Husqvarna LC121P, 961350002 Manual

SAFETY RULES

THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!! BE COME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.

In order to prevent ac cid en tal starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or making repairs, always dis connect spark plug wire and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

Muffler and other engine parts become extremely hot during operation and remain hot after engine has stopped. To avoid severe burns on contact, stay away from these areas.

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of Cal i forn ia to cause cancer and birth defects or oth er rep oduc tive harm.

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of Cali forn ia to cause can cer and birth defects or other reprod uc tive harm. Wash hands after handling.

This lawn mower is equipped with an internal com bust ion engine and should not be used on or near any un imp roved forest-covered, brushcovered or grass-cove red land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped 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 through your nearest authorized service center.

1. CHILDREN
   
   CHILDREN CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY THIS EQUIPMENT.
   Carefully read and follow all of the safety instructions below.
   The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 12 year of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.
   Tragic accidents can occur if the ope r at or is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mac hine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
   • Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a res pon si ble adultother than the operator.
   • Be alert and turn machine off if child ren enter the area.
   • Before and while walking back wards, look behind anddown for small chil dren.
   • Never allow children to operate the machine.
2. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all ins truc tions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting. Be thoro ugh ly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the machine before starting.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts. Keep clear of the disc harge opening at all times.
• Only allow responsible individuals, who are familiar with the ins truc tions, to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc., which could be picked up and thrown by blade. Stay behind the handle when the engine (motor) is running.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop mac hine if anyone enters the area.
• Do not operate machine baref ooted or while wearing sandals. Al ways wear substantial footwear with good ankle support while mowing.
• Do not pull mower backwards unless absolutely nece s sary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backwards.
• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may richochet back toward the operator. Stop blade when crossing gravel surfaces.
• Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcher or othe r safety protective devices in place.
• See manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the manufacturer.
• Stop the blade(s) when crossing grave l drives, walks, or roads.
• Never leave a running machine unattended.
• Stop the engine (motor) and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleani ng the machine, removing the grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Never operate machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing: keep a firm hold on the handle; walk, never run.
• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the engine (motor).
• If the equipment should start to vib rate abnormally, stop the engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Always wear eye protection when ope r ati ng machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
• When loading or unloading this machine, do not exceed the maximum recommended operation angle of 15°.
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating this machine, including (at a minimum) sturdy footwear, eye protection, and hearing protection. Do not mow in shorts or open toed footwear.
  Always let someone know you are outside mowing.

3. SLOPE OPERATION
   Slopes are a major factor related to slip & fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. All slopes require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.
   DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: neve r up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.
• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.
  Poor footing could cause a slip and fall accident.

4. SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
   To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.
• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
• If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.
• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten securely.

5. GENERAL SERVICE

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disc on nect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent acc i dent al starting.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation reg ul ar ly. Never do anything to interfere with the intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if nec ess ary, before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subj ect to wear, dam age, and de ter i o ra tion, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check comp o nents and replace with manu fac ture r's recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when serv ic ing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

SUPPORT / HELP
If you require assistance or have questions concerning the application, operation, maintenance or parts for your product:

• Visit our website:www.husqvarna.com
• Call Us Toll Free: 1-800-487-5951

It has been designed, engineered and man u fac tured to give you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. We have competent, well-trained techn i cians and the proper tools to service or repair this lawn mower.
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will enable you to assemble and maintain your lawn mower properly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
SERIAL NUMBER:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE FOUND ON A DECAL ATTACHED TO THE REAR OF THE LAWN MOWER HOUSING.
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your lawn mower.
• Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of this owner's manual.

Read these instructions and this manu al in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mowe r.

THIS LAWN MOWER IS SHIPPED WITHO UT OIL OR GASOLINE IN THE ENGINE.
Your new lawn mower has been ass em bled at the factory with the exc ep tion of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to comp lete the as semb ly have been placed in the parts bag. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mowe r, all parts and hard ware you assemble must be tightened sec ure ly. Use the correct tools as nece s sary to ensure proper tightness.

TO REMOVE LAWN MOW ER FROM CARTON

1. Remove loose parts included with mower.
2. Cut down two end corners of cart on and lay end panel down flat.
3. Remove all packing materials exc ept padding be tween upper and lower handle and padding holding operator presence control bar to upp er handle.
4. Roll lawn mower out of carton and check carton thorougly for ad di tiona l loose parts.

HOW TO SET UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
TO UNFOLD HANDLE (See Fig. 1)

UNFOLD HANDLE CAREFULLY SO AS NOT TO PINCH OR DAMAGE CON TROL CABLES.

1. Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.
2. Insert bolt through handle and bracket and secure with nut.
3. Remove protective padding, raise upper handle sect ion into place on lower handle and tighten both handle knobs.
4. Remove handle padding holding operator pres ence control bar to upper handle.
   Your handles may be adjusted for your mowing comfort. Refer to "ADJUST HANDLE" in the Service and Ad justm ents sect ion of this manual.

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 2)

1. Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom. Make sure the frame handle is outside of the bag top.
2. Slip vinyl bindings over frame.
   NOTE: If vinyl bindings are too stiff, hold them in warm water for a few minutes. If bag gets wet, let it dry before using.

INSTALL STARTER ROPE (See Fig. 3)

1. Loosen T-knob.
2. Hold control bar against upper handle.
3. Slowly pull engine starter rope out until rope will slip into loop of rope guide.
4. Tighten T-knob.

TO INSTALL ATTACHMENTS
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see "TO CONVERT MOWER" in the Operation section of this manu al.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER.
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER. Compare the illustrations with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.

These symbols may appear on your lawn mower or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

This lawn mower is shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine.
NOTE: Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable for use in this machine. The use of any gasoline exceeding 10% ethanol (E10) will void the product warranty.

MEETS CPSC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Our rotary walk-behind power lawn mowers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The blade turns when the engine is running.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL BAR – must be held down to the handle to start the engine. Release to stop the engine.
STARTER HANDLE – used for starting the engine.
MULCHER DOOR – allows conversion to discharge or bagging operation.

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask over spectacles.

Use ear protectors to avoid damage to hearing.

HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Speed is not adjustable.

ENGINE ZONE CONTROL

Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not un der any cir cums tanc es attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.

• Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.

TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT (See Fig. 4)
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Med i um position is best for most lawns.

• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever tow ard wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your req uire ments. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.

TO CONVERT MOWER
Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:

REAR BAGGING (See Fig. 5)

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.
• To convert to mulching or disc harg ing operation, remove grass catche r and close rear door.

SIDE DISCHARGING (See Figs. 6 and 7)

• Rear door must be closed.
• Open mulcher door and install disc harge deflector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, disc harge deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be closed.

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER:
FOR MULCHING

1. Rear door closed.
2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR REAR BAGGING

1. Grass catcher installed.
2. Mulcher door closed.

FOR SIDE DISCHARGING

1. Rear door closed.
2. Discharge deflector installed.

Do not run your lawn mower witho ut rear door closed or ap proved grass catcher in place. Never att empt to ope r ate the lawn mow er with the rear door rem oved or propped open.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.
   NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause unnecessary wear.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE ADD OIL (See Fig. 9)
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see "EN GINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.
   NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See "TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL " in the Maintenance section of this manual.

ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 9)

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quant i ties that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.

Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and for ma tion of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor age of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage In struc tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO STOP ENGINE

• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.

TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.
• To start engine, hold operator presence control bar down to the hand le and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.

MOWING TIPS

Do not use de-thatcher blade attachments on your mower. Such attachments are hazardous, will damage your mower and could void your warranty.

• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from over load ing the eng ine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping pre vi ous ly cut path and mow slowly.
• For side discharge operation, cut in a count er clockw ise di rect ion, start ing at the outside of the area to be cut, in order to spread grass clip pings more evenly and to put less load on the engine. To keep clipp ings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockw ise direction (See Fig. 10).
  
• If a trail of grass clipping is left on the right side of the lawn mower during rear discharge operation, mow in a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.

MULCHING MOWING TIPS

FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. SEE "CLEANING" IN MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip-pings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades (See Fig. 11). If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
  
• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

MAINTENANCE

* (if so equipped)
** Electric-Start mowers
*** Power-Propelled mowers
**** Use a scraper

1. Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures.
2. Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3. Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4. Charge 48 hours at end of season.
5. And after each 5 hours of use.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit.
At least once a season, check to see if you should make any of the adjustments described in the Service and Ad justm ents section of this manual.

• At least once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assure proper air-fuel mixture and help your engine run better and last longer.
• Follow the maintenance schedule in this manual.

BEFORE EACH USE

1. Check engine oil level.
2. Check for loose fasteners.

LUBRICATION
Keep unit well lubricated (See "LUBRICATION CHART").

DO NOT OIL OR GREASE PLASTIC WHEEL BEARINGS. VISCOUS LUB RI CANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORTE N THE LIFE OF THE SELFLU BRI CATI NG BEARINGS. IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE LU BRI CATED, USE ONLY A DRY, POWD ERED GRAPHITE TYPE LUBRICANT SPAR INGLY.

LUBRICATION CHART

1. SPRAY LUBRICANT
2. SEE "ENGINE" IN MAINTENANCE SECTION

LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing maintenance.

TIRES

• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Rep lace bent or dama ged blades.

Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.

TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig. 12)

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housi ng to prevent blade from turning when rem ov ing blade bolt.
   NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade screw by turning counter-clockwise.
5. Remove blade.
   NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if dam aged.

TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 12)

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine cranks haft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyw ay are aligned.
2. Position the blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.
3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
4. Install the blade screw into blade adapter and crank shaft.
5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockw ise.
   • The recommended tightening torque is 35–40 ft. lbs. (47–54 Nm).

BLADE SCREW IS HEAT TREATED. IF SCREW NEEDS REPLACING, REPLACE ONLY WITH APPROVED SCREW.

TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpe n ing blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. An unb al anced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

• The blade can be sharpe ned with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
• To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exp osed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

GRASS CATCHER

• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.
• Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with app roved replacement catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the mower model number when ordering.

ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SJ–SN. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature.

NOTE: Although multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve starting in cold weather, these multi-viscosity oils will result in increased oil consumption when used above 32°F. Check your engine oil level more frequently to avoid possible engine damage from running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in one year.
NOTE: An oil change is not required but if you desire to change the oil follow the procedure below.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil plug securely each time you check the oil level.

TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL (See Fig. 13)
NOTE: Before tipping lawn mower to drain oil, empty fuel tank by running engine until fuel tank is empty.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.
3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.
5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.
6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle.
7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.
8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.
9. Rec on nect spark plug wire to spark plug.

AIR FILTER (See Fig. 14)
Your engine will not run properly and may be damaged by using a dirty air filter. Replace the air filter every 100 hours of operation or every season, whichever occurs first. Service air cleaner more often under dusty conditions.

TO CLEAN AIR FILTER

1. Remove cover.
2. Carefully remove cartridge.
3. Clean by gently tapping on a flat surface. If very dirty, replace cartridge.
4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

Petroleum solvents, such as kero sene, are not to be used to clean cart ridge. They may cause de ter i or a tion of the cartridge. Do not oil cartridge. Do not use press ur ized air to clean or dry cart ridge.

MUFFLER
Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it could create a fire hazard and/or damage.

SPARK PLUG
Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Spark plug type and gap setting are shown in the "PRODU CT SPEC IF I CA TIONS" section of this manual.

CLEANING

FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. CLEAN THE UNDERSIDE OF YOUR MOWER AFTER EACH USE.

Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove build-up of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces/wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• With the exception of the water washout port (if equipped), we do not recommend using a garden hose to clean the outside of your lawn mower unless the elect ri cal system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, BEFORE PERFORMING ANY SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS:

1. Release control bar and stop engine.
2. Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
3. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place where it cannot come in contact with plug.

LAWN MOWER
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
See "TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation section of this manual.

REAR DEFLECTOR
The rear deflector, attached between the rear wheels of your mower, is provided to minimize the possibility that objects will be thrown out of the rear of the mower into the operator's mowing position. Replace the deflector if damaged.

TO ADJUST HANDLE (See Figs. 15 and 16)
The handle can be mounted in a high or low position. The mounting holes in the bottom of lower handle are off center for raising or lowering the handle.

1. Remove upper handle and wire tie(s) securing cable(s) to lower handle.
2. Remove klip rings from lower handle bracket mount ing pins.
3. Remove bolts and nuts.
4. Squeeze lower handle in to remove it from mounting pins.
5. Turn lower handle over to raise or lower handle.
6. Squeeze lower handle in and po si tion holes onto mount ing pins on handle bracket.
7. Reinstall bolts and nuts.
8. Reassemble upper handle and all parts removed from lower handle.

ENGINE
ENGINE SPEED
Your engine speed has been factory set.

CARBURETOR
Your carburetor is not adjustable.

NEVER TAMPER WITH THE ENGINE GOVERNOR, WHICH IS FACTORY SET FOR PROPER ENGINE SPEED. OVERS PEED ING THE ENGINE ABOVE THE FACTORY HIGH SPEED SETTING CAN BE DANGEROUS. IF YOU THINK THE ENGINE-GOVERNED HIGH SPEED NEEDS ADJUSTING, CONTACT YOUR NEAREST AUTHORIZED SER VICE CEN TER, WHICH HAS PROPER EQUIPM ENT AND EXPERIENCE TO MAKE ANY NEC ES SARY ADJUSTMENTS.

1. Clean entire lawn mower (See "CLEANING" in the Maintenance section of this manual).
2. Lubricate as shown in the Maintenance section of this manual.
3. Be sure that all nuts, bolts, screws, and pins are securely fastened. Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage and wear. Replace if necessary.
4. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces; sand lightly before painting.

HANDLE (See Figs. 17 and 18)
You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage.

1. Remove bolts and nuts.
2. Squeeze the bottom ends of the lower handle toward each other until the lower handle clears the handle bracket, then move handle forward.
3. Loosen upper handle mounting bolts enough to allow upper handle to be folded back.

WHEN FOLDING THE HANDLE FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION, BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS SHOWN OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE CONTROL CABLES.

• When setting up your handle from the storage position, the lower hand le will automatically lock into mow ing position.

ENGINE
FUEL SYSTEM

IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE. ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE.

• Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
• Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
• Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during stora ge. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL
Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean engine oil. (See "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER

1. Remove spark plug.
2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.
3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.
4. Replace with new spark plug.

OTHER

• Do not store gasoline from one season to another.
• Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.
• If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt.
• Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust.

NEVER COVER MOWER WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.

Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a build ing where fumes may reach an open flame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

TROUBLESHOOTING POINTS