User guide
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Engine—Follow  engine  manual  for  lubrication  instruc
tions.
Transmission (Self-Propeiled Models Only)—The
transmission  is  pre-lubricated  and  sealed  at  the  facto
ry.  It  does  not  require  checking.  If  disassemijled  for 
any  reason,  fill  with  2  ounces  of  Alvania  grease,  part 
number 737-0168.
MAINTENANCE 
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  WARNING:  Be  sure  to  disconnect  and 
ground  the  spark  plug  wire  before  per
forming any repairs or maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping  the  unit,  empty the  fuel  tank and 
keep engine spark plug or air cleaner side up.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Refer  to  page  10  of  this  manual  for  trouble  i  hooting 
information.
CUTTING BLADE
When  removing  the  cutting  blade  for  sharpening  or 
replacement,  protect  hands  by  using  heavy  gloves  or 
a  rag  to  grasp  the  cutting  blade.  Remove  the 
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jolt  and 
bell  washer  which  hold  the  blade  and  adapter  to  the 
engine  crankshaft.  Remove  the  blade  and  adapter 
from the crankshaft.
If  the  blade  or  blade  adapter  needs  replacing,  remove 
the  two  small  bolts,  lock  washers  and  nuts  wh  ich  hold 
the blade to the adapter.
A
WARNING:  Periodically  inspect  the  blade 
adapter  for  cracks,  especially  if  you 
strike  a  foreign  object.  Replace!  when 
necessary.
When  sharpening  the  blade,  follow  the  origin  al  angle 
of  grind  as  a  guide.  It  is  extremely  important  tf  at  each 
cutting  edge  receives  an  equal  amount  of  grinding  to 
prevent  an  unbalanced  blade.  An  unbalanced  blade 
will  cause  excessive  vibration  when  rotating  at  high 
speeds,  may  cause  damage  to  the  mower  ar  d  could 
break, causing personal injury.
It  is  recommended  that  the  blade  always  be  removed 
from the adapter for the best test of balance.
The  blade  can  be  tested  by  balancing  it  on  a  round 
shaft  screwdriver.  Remove  metal  from  the  heavy  side 
until it balances evenly.
Before  reassembling  the  blade  and  the  blade  adapter 
to  the  unit,  lubricate  the  engine  crankshaft  and  the 
inner  surface  of  the  blade  adapter  with  I  ght  oil. 
Lubricating  the  bolt  holes,  bolts  and  inner  surface  of 
the  nuts  with  light  oil  is  also  recommended.  Engine  oil 
may also be used.
When  replacing  the  blade,  be  sure  to  install  the  blade 
with  the  side  of  the  blade  marked  “Bottom”  (or  with 
part  number)  facing  the  ground  when  the  mower  is  in 
the operating position.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
Blade  Adapter  Bolts:  200  in.  lbs.  min.,  350  in.  lbs.  max. 
To  insure  safe  operation  of  your  unit,  all  nuts  and  bolts 
must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
DECK
The  underside  of  the  mower  deck  should  be  cleaned 
after  each  use  to  prevent  a  buildup  of  grass  clippings, 
leaves,  dirt  or  other  matter.  If  this  debris  is  allowed  to 
accumulate,  it  will  invite  rust  and  corrosion,  and  may 
prevent proper mulching.
The  deck  may  be  cleaned  by  tilting  the  mower  and 
scraping  clean  with  a  suitable  tool  (make  certain  the 
spark plug wire is disconnected).
ENGINE
Refer  to  the  separate  engine  manual  for  all  engine 
maintenance instructions.
Maintain  engine  oil  as  instructed  in  the  separate 
engine  manual  packed  with  your  unit.  Read  and  follow 
instructions carefully.
Service  air  cleaner  every  25  hours  under  normal  con
ditions.  Clean  every  few  hours  under  extremely  dusty 
conditions.  Poor  engine  performance  and  flooding 
usually  Indicates  that  the  air  cleaner  should  be  ser
viced.  To  service  the  air  cleaner,  refer  to  the  separate 
engine manual packed with your unit.
The  spark  plug  should  be  cleaned  and  the  gap  reset 
once  a  season.  Spark  plug  replacement  is  recom
mended  at  the  start  of  each  mowing  season;  check 
engine  manual  for  correct  plug  type  and  gap  specifi
cations.
Clean  the  engine  regularly  with  a  cloth  or  brush. 
Keep  the  cooling  system  (blower  housing  area) 
cleaned  to  permit  proper  air  circulation  which  is 
essential  to  engine  performance  and  life.  Be  certain  to 
remove  all  grass,  dirt  and  combustible  debris  from 
muffler area.
BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
(Self-Propelled Models Only)
1.  Place shift lever in third speed (six speed models 
only).
2.  Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it 
against the engine.
3.  Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic 
beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
4.  Remove the transmission belt cover by removing 
three bolts. See figure 11.
5.  Tip the mower on its side. Block securely.










