mower
housing.
How To Adjust The Height Of Cut
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs. Before you
change the height of cut, discon-
nect the wire to the spark plug.
Models With Single-Lever Adjuster
(Figure 15)
To change the height of cut, move the position of
the adjuster arm (1).
1. Disengage the adjuster arm (1).
2. Move the adjuster arm (1) to another posi-
tion.
How To Set The Tension Of The Belt
(Figure 16 and Figure 18)
If the drive belt is replaced, set the tension of the
belt as follows.
1. (Figure 16) Remove the screws (1) from the
transmission cover (2). Remove the trans-
mission cover (2).
2. (Figure 18) Tighten the adjuster nut (1) until
the nut touches the spacer (2). Try to turn
the spacer (2). When the adjuster nut (1)
touches the spacer (2), the spacer (2) will
not turn.
3. Then, loosen the adjuster nut (1) only
enough to allow the spacer (2) to turn. The
tension on the belt is now correct.
4. (Figure 16) Install the transmission cover
(2).
How To Adjust The Drive Cable
(Figure 19)
WARNING: Before you adjust the
drive cable, release the engine stop
lever and wait for the engine to
stop.
If the drive system does not engage and
disengage correctly, check the handle for correct
assembly. Make sure that all parts are in good
condition, not broken or bent, and that all
fasteners are tight.
Worn parts and cable stretch will change the
performance of the drive system. When you
mow in high or thick grass or on hills, the drive