Troy Bilt Lawn Mower 753B F753B User Guide

Operator’s Manual

Wide-Cut^TM33"

Combination Mower

Models 753B

F753B

(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 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 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. 770-10602F

(12/2003)

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Section

Safety

Safety Alert Symbol

This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this

Owner’s Manual to alert you to potential

hazards. Whenever you see this symbol, read and obey the

safety message that follows it. Failure to obey the safety

message could result in personal injury or property

damage.

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.

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers

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.

5. Be sure the area is clear of other

people before mowing. Stop mower

if anyone enters the area. Keep by-

standers at least 25 feet away from

the area of operation.

whenever you leave the unit, before

cleaning the mower or unclogging

the chute.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all in-

structions on the machine and in the

manuals. Be thoroughly familiar with

the controls and the proper use of

the mower before starting.

6. Do not operate the mower when

barefoot or wearing open sandals.

Always wear substantial foot wear.

2. Do not put hands or feet near or

under rotating parts. Keep clear of

the mower blade and discharge

opening at all times.

12. Shut the engine off, wait until the

blade comes to a complete stop, and

disconnect the spark plug wire be-

fore installing or removing the

7. Do not pull mower backwards

unless absolutely necessary. Look

down and behind before and while

moving backwards.

mulcher cover or the optional grass

catcher. Make certain that the grass

catcher is securely attached before

operating the mower. Empty the

grass catcher after each use–

decomposing debris could generate

enough heat to catch fire.

8. Do not operate the mower without

proper guards, plates, grass catcher

or other safety protective devices in

place.

3. Only allow responsible individuals,

who are familiar with the instruc-

tions, to operate the mower.

9. Refer to provided instructions for

proper operation and installation of

accessories. Only use accessories

approved by Garden Way

4. Clear the area of objects such as

rocks, toys, wire, bones, sticks, etc.,

which could be picked up and

thrown by the blade.

13. Mow in daylight or good artificial

light.

Incorporated.

14. Do not operate the mower while

under the influence of alcohol or

drugs.

10. Stop the blade when crossing gravel

drives, walks, or roads.

11. Stop the engine and disconnect the

spark plug wire from the spark plug

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Section 1: Safety

15. Never operate mower in wet grass.

Always be sure of your footing; keep

a firm hold on the handle and walk;

never run.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

IV. SERVICE

1. Use extra care in handling gasoline

and other fuels. They are flammable

and their vapors are explosive.

Slopes are a major factor related to

slip and fall accidents which can result

in severe injury. All slopes require

extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a

slope, do not mow it.

16. Disengage the Wheel Drive Lever on

self-propelled models before starting

the engine.

a) Use only an approved container.

b) Never remove gas cap or add

fuel when the engine is running.

Allow engine to cool before refu-

eling. Do not smoke.

c) Never refuel the machine

indoors.

d) Never store the machine or fuel

container inside where there is

an open flame, such as a water

heater, etc.

e) Move mower away from any

gasoline fumes before starting

the engine.

17. If the unit should start to vibrate ab-

normally, stop the engine and dis-

connect the spark plug wire. Then

check immediately for the cause.

Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble.

DO:

Mow across the face of slopes; never

up and down. Exercise extreme cau-

tion when changing direction on

slopes. Avoid slopes greater than

18. Always wear safety goggles or safety

glasses with side shields when oper-

ating mower.

19. Watch for traffic when operating

near, or when crossing roadways.

15 .

Remove objects such as rocks, tree

limbs, etc.

20. Never attempt to carry children or

other passengers on the mower.

They could fall off and be seriously

injured, or they could interfere with

the safe operation of the mower.

2. Never run an engine inside a closed

area.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall

grass can hide obstacles.

3. Never make adjustments or repairs

with the engine running. Disconnect

the spark plug wire and keep the

wire away from the plug to prevent

accidental starting.

DO NOT:

21. Check the operation of the Operator

Presence Control Bar before each

use. See the Maintenance Section of

this manual for instructions. If the

engine runs longer than three sec-

onds after the Operator Presence

Control Bar is released, the system

is not working properly. Immediately

contact your local service dealer or

the factory Technical Service

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches,

or embankments. The operator could

loose footing or balance.

4. Keep all nuts and bolts, especially

the blade attachment bolts, tight and

keep equipment in good condition.

Do not mow excessively steep slopes.

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced

footing could cause slipping.

5. Never tamper with safety devices.

Check their operation regularly.

III. CHILDREN

6. Keep mower free of grass, leaves or

other debris build-up. Clean up oil or

fuel spillage. Allow mower to cool

before storing.

Tragic accidents can occur if the opera-

tor is not alert to the presence of chil-

dren. Children are often attracted to the

mower and to the mowing activity.

Never assume that children will remain

where you last saw them.

Department for instructions. Do not

use the mower until the mechanism

is repaired.

7. After striking an object, stop the en-

gine and disconnect the spark plug

wire. Inspect the mower and repair,

if necessary, before restarting.

22. The mower is equipped with a safety

discharge chute, comes with special

mulcher covers, and offers an op-

tional grass catcher. The safety dis-

charge chute must be working prop-

erly at all times. Never attempt to

disconnect or otherwise cause this

discharge chute to cease working. If

used, mulcher cover or grass

1. Keep children out of the mowing

area and under the watchful care of

a responsible adult.

8. Never attempt to make mower cut-

ting height adjustments while the

engine is running.

2. Be alert and turn mower off if chil-

dren enter the area.

9. Grass catcher components are sub-

ject to wear, damage and deteriora-

tion, which could expose moving

parts or allow objects to be thrown.

Frequently check components and

replace with factory recommended

parts, when necessary.

3. Before and while moving backwards,

look behind and down for small

children.

catcher attachment must be installed

properly and function correctly. Do

not use your equipment otherwise.

4. Never allow children to operate the

mower.

23. Never run the engine in an enclosed

area. Engine exhaust contains carbon

monoxide, a deadly gas that is odor-

less, colorless, and tasteless. Always

run the engine outdoors and make

sure there is adequate ventilation.

5. Use extra care when approaching

blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other

objects that may obscure vision.

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Section 1: Safety

13. To access the underside of the

mower, tip the mower rearward. Do

not tip the mower forward or on ei-

ther of its sides, unless specifically

advised to do so in this manual.

b) Do not use a battery charger

other than the one provided with

the mower.

c) The battery contains toxic mate-

rials. Do not damage the battery

case. If the case is broken or

damaged, avoid contact with the

battery contents.

d) Properly dispose of a damaged

or worn out battery. Check with

local authorities for proper dis-

posal methods.

e) Do not short circuit the battery.

Severe burns and fire can result.

10. Mower blades are sharp and can

cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,

and use extra caution when servic-

ing them.

14. Maintain or replace safety and in-

structional decals. Refer to the sep-

arate Parts Catalog for replacement

decal information.

11. Do not change the engine governor

setting or overspeed the engine.

15. For units equipped with electric

start:

12. Do not touch engine parts which

may be hot from operation. Allow

parts to cool completely before in-

specting, cleaning or repairing the

mower.

a) Batteries produce explosive

gases. Keep sparks, flame,

cigarettes, etc., away. Ventilate

the area when charging the bat-

tery. Do not charge the battery in

an airtight space.

SAFETY DECALS

Make certain all safety decals on this equipment are kept clean and in good condition. The decals are shown (at reduced sizes)

below. If you need a replacement decal, please refer to the Parts Catalog that accompanied this Manual.

WARNING

PINCH POINTS

Do not operate with-

out all belt guards

in place.

On left side of mower deck

Beneath belt/pulley cover

On Control Panel (for electric start model)

On discharge chute

On Control Panel (for recoil start model)

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Section

Assembly

ASSEMBLY STEPS

WARNING

STEP 1: Unpacking Mower

To prevent personal injury or 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

operating instructions in this manual.

NOTE: LEFT and RIGHT sides of the unit

are as viewed from the operator’s posi-

tion behind the handlebars.

1. Cut straps, if present, securing unit

to pallet. Leave unit on pallet during as-

sembly (to safely remove unit from pal-

let, wait until you have completed as-

sembly steps 1-4).

INTRODUCTION

Please carefully follow these assembly

steps to properly prepare your machine

for use. We recommend that you read

this Section in its entirety before begin-

ning assembly.

2. Remove any protective packaging

from around the handlebars. Cut the

plastic tie straps holding the control rods

and struts to the handlebars.

Figure 2-1

NOTE: All references to left, right, front

and rear of the machine are determined

by standing behind the handlebars and

facing the direction of forward travel.

STEP 2: Attach Handlebars

to Engine Deck

NOTE: Four screws (D, Figure 2-2) are

used to connect the handlebars to the

engine deck. At the factory, two of these

screws (front) are threaded directly into

lock nuts welded to the back sides of the

deck. The remaining two screws (rear)

secure the lower handle to the deck.

INSPECTION AFTER DELIVERY

Inspect the shipping crate and machine

immediately after delivery. Make sure

neither the carton/crate nor the contents

have been damaged.

Figure 2-2: Attach handlebars and struts

to engine deck.

1. Remove and save the two 5/16"-18 x

3/4" screws (front) mentioned in the

NOTE above.

If you find or suspect any damage, con-

tact the carrier (trucking company)

immediately. Inform them of the specific

damage and that you wish to file a claim.

To protect your rights, be sure to put

this in writing to the carrier within 15

days. The carrier will let you know how

to proceed with your claim. Please let us

know if you need any assistance.

side of the unit.

7. Position a handlebar strut’s smaller

hole (A, Figure 2-1) over the screw (B,

Figure 2-1) on the INSIDE of the con-

sole, with the strut’s flat side against the

console.

2. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the two

5/16"-18 x 3/4" screws (rear). Leave the

cardboard insert found between the left-

hand handlebar and engine deck, in

place.

8. Using the nut removed earlier, secure

the strut to the console/handlebar.

3. Carefully pivot the handlebars over

the engine and position the handlebar

ends (E, Figure 2-2) against the sides of

the engine deck. Do not alloow the han-

dlebars to rub against the engine while

pivoting them.

9. Align the loose end of the left-hand

handlebar strut (A, Figure 2-2) over the

front hole in the handlebar end. Secure

the strut and handlebar to the deck with

the 5/16"-18 x 3/4" screw (D, Figure 2-2)

removed earlier.

TOOLS/MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Wire Cutter

• Two 7/16” Wrenches

• 3/8” Wrench

• 1/2” Wrench

• Scissors or Pen Knife

• Needle-nose Pliers

• Tire Gauge

4. Loosely secure the right-hand handle-

bar end to the deck by reinserting the

screw (D, Figure 2-2) removed earlier.

Do not secure the left-hand handle at

this point in assembly.

10. Remove the screw (front) that is

loosely securing the right-hand handle-

bar end to the deck. and repeat 6-9 on

the right-hand side of the unit.

5. Remove the cardboard insert from

between the left-hand handlebar and

engine deck

11. On both sides of the unit, securely

tighten the screws (D, Figure 2-2) at the

lower ends of the handlebar before tight-

ening the screws (B & F, Figure 2-1) on

the console.

6. Remove the nut from the lower screw

(B, Figure 2-1) which secures the con-

sole to the handlebar on the left-hand

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Section 2: Assembly

STEP 3 ATTACHING THE BATTERY

CABLES (MODEL F753B)

The positive battery terminal is marked

Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is

marked Neg. (–).

The mower is shipped with the positive

(Red) cable secured to the positive ter-

minal (+) on the battery. Attach the

ground (Black) cable to the negative ter-

minal (–) on the battery, as follows:

1. Remove the plastic battery cover (G,

Figure. 2-3) by unthreading the two wing

nuts (H, Figure. 2-3) which secure it to

the battery hold-down rods (I, Figure. 2-

STEP 4: Attach Control Rods

A. Attach Wheel Drive Control Rod

WARNING

Control rods are adjusted at the fac-

tory and should not require additional

adjustment during assembly. After as-

1. Locate the wheel drive control rod (F,

Figures 2-4A & 2-7) and remove the an-

gled end from the left handlebar by re-

moving the hairpin clip which secures it

to the Wheel Drive Control lever (V,

Figure 2-4A)

sembling

unit,

control

rod

adjustment should be checked (and

re-adjusted, if necessary) according to

information in Maintenance Section.

2. At left side of engine deck, insert

swivel block (H, Figures 2-4 & 2-5) on

wheel drive control rod into wheel drive

control arm (U, Figure 2-4).

Failure to follow this instruction could

result in severe personal injury or

property damage.

3. Add a 5/16" washer (A, Figure 2-4)

and secure with a hairpin clip (B).

2. Add one 5/16" washer and secure

2. Remove the hex bolt and hex nut

from the ground cable / heavy black wire

(E, Figure. 2-3).

3. Secure the ground cable to the nega-

tive battery terminal (–) with the bolt and

hex nut just removed.

with hairpin clip.

4. At upper end of control rod, re-insert

the angled end into the Wheel Drive

Control lever (V, Figure 2-4A) and re-

attach with hairpin clip (BB) removed

earlier.

C. Attach Blade Drive Control Rod

1. Locate the blade drive control rod (C,

Figure 2-5). Insert one end of control rod

into blade drive bracket (D, Figure 2-5).

Add one 5/16" washer and attach with

hairpin clip (CC).

B. Attach Operator Presence Control

Rod

4. Resecure the battery cover.

IMPORTANT:

1. Locate the Operator Presence Control

rod (E, Figures. 2-4 and 2-5). At bottom

of control rod, insert swivel block (G,

Figures 2-4 & 2-5) into control arm (T,

Figure 2-4).

• If the battery is put into service after

the date shown on top of battery,

charge the battery as instructed in the

Maintenence section of this manual

prior to operating the tiller.

2. Insert the other end of rod into bot-

tom end of Blade Drive Control lever (J,

Figure 2-5). Add one 5/16" washer and

attach with hairpin clip (AA).

D. Attach and Adjust Gear Select Lever

NOTE: The retaining plate (N, Figure 2-5)

mentioned in the following steps is se-

cured to the rear of the mower with two

screws (O, Figure 2-5) and 1/4”-20 lock-

nuts. Remove the retaining plate and

save it, along with the two screws, be-

fore proceeding with assembly.

Black

(Negative Cable)

Red

(Positive Cable)

A, B

Figure 2-4: Left-hand control rods detail.

Figure 2-3: Connect wire terminals to battery terminals.

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Section 2: Assembly

Figure 2-4A: Attach wheel drive control rod

to lever.

1. Remove the vinyl grip (B, Figure 2-6)

from the gear select lever (I). Place the

wood edge against the edge of the grip

and slowly pull off the grip.

2. Insert nylon bushing (Z, Figure 2-6)

up into console (L).

3. Slide spring and washers (J) down

onto gear select lever.

4. Insert gear select lever (I) up through

nylon bushing (Z) in handlebar console

(L). Guide pin (K) on gear select lever into

groove in shift quadrant (P).

5. Hold lower part of gear select lever (I,

Figure 2-7) against bracket (M). Position

retaining plate (N), removed earlier, as

shown in Figure 2-7 (plate below

bracket). Secure plate with two 1/4"-20 x

1/2" screws (O) and 1/4”-20 locknuts re-

moved earlier.

Figure 2-5: Rear view of control rods.

6. Slide grip (B, Figure 2-6) back onto

gear select lever (I).

7. Rotate gear select lever (I, Figures 2-

6 & 2-7) clockwise until spur (K - short

rod) on gear select rod stops in the neu-

tral position detent on the shift pattern

quadrant (Figure 2-6).

8. Move shift arm (X, Figure 2-7) from

side to side as necessary into each trans-

mission gear detent until transmission is

in neutral.

NOTE: Moving shift arm (X) all the way to

the left, and then one notch back to the

right, should put transmission into neu-

tral. When transmission is in neutral, unit

will move freely when pushed while hold-

ing the Operator Presence Control lever

(W, Figure 2-5) down. If transmission is

NOT in neutral, there will be a slight drag

on the wheels when pushing unit.

Pin (K) must be in this detent

when transmission neutral is

adjusted.

Figure 2-6: Detail – Gear Select Lever in Neutral (N) position.

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Section 2: Assembly

9. When shift arm (X) is in neutral posi-

tion, rotate shift link (P) toward end of

gear select lever rod (I). Adjust length

of shift link (P) as necessary to fit into

hole in bottom of gear select lever (I).

STEP 6: Check Motor Oil Level

WARNING

1. Move mower to a level area. Press

and hold Operator Presence Control

lever (W, Figure 2-5) to move mower.

Do not use the mower if the wheels

continue to turn after releasing the

Operator Presence Control and the

Wheel Drive Control.

2. The mower is shipped with oil in the

engine. However, you MUST check the

oil level according to the instructions pro-

vided in the separate Engine Owner’s

Manual included in the unit’s literature

package before starting the mower.

NOTE: Pin (K) on Gear Select Lever (I)

must be held in the neutral position

detent on the shift quadrant (see Figure

2-6) while shift link (P, Figure 2-7) is

adjusted.

Severe personal injury or property

damage could result if this instruction

is not followed.

10. Insert hooked end of shift link (P,

Figure 2-7) into hole in bottom end of

gear select lever (I) and secure with

hairpin clip (Q).

NOTE: It may be necessary to lift gear

select lever (I) to install shift link (P).

11. Remove unit from shipping crate.

To remove, hold down Operator

Presence Control lever (W, Figure 2-5)

which releases the wheel brake.

12. With unit on level ground, hold

down Operator Presence Control lever

(W, Figure 2-5) and push unit forward

and backward. The wheels should move

freely. If not, adjust length of shift link

(P, Figure 2-7) as necessary.

13. Put the Gear Select Lever in neutral

(N), release all of the control levers and

try to push the unit forward and back-

ward. The wheels should not turn. If

they do turn, an adjustment is neces-

sary. DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT

UNTIL THE WHEEL BRAKE MECHANISM

HAS BEEN ADJUSTED AND IS WORK-

ING PROPERLY. See “Wheel Brake

Adjustment” in Section 5 “Maintenance.”

Figure 2-7: Detail – Transmission Neutral Adjustment.

• Keep oil level at the FULL mark on the

dipstick to avoid engine damage.

• Change oil according to schedule and

instructions in Section 5 “Maintenance.”

STEP 7: Check Tire Pressure

1. Use a tire gauge to check the air

pressure in the rear tires. The air pres-

sure should be between 15-20 PSI (20

PSI maximum).

STEP 5: Secure Wire Harness

1. At the unattached end of the electrical

wire harness, there are four wires at-

tached to a large plastic connector and

two wires attached to a small plastic

connector. . Plug the large connector

into the bottom of the ignition keyswitch

that is located on the underside of the

handlebar console (not pictured).

2. Keep both tires equally inflated to

help prevent machine from pulling to

one side.

STEP 8: After Assembling and

Before Using Unit

1. Read this entire Owner’s Manual for

proper safety, operation and mainte-

nance information.

3. Use two cable ties to secure the wire

harness to the right handlebar and away

from any moving parts. Place the ties

an equal distance apart.

2. Make sure spark plug wire is con-

nected to spark plug before starting unit.

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Section

Features and Controls

the lever will also disengage the Blade

MOWER FEATURES AND

CONTROLS

This section describes the various

features and controls on the unit. Refer

to the next section “Operation” for

detailed operating instructions. Also,

read the separate Engine Owner’s

Manual for a detailed explanation of the

proper use of the engine controls.

WARNING

Drive Control, which will apply a brake

that stops the blades within three (3)

seconds.

Before operating mower, be sure to

read all safety, controls and operating

instructions in this Manual and on

decals located on machine.

Blade Drive Control

Use this lever (B, Figure 3-1) to en-

gage drive to the mower blades.

To engage the blades, first engage the

Operator Presence Control (A, Figure 3-

1). Then, push the spring-loaded Blade

Drive Control lever (B) forward until it

stays in the engaged position.

Severe personal injury or property

damage could result if this instruction

is not followed.

Operator Presence Control

IMPORTANT: THE MOWER IS

EQUIPPED WITH A BLADE-BRAKE-

CLUTCH CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH IS

DESIGNED TO STOP THE MOWER

BLADES WITHIN THREE (3) SECONDS

AFTER RELEASE OF THE OPERATOR

PRESENCE CONTROL. THIS SYSTEM

WILL STOP THE BLADES BUT NOT THE

ENGINE. THEREFORE, YOU CAN DISEN-

GAGE THE BLADE DRIVE AT ANYTIME

WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP AND

RESTART THE ENGINE. THIS FEATURE

IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL WHEN YOU

NEED TO CROSS GRAVEL DRIVES OR

ROUGH TERRAIN AND YOU DO NOT

WANT THE SPINNING BLADES

TO STRIKE STONES OR HIDDEN

OBSTACLES.

The Operator Presence Control lever

(A, Figure 3-1) regulates the operation of

the rear wheel brake and the separate

Blade Drive Control. Always engage this

control before engaging the separate

blade drive or wheel drive controls.

Always disengage this control before

starting the engine.

To engage the Operator Presence

Control, press and hold the lever against

the handlebar grip. Doing so releases

the brake on the rear wheels, allowing

the wheels to turn. The engaged position

also permits the separate Blade Drive

Control to lock in its engaged position

(allows the mower blades to turn).

Releasing the lever (disengaged

To stop the blades, release the

Operator Presence Control (A). Doing so

will disengage the Blade Drive Control

(B) and automatically apply the brake

that stops the blades.

Always disengage the Blade Drive

Control before starting the engine. This

helps to ensure that the blades will not

start turning when the engine starts.

position) applies the rear wheel brake

and quickly stops the wheels. Releasing

WARNING

A – OPERATOR

PRESENCE CONTROL

The blade-brake-clutch control system

should stop the mower blades within

three (3) seconds after release of the

Operator Presence Control.

B – BLADE

DRIVE CONTROL

C – GEAR

SELECT LEVER

Disengage

Engage

If the blades do not stop within three

(3) seconds, put the Engine Throttle

Control in the STOP position.

Disconnect the spark plug wire and do

not operate the mower until the blade-

brake-clutch control system has been

repaired.

Disengage

Engage

Figure 3-1

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Section 3: Features and Controls

Operating Symbols Various symbols are used on the mower to indicate control settings (your model may not have all of the

symbols). These symbols are shown below with a description of their meaning.

ENGINE

STOP

ENGINE

START

ENGINE

RUN

FAST

SLOW

ENGAGE

DISENGAGE

CHOKE

Presence Control along with the Wheel

Drive Control.

When starting the engine, the Wheel

Drive Control should be disengaged (re-

leased). This helps to ensure that the

wheels will not start turning when the

engine starts.

trated) on the right side of the mower

deck show the cutting height settings

ranging from A (highest) to G (lowest).

Gear Select Lever

Use this lever (C, Figure 3-1) to select

any of four forward ground speeds (1 -

Slow, 2 and 3 - Medium, 4 - Fast), N

(Neutral) and R (Reverse). The gear shift

pattern is shown in Figure 3-2.

To avoid damaging the transmis-

sion, do not shift gears when the

mower is moving.

For forward travel, use one of the four

numbered settings. To select reverse,

shift to neutral and then pull up on the

lever. Turn the lever to the R (reverse)

position and release the lever.

Put the lever in N (neutral) to manu-

ally push the mower and when the

mower is not in use.

E – CUTTING HEIGHT

CONTROL LEVER

CAUTION

Do not engage the Wheel Drive Control

without first engaging the Operator

Presence Control. Doing so could

result in wear or damage to the wheel

brake mechanism.

Figure 3-4

Mulcher Cover

The mulcher cover (F, Figure 3-5) is

pre-installed at the factory. It must be

kept in place when using the unit as a

mulching mower. The mulcher cover is

designed to keep the discharge chute

raised up while you mow. When the

cover is removed for side-discharge

mowing, the discharge chute lowers.

Refer to “4. Select Mulching or Side-

Discharge Mowing” in the Operation

Section for mulcher cover installation

instructions.

A – OPERATOR

PRESENCE CONTROL

Figure 3-2:

Shift pattern

on console.

Disengage

Engage

Wheel Drive Control

Use this lever (D, Figure 3-3) to en-

gage and disengage drive to the wheels.

To engage the wheels, first select a

forward or reverse gear with the Gear

Select Lever and squeeze the Operator

Presence Control (A, Figure 3-3). Then,

squeeze the Wheel Drive Control lever

(D) against the handlebar grip. The

ground speed can be varied by increas-

ing or decreasing pressure on the lever.

To avoid sudden acceleration, slowly

squeeze the lever when first engaging

the wheels.

Disengage

D – WHEEL

DRIVE CONTROL

Figure 3-3

Cutting Height Control Lever

Figure 3-5

Use this lever (E, Figure 3-4) to adjust

the cutting height from 1 to 4 inches.

Note that actual cutting heights will vary

according to soil conditions.

Turn the lever clockwise to raise the

height or counterclockwise to lower the

height. A decal and pointer (not illus-

Release the Wheel Drive Control to

disengage the wheels. The wheels will

gradually slow to a stop. NOTE: To stop

the wheels quickly, release the Operator

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Section 3: Features and Controls

Engine Throttle Control

H – IGNITION/STARTER

SWITCH

This lever (G, Figure 3-6) is used to

adjust engine speeds and, on non-

Electric Start models, to stop the engine.

Always run engine at fast speed setting

for best mower performance. The throt-

tle settings are shown below.

G – THROTTLE CONTROL

CHOKE - Use when

starting a cold engine.

FAST - Use during mower

operation.

Figure 3-6

SLOW - Use when idling

engine.

Engine Recoil Starter

The recoil starter (I, Figure 3-7) is

used to “pull-start” the engine. Detailed

instructions for using the recoil starter

are found in the Operation Section of this

Manual and in the Engine Owner's

Manual. Do not pull the recoil starter

until you have read the Operation

Section.

STOP - Stops engine

(Non-electric Start Models

Only)

Ignition/Starter Switch -

(Electric Start Model)

This three-position switch (H, Figure

3-6) is used to start and stop the

engine on electric start models. The ig-

nition key settings are shown below. Do

not turn the key until you have read the

Operation Section in this Manual.

Always remove ignition key when

leaving mower unattended or when in-

specting, cleaning or servicing mower.

I – RECOIL

STARTER

Figure 3-7

STOP - Stops engine.

RUN - After starting, key

returns to run position.

START - Starts engine.

Release key when engine

starts.

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Section

Operation

9. Check the air pressure in the rear

tires (15-20 PSI). Keep tires inflated

equally.

clean unleaded gasoline with a mini-

mum octane rating of 77. Leave 1/2"

of space for fuel expansion. Do not

mix oil with gasoline. Do not use

gasoline which contains Methanol.

See the Engine Owner’s Manual for

instructions and precautions regard-

ing the use of gasolines that are

blended with alcohols or ethers

(called oxygenated or reformulated

gasolines). Securely replace caps on

fuel tank and fuel container.

WARNING

Before operating mower, be sure to

read all safety, controls and operating

instructions in this Manual and on

decals located on machine.

DANGER

GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND

ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. To help

prevent severe personal injury or prop-

erty damage:

Severe personal injury or property

damage could result if this instruction

is not followed.

• Follow gasoline safety rules in

Section 1: “Safety” of this Manual and

in the separate Engine Owner’s

Manual.

BEFORE OPERATING MOWER

1. Pre-Operation Checklist

With the spark plug wire disconnected

from the spark plug, perform the follow-

ing checks and services before each use:

11. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug

after completing above checklist.

• Never remove the gasoline fill cap or

add fuel when indoors or when engine

is running or still hot. Allow engine to

cool at least three (3) minutes before

refueling.

2. Set Mower Cutting Height

1. Review Section 1: “Safety” and Section

3, “Features and Controls” in this man-

ual. Read the separate Engine Owner’s

Manual provided with the unit.

CAUTION

To avoid personal injury, do not adjust

cutting height while wheels or blades

are turning. Release all handlebar

controls and wait for all motion to stop

before adjusting cutting height.

• Keep smoking materials, sparks or

flames far away from fuel tank and fuel

container.

2. Check unit for loose or missing hard-

ware. Tighten or replace as needed.

• Store gasoline in an approved fuel

container and in a well-ventilated area.

Store it safely out of the reach of chil-

dren. Do not store gasoline where va-

pors can reach an open spark or flame

or where ignition sources are present

(such as hot water or space heaters,

furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, elec-

tric motors, etc.).

3. With the unit on level ground, check

the engine oil level according to the

instructions in the Engine Owner’s

Manual. The oil level should be at the

FULL mark on the dipstick or up to the

top of the oil fill hole on engines with-

out a dipstick.

1. Release all controls before adjusting

the cutting height.

2. Adjust the cutting height from 1 to 4

inches by rotating the Cutting Height

Control lever (Figure 3-4) either clock-

wise to raise the height or counterclock-

wise to lower the height. Note that ac-

tual cutting heights will vary according

to grass and soil conditions. A decal and

pointer on the right side of the mower

deck indicates the height setting.

4. Check all levers for freedom of move-

ment. Readjust or repair as needed

before starting engine.

• Fill tank to 1/2" below bottom of filler

neck to allow for fuel expansion. Wipe

up spilled gasoline immediately and

move mower away from gasoline fumes

before starting engine. Securely re-

place caps on fuel tank and fuel

container.

5. Check that all guards and shields are

in place and properly secured.

6. Inspect the area to mowed and re-

move any debris which could be

picked up and thrown by the mower

blades.

3. In heavy or tall grass, it is usually

better to make the first cut at a higher

setting and then make a second cut at

the desired height. In rough terrain, a

higher setting is recommended as it will

minimize the chances of the blade strik-

ing the ground or hidden obstructions.

10. Remove the fuel cap and check the

level of gasoline according to the in-

structions in the Engine Owner’s

Manual. Clean around fuel fill area

before removing fuel cap. Do not

check fuel level or add fuel while in-

doors or if engine is running or hot.

Allow engine to cool for three (3)

minutes. Fill the tank with fresh,

7. Check that the mulcher cover is prop-

erly installed in the discharge opening

(see instructions in this Section).

Remove the mulcher cover to use the

side-discharge mowing feature.

8. On electric start models, check that

all wiring connections are clean and

tight.

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Section 4: Operation

3. Test Blade-Brake-Clutch

Control System

STARTING AND STOPPING

THE ENGINE

The mower is equipped with a blade-

brake-clutch which is designed to stop

the mower blades within three (3)

seconds after release of the Operator

Presence Control or the Blade Drive

Control. Never tamper with, or attempt

to defeat the purpose of this safety

device.

The control system is a mechanical

device which is subject to wear.

Therefore, test the operation of the

blade-brake-clutch control system before

each use of the mower. Refer to "Blade

Brake Control Test" at the end of this

Section.

DANGER

Do not operate the engine in an

enclosed area. Engine exhaust

contains carbon monoxide, a deadly

gas that is odorless, colorless and

tasteless. Always run engine outdoors

and make sure there is adequate

ventilation.

Figure 4-1: Mulcher cover

3. To remove the cover, slide the cover

to the right (front of mower) to disen-

gage the slot (B) from the mower deck

and then pry the left-side of the cover

out and off.

To Start the Engine

1. Move mower to a level area.

2. Release all controls on mower to pre-

vent wheels or mower blades from rotat-

ing when engine starts.

4. Select Mulching or Side-

Discharge Mowing

MOVING THE MOWER WITHOUT

ENGINE POWER

3. Move Engine Throttle Control (E,

Figure 4-2) fully upward to choke setting

to start a cold engine or to fast (rabbit)

setting to start a warm engine.

WARNING

The mower can be manually pushed

or pulled by putting the Gear Select

Lever (C, Figure 4-2) in N (neutral) and

pressing and holding the Operator

Presence Control (A, Figure 4-2) down

against the handlebar grip.

Before installing or removing mulching

cover, stop engine, wait for parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire. Remove ignition key on electric

start models.

WARNING

To avoid injury:

• Keep hands and feet clear of mower

blades or other rotating parts.

• Look behind you to be sure there are

no obstacles before pulling recoil

starter rope.

To stop the wheels at anytime,

release the Operator Presence Control.

You can use the mower either as a

mulching mower or as a side-discharge

mower. To use the mulching feature, in-

sert the mulcher cover as described

below. Remove the mulcher cover to

side-discharge grass clippings. The

mulcher cover is designed to keep the

discharge chute raised up while mowing.

When the cover is removed, the dis-

charge chute will lower itself for side-

discharge mowing.

C – Gear Select Lever

E – Engine Throttle

Control

F – Ignition/Starter

A – Operator

Presence Control

To install or remove mulcher cover:

B – Blade Drive

Control

1. Stop the engine and wait for all parts

to stop moving. Disconnect the spark

plug wire from the spark plug. Remove

the ignition key on electric start models.

2. To install the cover, insert the right-

side tab of the cover into the front sup-

port bracket (A, Figure 4-1). Insert the

cover into the discharge opening, mak-

ing sure that the slot (B) in the left side

of the cover is completely engaged in the

rear edge of the deck opening.

D – Wheel Drive Control

Figure 4-2: Mower Controls

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Section 4: Operation

4. To start engine using recoil starter:

3. Move Throttle Control all the way

down to stop position (Non-electric Start

Models Only) or turn ignition key (elec-

tric start models) fully counterclockwise

to stop position.

the mower, put lever in No. 1 setting.

Select forward speeds according to

mowing conditions and terrain. Use

slower speeds on rough terrain or

when grass is heavy or thick. The

forward speed can be increased on

smooth terrain or if the grass cover

is light. Allow the wheels to stop

completely before shifting from one

forward speed into another.

A. Stand on left side (as viewed from

behind handlebars) of machine. Be

sure your feet are safely away from

the underside of the mower deck and

all mower controls are released.

Place one foot on top of tire.

4. On electric start models, remove the

ignition key before leaving the mower

unattended.

B. Grasp starter rope handle (Figure 3-

7) and pull slowly until rope pulls

slightly harder. Let rope rewind

slowly. Then pull rope with a rapid,

full arm stroke. Let rope return

slowly. If engine fails to start after

three pulls, repeat instructions start-

ing with Step 2 (try setting throttle at

fast setting).

DANGER

To avoid injury from rotating blades,

keep face, hands and feet clear of

mower blades at all times.

C. To start the wheels, slowly squeeze

WARNING

Before engaging the Wheel Drive Lever

for the very first time, check that the

neutral (N) position on the Gear Select

Lever is properly adjusted. See

“Neutral Adjustment” in Section 5:

Maintenance for the procedure to

follow.

ENGAGING THE BLADES

To Engage the Blades

1. Start engine as described in “To Start

the Engine” instructions. Put engine

throttle in fast speed setting.

C. When engine starts, operate in fast

throttle setting (move throttle from

choke setting to fast setting).

5. To start engine using electric starter:

Failure to follow this instruction could

result in personal injury or property

damage.

A. Stand behind the handlebars and re-

2. Press and hold Operator Presence

Control (A, Figure 4-2) against handle-

bar grip.

lease all mower controls.

B. Turn ignition key (F, Figure 4-2) fully

clockwise to crank engine. To avoid

damage to starter motor, do not

crank engine for longer than five sec-

onds at a time. Also, allow 15 sec-

onds between each start attempt. If

engine fails to start after three at-

tempts, repeat instructions starting

with Step 2 (try setting throttle at fast

setting).

3. Slowly push Blade Drive Control (B,

Figure 4-2) fully forward until it stays in

the engaged position. The blades are

now rotating.

the Wheel Drive Control (D, Figure 4-

2). The harder you squeeze, the

faster the wheels will turn. To avoid

sudden acceleration, slowly squeeze

the lever.

To Stop the Blades

To stop the blades, release the Operator

Presence Control.

D. TO STOP THE WHEELS:

• To stop drive power to the wheels,

release the Wheel Drive Control. The

wheels will gradually slow to a stop.

C. When engine starts, release key and it

will return to the run (middle) posi-

tion.

TO ENGAGE THE WHEELS

• To quickly stop the wheels, release

both the Wheel Drive Control and

the Operator Presence Control.

CAUTION

• To avoid damaging the transmission,

do not shift gears while in motion.

D. Operate engine at fast throttle setting

(move throttle from choke setting to

fast setting).

3. FOR REVERSE TRAVEL:

• To avoid damaging the wheel brake

mechanism, do not engage the Wheel

Drive Control without first engaging the

Operator Presence Control.

A. Stop the mower blades and wheels by

NOTE: If the electric start system is not

functioning, the engine can be started

with the recoil starter. To do so, first put

the ignition key in the run (middle) posi-

tion. Then follow Steps 1-4 above.

Leave the key in the run position during

engine operation.

WARNING

To avoid injury or property damage:

• Look behind the mower before

and during reverse operation.

1. Start engine as described in “To

Start the Engine” instructions.

• Stop the mower blades before operat-

ing in reverse.

2. FOR FORWARD TRAVEL:

To Stop the Engine

1. Release all mower controls to stop

wheels or mower blade.

A. Press and hold Operator Presence

Control (A, Figure 4-2) against han-

dlebar grip.

releasing the Operator Presence

Control (A, Figure 4-2).

2. Move throttle control down to slow

(turtle) position. (Whenever possible,

gradually reduce engine speed before

stopping engine.)

B. Put the Gear Select Lever (C, Figure

4-2) into one of the numbered set-

tings (1 - Slow, 2 and 3 - Medium, 4

- Fast). When first practicing with

B. Press and hold Operator Presence

Control against handlebar grip.

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Section 4: Operation

C. Put the Gear Select Lever (C, Figure

4-2) in R (reverse) setting by first

moving lever to N (neutral). Then

pull lever up, turn it to R position,

and release lever.

Mow When

Lawn Is Dry

WARNING

To avoid injury or property damage:

• Maximum safe operating angle

is 15^o.

For best results, avoid cutting grass

when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form

clumps which interfere with the cutting

action. The best time to mow is in the

late afternoon or early evening when the

grass is usually dry.

D. To start the wheels, slowly squeeze

Wheel Drive Control (D, Figure 4-2).

To avoid sudden acceleration, slowly

squeeze the lever.

• Exceeding maximum safe operating

angle may cause tipping or loss of

footing.

• Do not mow wet slopes.

E. TO STOP THE WHEELS:

• Mow across slopes, not up and down.

• To stop drive power to the wheels,

release the Wheel Drive Control. The

wheels will gradually slow to a stop.

• Exercise extreme caution when

changing direction on slopes.

Cut Top 1/3 of

Grass Blades

• To quickly stop the wheels, release

both the Wheel Drive Control and

the Operator Presence Control.

Mulching Leaves

Cutting more than 1/3 of grass length

may cause the grass to become exces-

sively dry. In tall grass, it may be neces-

sary to mow at a higher setting and then

mow again at the desired height. NOTE:

The cutting height is critical to achieving

a well-groomed lawn. You should exper-

iment with various settings to find that

“just right” cutting height.

• The mower can be used to mow fallen

leaves. The leaf particles filter down into

the lawn and provide added fertilizer.

• The leaves must be dry in order to be

mulched.

• Use a slower ground speed if the

leaves are not mulched into fine parti-

cles.

• Return the Gear Select Lever to the

N (neutral) position when you have

completed reverse operation. Allow

the wheels to stop completely be-

fore shifting from R (reverse) into a

forward speed.

• If you mulch oak leaves (which add acid

to the soil), add lime to the lawn in the

spring to reduce the acidity of the soil.

MAKING TURNS

Vary Cutting Pattern

The mower turns easily by pushing

the handlebars in the opposite direction

that you want to turn. The differential

mechanism inside the transaxle will

allow the inside turning wheel to stop or

slow down while the outside turning

wheel is powered by the drive system.

Reduce the wheel speed before turn-

ing the mower. For tight turns, disen-

gage the Wheel Drive Control and manu-

ally push the mower through the turn (if

needed, put the Gear Select Lever in

neutral so the wheels turn freely).

Keep Mower Blades Sharp

Vary the cutting pattern from week to

week to help prevent matting of the

grass. One week, mow from north to

south, the next week mow from east to

west. Overlap several inches when

mowing to obtain an even appearance.

For best mower performance, keep the

blades sharp. Dull blades will tear,

bruise and split the ends of grass. See

blade sharpening instructions in Section

5: Maintenance.

Clean Mower Frequently

Mowing on Slopes

Clean the underside of the mower deck

frequently to remove grass build-up.

See mower cleaning instructions in

Section 5: Maintenance.

Precision Trimming

MOWING TIPS AND HINTS

Do not mow excessively steep slopes

(see WARNING statement that follows).

Slow down and exercise extreme caution

when changing direction on slopes.

Before mowing on slopes, check the en-

gine oil level and make sure that the level

is at the FULL mark. Maintaining a FULL

oil level is particularly important when

operating on slopes as oil can be drained

away from vital engine parts.

For precision trimming, use the slow-

est gear and inch the mower along by

“feathering” the Wheel Drive Control

lever. Or, disengage the wheel drive by

releasing the Wheel Drive Control so that

you can manually maneuver the mower

(if needed, put the Gear Select Lever in

neutral so that the wheels turn freely).

WARNING

To avoid injury or property damage:

• Before mowing, thoroughly inspect

area where mower is to be used and

remove all stones, sticks, wires,

bones, nails and other foreign objects.

• Disengage mower blades before

crossing gravel drives, roads, or side-

walks to prevent blades from throwing

stones or other hazardous objects.

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Section 4: Operation

3. Start the engine.

BLADE BRAKE CONTROL TEST

4. Press the Operator Presence Control

down against the handlebar grip and

push the Blade Drive Control fully for-

ward until it stays in the engaged posi-

tion.

When the Operator Presence Control

is released during operation of the

mower, the engine does not stop, but

the blades should stop within three (3)

seconds. The following test provides a

visual test of whether the Blade Brake

Control System is functioning. Perform

this test before each use of the mower.

5. Put the Gear Select Lever in the No. 1

setting.

6. Engage the wheels with the Wheel

Drive Control and drive the mower for

several feet. Then release the Operator

Presence Control.

1. Park mower on a portion of lawn

which has not been recently mowed.

A. Look at the lawn just mowed. The

lawn should be cut up to the point

where the Operator Presence Control

was released.

2. Set the cutting height so the mower

cuts 1/3 of the grass height.

WARNING

To avoid personal injury or property

damage, make sure that the mower is

on grass, and that the test area is clear

of foreign objects and bystanders be-

fore you begin the Blade Brake Control

Test.

B. Press the Operator Presence Control

against the handlebar grip but DO

NOT re-engage the Blade Drive

Control. Drive the mower forward

for several more feet. Release the

Operator Presence Control and look

at the lawn. The grass should NOT

have been cut. This indicates that

the Operator Presence Control has

disengaged the blade drive and

stopped the blades.

If the Operator Presence Control or the

Blade Drive Control are not adjusted

correctly, the blades may continue to

rotate after release of the Operator

Presence Control. If the blades do not

stop within three (3) seconds of release

of the Operator Presence Control, move

the Engine Throttle Control to the STOP

position, disconnect the spark plug

wire, and move the wire away from the

spark plug. Do not operate the mower

until the Blade Brake Control System

has been repaired.

7. If the mower cuts the grass in Step

6-B, the Operator Presence Control is

NOT disengaging the blade drive.

Immediately stop the engine, discon-

nect the spark plug wire, and move the

wire away from the spark plug.

8. Do not use the mower until the Blade

Brake Control System has been in-

spected, adjusted or repaired by an au-

thorized dealer.

Failure to do this could result in per-

sonal injury or property damage.

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Section

Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

Carefully read this Section on mower

and engine maintenance and service.

Performing the required maintenance

according to schedule will ensure the

proper performance and long life of your

machine.

Maintenance Chart. Refer to Engine

Owner's Manual for oil capacity.

5. Twist oil drain fixture (C) to the open

position. Pull out. Drain oil completely.

6. Push in and twist oil drain fixture to

the closed position. Remove drain

hose. Replace protective cap (A).

OIL TYPE: Use clean, high quality deter-

gent oil having an A.P.I. service classifi-

cation of SE, SF or SG. Use no special

additives with oil. Refer to the Engine

Owner’s Manual for recommended SAE

viscosity grades that match the starting

temperature anticipated before the next

oil change.

7. Refill engine with fresh oil and se-

curely replace dipstick.

WARNING

NOTE: Please dispose of all waste mate-

rials in an ecologically responsible man-

ner. Use proper waste material storage

containers.

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing

the machine, shut off engine, make

sure that all moving parts have come to

a complete stop, disconnect spark plug

wire and move wire away from spark

plug. Remove ignition key on electric

start models.

Checking Oil Level:

1. Park machine on level ground.

2. Stop engine, wait for parts to stop

moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire.

Failure to follow these instructions can

result in personal injury or property

damage.

3. Clean area around dipstick (Z, Figure

5-1) to prevent dirt from entering oil fill

hole.

NOTE: All references to left, right, front

and rear of the machine are determined by

standing behind the handlebars and facing

the direction of forward travel.

4. Remove dipstick. Oil level must be

between “ADD” and “FULL” marks. Do

not exceed “FULL” mark on dipstick.

Figure 5-1: Briggs and Stratton engine oil

fill.

5. To add oil, pour slowly into dipstick

opening. While adding, check oil level

frequently by securely replacing dipstick

and removing to read oil level. Wipe dip-

stick clean each time oil level is

checked.

IMPORTANT: REFER TO

MAINTENANCE CHART IN THIS

SECTION FOR A LISTING OF REGU-

LARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE

PROCEDURES.

6. After filling to “FULL” mark, securely

replace dipstick.

ENGINE SERVICE

Routine engine service is described

below. For more complete engine ser-

vice information, refer to the engine

manual provided with your machine.

For complete engine service, contact an

authorized engine dealer.

Changing Oil:

Change oil while engine is still warm

from recent operation. Warm oil flows

more freely and carries away more im-

purities.

Figure 5-2: Oil drain.

1. Stop engine, wait for parts to stop

moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire.

ENGINE OIL

OIL LEVEL: With mower on level

ground, the engine oil level must be be-

tween the "ADD" and "FULL" marks on

the dipstick at all times. Check before

each use and every 5 operating hours.

2. Remove dipstick (Z, Figure 5-1).

3. Remove protective cap (A, Figure 5-

2) to expose oil drain port (B).

4. Push oil drain hose (D) (included in

hardware bag with unit) onto oil drain

port. Route other end of hose to an ap-

propriate oil collection receptacle.

OIL CHANGE: On a new engine, change

oil after first 2 hours of use, then change

oil regularly as specified on the

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

ENGINE CLEANING

WARNING

• Stop engine, wait for parts to stop

moving, disconnect spark plug wire,

and allow engine to cool before in-

specting or cleaning engine.

Charge battery only with charger sup-

plied with machine. Do not short circuit

battery wires. Remove any jewelry be-

fore working on or near the battery or

electric start system. Failure to follow

these instructions could result in per-

sonal injury or property damage.

• Daily or more often, before running en-

gine, remove grass and chaff from recoil

finger guard or rotating screen to prevent

engine damage caused by overheating.

Also keep cooling vanes, governor link-

age, springs and controls free of debris.

Figure 5-3: Briggs and Stratton air cleaner

assembly.

BATTERY (if applicable)

• Daily or more often, before running en-

gine, clean muffler area (be sure muffler

is cool) to remove all grass and com-

bustible debris. If engine is equipped

with a spark arrestor screen, remove as-

sembly every 50 hours for cleaning and

inspection. Replace if damaged.

Charge battery if unit is to be stored for

longer than three weeks. During the

mowing season, the battery is kept

charged by the charging system on the

engine.

detergent and warm water. Squeeze dry

in a clean cloth.

4. Saturate foam pre-cleaner in clean

engine oil. Wrap in clean, absorbent

cloth and squeeze to remove all excess

oil.

To Charge Battery:

1. Plug charger connector into wire har-

ness connector located below ignition

switch in handlebar console.

• Grass or chaff may clog engine's air

cooling system, especially after pro-

longed operation cutting tall, dry grass.

See Engine Owner's Manual for instruc-

tions on cleaning underneath the engine

blower housing.

5. Replace paper cartridge (B), if

necessary.

6. Reassemble air cleaner components.

Tighten knobs/screws (D) securely.

Secure cover assembly (E) on air

cleaner body.

2. Plug charger into 120V wall outlet.

(Note that battery charger is designed for

use indoors and should not be exposed to

rain or snow.)

AIR CLEANER SERVICE

3. Charge battery for 24-48 hours if unit

is to be stored for longer than three

weeks.

SPARK PLUG

Improper air cleaner maintenance can

cause engine damage. Refer to the

Engine Owner's Manual for more com-

plete air cleaner service information.

Inspect the spark plug (Figure 5-4) after

every 100 hours of operation. Be sure

the gap is set at .030". Do not reuse plug

if it is severely worn or damaged.

4. After charging, unplug charger from

outlet, then unplug charger from con-

nector on wire harness located below

handlebar console.

SERVICE SCHEDULE:

Outer foam pre-cleaner - wash and re-oil

every 25 operating hours or every sea-

son, whichever occurs first.

Best results are obtained with a new

plug. See Engine Owner's Manual to de-

termine proper replacement plug. Use

of incorrect plug can cause engine dam-

age.

CARBURETOR

Inner paper cartridge - clean or replace

every 100 operating hours or every sea-

son, whichever occurs first.

The carburetor is adjusted at the factory.

It should not need to be reset. If black

exhaust is noted, check the air cleaner

first. An over-rich mixture is usually

caused by a poorly serviced or clogged

air cleaner element, not an improperly

adjusted carburetor. If readjustment is

necessary, refer to Engine Owner's

Manual or contact your engine dealer.

NOTE: Do not clean spark plug in ma-

chines which use abrasive grit. Clean

spark plug by scraping or wire brushing,

or washing with a commercial solvent.

To Service Air Cleaner (Figure 5-3):

1. Stop engine, wait for parts to stop

moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire.

2. Unscrew mounting screws and/or re-

move knobs (D). Remove covers (E).

Remove paper cartridge (B) and foam

pre-cleaner (A). Separate foam pre-

cleaner from paper cartridge.

.030" Feeler Gauge

3. Wash foam pre-cleaner (A) in liquid

Figure 5-4: Spark plug.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

The belt cover must be removed to per-

form several maintenance procedures.

5. Loosen four mounting bolts (L) se-

curing spindle housing (beneath mower

deck) to mower deck.

ENGINE STORAGE

If engine will be unused for 30 days or

more, prepare it for storage by following

the recommended procedures found in

the Engine Owner’s Manual.

To Remove Belt Cover:

6. Slide spindle housing (with pulley at-

tached) toward center.

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

7. Replace belt (N) with new belt.

IMPORTANT: SET BLADES PERPEN-

DICULAR (90°) TO EACH OTHER.

MOWER SERVICE

2. Remove four screws (R, Figure 5-5)

and remove cover.

The following maintenance/repair proce-

dures can be performed by either the

owner or an authorized service dealer.

See an authorized service dealer for

complete mower service.

8. Rotate arm (K) to move spindle

housing and apply tension to belt. Belt

cogs and pulley grooves must mesh to-

gether. When applying moderate finger

tension (8-12 lbs.), belt should deflect

approximately 1/2” (12.7 mm) at (P),

midpoint of deck.

To Reinstall Belt Cover:

1. Position belt cover in place.

2. Secure with the four screws removed

earlier.

TIPPING MOWER FOR SERVICE

WARNING

9. Tighten bolts (L) to 15 ft.-lbs. (20.3

Before servicing underside of mower,

stop engine, wait for all parts to stop

moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire. Remove ignition key from

keyswitch on electric start models.

Failure to follow this instruction could

result in personal injury or property

damage.

Nm). Tighten screw (J).

10. Blades must not contact deck.

Check and readjust as needed.

11. Reinstall blade drive belt and belt

cover (removed earlier).

FRONT

When servicing the underside of the

mower for any reason, the mower

should only be tipped backward on its

rear wheels (and securely propped up to

prevent it from falling). Tipping the

mower forward or to either side could

result in damage to engine.

Figure 5-5: Belt cover removal.

BLADE SPINDLE BELT

REPLACEMENT

Follow this procedure to remove and re-

place the blade spindle drive belt (re-

move blade drive belt first; see “Blade

Drive Belt Replacement” in this Section).

BLADES

MUST BE PERPENDICULAR

TO EACH OTHER

TIP: Before tipping mower, install a

small plastic sandwich style bag under

the gas cap and tighten securely. This

will virtually eliminate any fuel seepage

from the cap. Be sure to remove the

plastic bag before re-using mower.

Figure 5-6: Blade Spindle Belt.

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving and disconnect spark plug

wire.

2. Remove belt cover (see “Belt Cover

Removal”).

BELT COVER REMOVAL

3. Align sight holes (O, Figure 5-6) in

pulley with spindle housing-to-mower

deck mounting bolts (L).

WARNING

Do not operate unit without belt cover

installed. Failure to follow this instruc-

tion could result in personal injury or

property damage.

4. Loosen screw (J) and rotate arm (K)

to the rear.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

BLADE DRIVE BELT

REPLACEMENT

Blade Drive Disengaged

Follow this procedure to remove and re-

place the blade drive belt. An assistant

will be needed.

To Remove Belt:

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

Blade Drive Engaged

2. Disengage blade drive control (Figure

5-7) by releasing all controls on the

mower.

RIGHT VIEW

Figure 5-7: Blade Drive Control.

3. Remove belt cover (see “Belt Cover

Removal”).

4. Loosen belt guides (B and C,

Figure 5-8).

5. Move flap bracket (N, Figure 5-8) out

of the way by loosening two screws (M).

6. Remove belt (A, Figure 5-8) from

around sheaves.

To Install Belt:

1. Route belt (A, Figure 5-8) around

sheaves as shown.

2. Have an assistant hold down

Operator Presence Control and then

push the Blade Drive Control forward

until it latches in place (Figure 5-7).

3. With the Blade Drive Control lever en-

gaged, adjust and tighten belt guide (B)

to 1/32 - 1/16" away from tensioned

belt. (Be sure that belt does not contact

belt guide when belt is under tension.)

Secure belt guide (C) rotated into posi-

tion as shown in Figure 5-8.

4. Disengage Blade Drive Control.

5. Re-tighten two screws (M, Figure

5-8) that secure flap bracket (N).

6. Reinstall belt cover securely.

Figure 5-8: Blade drive.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

BLADE BRAKE REPLACEMENT

Follow this procedure to install a new

blade brake.

Adjust idler in direction

of arrow to tighten blade

drive belt

To Remove Blade Brake:

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

1/8"

2. Remove belt cover as described in

“Belt Cover Removal” instructions.

3. Remove hardware (G, Figure 5-8)

securing blade brake (H).

4. Remove old brake (H) from idler

arm (I).

Figure 5-9: Blade drive adjustment.

To Install Brake:

1. Position new brake (H) in place on

idler arm (I).

6. Test the operation of the blade brake

(see “Blade Brake Control Test” in the

Operation section).

and make sure the Operator Presence

Control latches (A and B, Fig. 5-10) are

fully engaged at point (C). If they are not

fully engaged, improper operation or

premature wear could result. To adjust,

loosen hex nut (D) and shorten length of

control rod (E). To avoid over-adjusting,

turn rod only 1 to 2 turns per adjust-

ment.

2. Center brake in sheave groove and

secure brake (H) with hardware (G) re-

moved earlier.

7. If the drive belt slips during opera-

tion, it may be necessary to

relocate idler (J, Figure 5-9) in the slot

provided in the mounting bracket. With

the engine stopped and the spark plug

wire disconnected, loosen the hardware

on the idler (J) and slide it forward to

take up slack in the belt.

3. Reinstall belt cover securely.

4. Test operation of blade brake (see

“Blade Brake Control Test” in Operation

section).

3. Tighten hex nut securely after adjust-

ing control rod.

BLADE DRIVE BELT

ADJUSTMENT

If the blade drive belt is slipping due to

lack of belt tension, follow the steps

below.

8. Engage the blade drive and measure

the distance (X, Figure 5-8) between the

centers of pulleys (K) and (L). The dis-

tance should be 5-1/2 to 5-5/8". After

obtaining the correct dimension, rein-

stall the belt cover securely and test the

operation of the blade brake.

4. Test by releasing the Operator

Presence Control. If properly adjusted,

the Blade Drive Control will disengage

when the Operator Presence Control is

released. Re-adjust as necessary by

repeating Steps 2 and 3.

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

BLADE DRIVE CONTROL LEVER

ADJUSTMENT

Make the following adjustment if the

Blade Drive Control Lever releases dur-

ing operation.

2. Remove belt cover as described in

“Belt Cover Removal” instructions.

3. With mower on level ground, adjust

blade cutting height at about 3" (mea-

sure from ground to flat portion of

blade).

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

4. With the Blade Drive Control (Figure

5-7) in the disengaged position, set a

gap of 1/8" between the spring (F, Figure

5-9) and flat washer (E) by adjusting the

nut (D).

2. Engage the Operator Presence

Control and the Blade Drive Control.

Without releasing the controls, look in-

side the cutout at the rear of the frame

5. Reinstall the belt cover securely.

Figure 5-10: Blade Drive Control Lever

adjustment.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

WHEEL DRIVE BELT

REPLACEMENT

Follow this procedure to replace the

wheel drive belt.

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

2. Release all mower controls.

3. Remove belt cover as described in

“Belt Cover Removal” instructions.

4. Locate wheel drive belt (O, Figure 5-

11) and remove it from top sheave of

engine sheave, backsided idlers (P and

Q) and transmission sheave (R).

5. Install new belt as shown in Figure 5-

11. Belt must be installed “inside out ”–

“V” side of belt lies against

engine sheave only. Flat side of belt lies

against transmission sheave (R) and

back-sided idlers (P and Q).

Figure 5-11: Wheel drive belt replacement.

6. Make sure belt is inside belt guide (S,

Figure 5-11).

7. Reinstall belt cover securely.

8. An adjustment to the drive belt may

be necessary. See “Wheel Drive Belt

Adjustment” in this Section.

gage wheel drive by squeezing Wheel

Drive Control until it contacts handlebar.

4. Wheels should slip on paved surface.

If they do not, an adjustment is required.

To Adjust Wheel Drive Belt:

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

WHEEL DRIVE BELT

ADJUSTMENT

2. Remove cotter pin (A, Figure 5-12A)

from upper end of Wheel Drive Control

rod. Slide rod out of lever assembly.

The wheel drive belt requires an adjust-

ment if loss of drive belt tension (slip-

page) occurs. This is most noticeable

when more traction is required (such as

going up slopes).

3. Loosen jam nut (D, Figure 5-12).

4. Thread rod (E, Figure 5-12) one or

two turns clockwise for more tension or

counterclockwise for less tension.

5. Insert rod back into hole in Wheel

Drive Control lever and install cotter pin.

Bend ends of cotter pin to secure.

6. Retest wheel traction. Repeat adjust-

ment procedure, if necessary. Most

comfortable operation will be obtained

when the adjustment allows the lever to

just make contact with the handgrip as

sufficient wheel traction is achieved.

When adjustment is complete, tighten

jam nut (D) firmly against block (B).

Figure 5-12A

To Test Wheel Traction:

1. Park machine on a paved (concrete,

etc.) surface with front edge up against

a sturdy wall, fence, etc.

WHEEL BRAKE ADJUSTMENT

This adjustment may be required if the

machine does not hold on a hill with the

Operator Presence Control disengaged,

or if the brake drags with the Operator

Presence Control engaged and the trans-

mission in neutral.

2. Put Gear Select Lever in No. 1 setting.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT PARK AGAINST A

PAINTED OR SIDED WALL. TESTING

THE WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM REQUIRES

MACHINE TO BE FORCIBLY PUSHED

AGAINST WALL. DAMAGE TO PAINT OR

SIDING COULD RESULT.

3. With engine running, and machine

placed firmly up against wall, hold down

Operator Presence Control and fully en-

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

2. Disengage (release) the Operator

Presence Control (M, Figure 5-13).

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

2. Rotate shift rod (I, Figures 5-14 and

5-15) clockwise until it stops in the neu-

tral (N) position (from forward gear

positions).

3. Hold down Operator Presence Control

(M, Figure 5-13) and push unit forward

and backward. Unit should move freely.

If not, continue with Step 4.

4. Remove cotter pin securing shift link

(P, Figure 5-15) to shift rod (I).

5. Move shift arm (X) back and forth as

necessary into each detent until trans-

mission is in neutral. NOTE: Moving

shift arm (X) clockwise all the way to the

left, and then one notch back counter-

clockwise, should put transmission into

neutral. When transmission is in neutral,

unit will move freely when pushed while

holding the Operator Presence Control

lever down. If transmission is NOT in

neutral, there will be a slight drag on the

wheels when pushing unit.

Figure 5-12: Wheel drive belt adjustment.

6. When shift arm (X) is in neutral posi-

tion, rotate shift link (P) until hooked

end fits back into hole in bottom end of

shift rod (I). NOTE: Shift rod (I) must be

held in the neutral position (see Figure

5-14) while shift link (P) is adjusted.

7. Secure shift link (P) into shift rod (I)

with cotter pin removed earlier.

8. Re-check neutral by pushing unit

back and forth and shifting lever (I) from

reverse to neutral. A small fine-tune

adjustment may be required.

3/8"-

5/16"

Figure 5-13: Wheel brake adjustment.

3. Slowly adjust at nut (O), if necessary,

until the distance between the back of

brake arm (N) and bracket (P) is 3/8”-

5/16". Use small adjustments (1/4 turn

maximum). NOTE: It may be necessary

to relieve spring tension when decreas-

ing distance. To do so, have an assis-

tant engage the Operator Presence

Control while you adjust the nut.

TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL

ADJUSTMENT

Follow this procedure to adjust neutral

on the transmission.

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

Detent for

Neutral Position

Figure 5-14: Lever in neutral (N) position.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

Replace if separation

begins to form.

Figure 5-15: Transmission neutral (N) adjustment.

Sharpen blade cutting edge straight

across, parallel to blade trailing edge.

MOWER BLADES

To Sharpen Blades:

Grind or file the same amount from each

blade end to maintain blade balance. An

unbalanced mower blade produces ex-

cessive vibration and may damage spin-

dle bearings. Sharpen cutting edge

straight across, parallel to rear edge of

mower blade. See Figure 5-16. After

sharpening, blade balance must be

checked.

Figure 5-16: Blade Inspection

WARNING

Mower blades are sharp.

FRONT

• When working near blades, wear

heavy leather gloves or wrap blades in

thick rags to protect yourself from the

sharp edges.

• Wear eye protection when sharpening

blades.

IMPORTANT: PROFESSIONAL SHARP-

ENING SERVICES OR YOUR AUTHO-

RIZED DEALER ARE EQUIPPED TO

SHARPEN MOWER BLADES SAFELY.

BLADES

MUST BE PERPENDICULAR

TO EACH OTHER

Examine mower blades before operation.

For efficient mowing, cutting edges of

blades should always be kept sharp.

Check for blade wear or damage. See

Figure 5-16. Replace a severely worn or

damaged blade with a new one.

Figure 5-17

To Install Blades:

Blades must be installed perpendicular

to each other (see Figure 5-17).

Torque to

35 Ft. Lbs.

Install mower blade as shown in Figure

5-18 with flat side down. Install washer

on bolt. Tighten bolts to a torque value

of 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).

To Inspect Blades:

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

NOTE: If top bolt is removed, reinstall

using LOCTITE #242 thread sealant.

Mower Blade

2. Tip mower on rear wheels by follow-

ing instructions “Tipping Mower For

Service” in this Section of Manual.

Washer

To Remove Blades:

Bolt

Torque to

35 Ft. Lbs.

Remove bolt (Figure 5-18) and

washer(s). Remove mower blade.

Figure 5-18: Blade spindle.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

Failure to use this procedure could

cause sparking, and the gas in either

battery could explode.

Battery Storage

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Charge battery fully. The battery loses

some of its charge each day when the

unit is not used.

IMPORTANT: NEVER store battery with-

out a full charge. Recharge battery be-

fore returning to service or every two

months, whichever occurs first.

When storing unit for extended periods,

disconnect battery cables. Removing

battery from unit is recommended.

DANGER

Use extreme caution when working on

or near batteries. To help prevent per-

sonal injury or property damage:.

Cleaning

Clean the battery by removing it from

the tractor and washing with a baking

soda and water solution. If necessary,

scrape the battery terminals with a wire

brush to remove deposits. Coat termi-

nals and exposed wiring with grease or

petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.

• Batteries generate explosive gases.

Keep sparks and flames away from

the battery at all times. Ventilate the

area when charging or using the bat-

tery in an enclosed area.

Battery Failures

Some common causes for battery failure

are:

CLEANING UNDERSIDE OF

MOWER DECK

Battery Care in Service

The battery is sealed and is mainte-

nance-free. Acid levels cannot be

checked.

• incorrect initial activation

• undercharging

• overcharging

WARNING

Mower blades are sharp.

When working near blades, wear

heavy leather gloves or wrap blades in

thick rags to protect yourself from the

sharp edges.

• Always keep the battery cables and ter

minals clean and free of corrosive

build-up.

• corroded connections

• freezing

IMPORTANT: These failures are NOT

covered by your tractor’s warranty.

• After cleaning the battery and termi-

nals,

Battery Removal and Installation

apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or

grease to both terminals

• Always keep the rubber boot posi-

tioned

over the positive terminal to prevent

shorting.

When removing and installing the bat-

tery, disconnect and connect the cables

in this order to avoid sparking:

Frequently check, and clean if necessary,

the underside of the mower deck. Grass

build-up in this area can affect the cut-

ting performance. Before inspecting or

cleaning, make sure that the engine is

shut off and the spark plug wire is

1. To remove the battery, first discon-

nect the negative (-) cable from the

grounding screw on the back of the bat-

tery bracket post. Bend the cable away

from any metal parts.

Charging

disconnected from the spark plug.

If the tractor has not been put into use

for an extended period of time, charge

the battery with an automotive-type 12-

volt charger for a minimum of one hour

at six amps.

Inspection/Cleaning of Mower Deck:

2. Disconnect the negative (-) cable

from the negative (-) battery post.

1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to

stop moving, and disconnect spark

plug wire.

3. Disconnect the positive (+) cable

from the positive (+) battery post and

bend it away from any metal parts.

Cover the cable terminal with its rubber

boot.

Jump Starting

2. Tip mower on rear wheels by follow-

ing instructions "Tipping Mower For

Service" in this Section.

IMPORTANT: Never jump your tiller’s

dead battery with the battery of a run-

ning vehicle.

4. Remove the battery clamp.

3. Use a plastic or metal scraper to

remove grass build-up from deck or

blades.

1. Connect end of one jumper cable to

the positive terminal of the good battery,

then the other end to the positive termi-

nal of the dead battery.

5. To install the battery, reverse the

above steps. Be sure that the battery

posts face to the rear of the tiller and

that the positive (+) post is on the left

side as you face forward from the han-

dlebars.

2. Connect the other jumper cable to the

negative terminal of the good battery,

then to the frame of the unit with the

dead battery.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

• Clean the exterior of the mower thor-

oughly and touch up all chipped or

scratched surfaces to prevent rust from

forming.

LUBRICATION

OFF-SEASON STORAGE

Oil and grease the mower according to

the recommendations listed in the

Lubrication Chart on the next page.

_{• Stop engine,}W_waA_itR_foN_rI_aN_llG_{parts to stop}

moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire before performing any lubrication

procedures.

• Stop engine, wait for all parts to stop

moving, and disconnect spark plug

wire before performing any storage

procedures. Review the storage

safety rules in the Safety Section of

this Manual.

• If engine will be unused for 30 days or

more, prepare it for storage by following

the recommended procedures found in

the Engine Owner's Manual.

• The transmission has been factory

sealed and requires no lubrication. If a

leak should develop, contact the factory

or your local authorized dealer for

service information.

• Inspect all parts for damage, breakage,

and wear. Tighten or replace fasteners.

Contact the factory or your local

authorized dealer for factory-approved

replacement parts.

Lubrication Chart

ITEM

INTERVAL

First 2 hours

LUBRICATION TYPE

AMOUNT REQUIRED

Engine Crankcase

Change Oil

See Engine Manual

25-50 hours

Change Oil

Change oil more often

in extremely dirty or

dusty conditions.

(Lubrication Intervals Vary

with Operating Conditions

and Type of Oil Used)

Front Wheel Bearings

50 hours

Grease

Light Oil

Grease

1-3 Strokes*

A Few Drops

1-3 Strokes*

Control Linkages/Pivots

Transmission Output Shaft

25 hours

100 hours or Annually

* A hand-type grease gun is recommended.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

ATTENTION! This chart describes service guidelines only. It does not provide complete service information. Complete service

is available from your authorized mower or engine dealer. Before performing any of the maintenance procedures, refer to the

appropriate information contained in this Manual or the Engine Owner’s Manual for the correct safety precautions and mainte-

nance procedures.

Maintenance Chart

INTERVAL*

ITEM

SERVICE

As Required

Each use

Mower Blade

Loose or Missing Hardware

Belts

Engine Oil Level

Controls

Mulching Cover

Tighten or Replace

Check

Check for Proper Operation

Check for Proper Cover Installation

1st 2 hours

25 hours

Engine Oil

Change

Engine Oil***

Change

Clean

Sharpen and Balance

Lube with Light Oil

Foam Air Filter****

Mower Blade(s)

Control Linkages and Pivots

50 hours

Annually or 100 hours

Monthly

Engine Oil***

Change

Blade Drive Belt Adjust

Engine Cooling Fins

Grease Fittings**

Adjust Tension

Clean

Grease

Air Filter Element****

Spark Plug

Transmission Output Shaft

Replace

Clean/Replace, Re-gap

Grease

Linkages

Belts

Adjust

Check/Replace, Adjust

Annually or 50 hours

Front Wheel Bearings

Grease

*Interval describes running time.

**A hand-type grease gun is recommended when greasing your

unit. High-pressure type grease guns could cause damage to fit-

tings/seals.

***Consult engine manual for more detailed engine service infor-

mation.

****Clean more often under dusty conditions or when airborne

debris is present. Replace air cleaner parts, if very dirty.

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Section 5: Maintenance

Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark

plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).

WARNING

Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.

ATTENTION! This table describes service

guidelines only. It does not provide com-

plete service information. Complete service

is available from your authorized mower or

engine dealer. Before performing any of the

corrections in this table, refer to the appro-

priate information contained in this Manual

or the Engine Owner’s Manual for the cor-

rect safety precautions and operating or

maintenance procedures.

Symptom

Troubleshooting Chart

Possible cause

Engine malfunction (refer to engine manual).

Improperly adjusted drive linkage.

Dirty engine cooling fins or flywheel screen.

Faulty ignition.

• • • • •

• • •

•

• •

• • •

•

• • • • •

• • • •

• •

Faulty spark plug.

•

Empty fuel tank.

• •

•

Battery or charging malfunction (if applicable).

Improperly adjusted or dirty carburetor.

Improper oil level.

•

• • • •

•

Dirty air cleaner element.

• • •

• • • •

Improperly adjusted choke (if applicable).

Transmission malfunction.

• •

Improperly adjusted drive linkage.

Broken, loose or worn belt(s).

Dull blade(s).

• •

•

• • •

•

Throttle control out of adjustment.

Blade/brake system out of adjustment.

Blade(s) out of balance.

• •

•

• •

•

Loose hardware.

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NOTES

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MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

The limited warranty set forth below is given by Troy-Bilt LLC

with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the

United States, its possessions and territories.

Troy-Bilt does not extend any warranty for products

sold or exported outside of the United States, its

possessions and territories, except those sold through

Troy-Bilt’s authorized channels of export distribution.

Replacement parts that are not genuine Troy-Bilt parts.

Transportation charges and service calls.

“Troy-Bilt” warrants this product against defects in material

and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing

on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or

replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in

materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only

apply if this product has been operated and maintained in

accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the

product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse,

commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance,

alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of

other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the

installation or use of any part, accessory or attachment not

approved by Troy-Bilt for use with the product(s) covered by

this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting

damage.

No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of

merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,

applies after the applicable period of express written

warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other

express warranty, whether written or oral, except as

mentioned above, given by any person or entity,

including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product,

shall bind Troy-Bilt. During the period of the warranty, the

exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the product

as set forth above.

The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the

sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. Troy-Bilt

shall not be liable for incidental or consequential loss or

damage including, without limitation, expenses incurred

for substitute or replacement lawn care services or for

rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted

product.

Normal wear parts are warranted to be free from defects in

material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from

the date of purchase. Normal wear parts include, but are not

limited to items such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade

adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower

skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber and tires.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of

incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how

long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or

limitations may not apply to you.

HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available,

WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized

service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your

Yellow Pages, or contact Troy-Bilt LLC at P.O. Box 361131,

Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-866-840-6483 or 1-

330-558-7220, or log on to our Web site at www.troybilt.com.

In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the

amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration

of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.

You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to

you and your property and/or to others and their property

arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.

This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the

following cases:

The engine or component parts thereof. These items

may carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer

to applicable manufacturer’s warranty for terms and

conditions.

This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than

the original purchaser or to the person for whom it was

purchased as a gift.

Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a

separate one year warranty.

HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This

limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may

also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters,

blade sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch

adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal

deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or

exposure.

IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of

Purchase to obtain warranty coverage.

Service completed by someone other than an

authorized service dealer.

Troy-Bilt LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-866-840-6483, 1-330-558-7220

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