OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Table of Contents

• Safety Rules: 2-4
• Assembly: 5-6
• Operation: 6-10
• Maintenance: 11-14
• Service and Adjustments: 15
• Storage: 16-17
• Troubleshooting: 18-19

Safety Rules

I. Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be a minimum of 12 years of age before operating a pedestrian controlled lawn mower and a minimum of 16 years of age before operating a riding lawn mower.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
• Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
• Before and while walking backwards, look behind and down for small children.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.

II. General Operation

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

III. Slope Operation

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

DO:

• Mow across the face of slopes: never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps or hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip and fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

DO NOT:

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

IV. Safe Handling of Gasoline

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

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
• Use only an approved container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine running.
• Allow engine to cool before refueling.
• Never refuel the machine indoors.
• Never store the machine or fuel container where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water heater or on other appliances.
• Never fill containers inside a vehicle, on a truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

V. General Service

• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental starting.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. Never do anything to interfere with the intended function of a safety device or reduce the protection provided by a safety device.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine is running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when necessary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
• Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed the engine.
• Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Lawn Mower. It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give you the best possible dependability and performance. Should you experience any problems you cannot easily remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service center. They have competent, well trained technicians and the proper tools to service or repair this unit.

• Read the SAFETY RULES and this Operator's Manual in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn mower to insure proper operation and to prevent injury to yourself and others. Save this manual for future reference.
• Your new lawn mower has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes. To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower, all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.
• All parts such as nuts, washers, bolts, etc., necessary to complete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag.

To Remove Lawn Mower From Carton

• Remove all loose parts from carton.
• Remove lawn mower housing with care. Avoid touching blade under housing. Always wear gloves or other protection when working under or lifting mower.

Troubleshooting

See appropriate section in manual unless directed to an authorized Service Center.

Assembly

Things to Know Before You Assemble or Operate Your Lawn Mower

Do I have a side or rear discharge lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on your mower. If the opening is on the right side of the mower housing, it is a side discharge mower. If the opening is at the back of the mower housing, it is a rear discharge mower. Only rear discharge lawn mowers have a grass catcher included with the mower. Approved grass catchers for side discharge mowers may be purchased from your nearest authorized dealer.

Do I have a mulching lawn mower?

Look for the grass discharge opening on your mower. Raise the discharge deflector (rear door on rear discharge mowers). If the opening is closed off by a plate, then your lawn mower is mulcher ready. To convert to a discharging mower, see the Operation section of this manual.

What is the right and left side of the lawn mower?

When right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) is mentioned in this manual, it means when you are in the operating position (standing behind the handle).

Diagram description: A top-down view of a lawn mower. The front is at the top. The left hand side is on the left, and the right hand side is on the right. The back or rear is at the bottom, indicating the operating position behind the handle.

What kind of engine is on my lawn mower?

When learning how to operate your new lawn mower, you will need to know what kind of engine powers the mower. A decal on the engine will indicate the manufacturer and type or brand name of the engine. (Example: KOHLER engine logo)

How to Set Up Your Mower

Unfold Handle

• Raise handles until lower handle section locks into place in mowing position.
• Insert bolt through handle and bracket and secure with nut. A 1/2" wrench will be required.
• Raise upper handle section into place on lower handle, remove protective padding and tighten both handle knobs.
• Remove handle padding holding operator presence control bar to upper handle.

Diagram description: An exploded view showing the assembly of the mower handle. The lower handle connects to the mower base. The upper handle attaches to the lower handle with handle knobs. The operator presence control bar is positioned on the upper handle. Bolts and nuts are used for securing connections. Arrows indicate "LIFT UP" for handle sections.

Install Starter Rope

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

Diagram description: A sequence of four steps showing how to install the starter rope. Step 1: Loosen T-knob. Step 2: Hold control bar against upper handle. Step 3: Pull engine starter rope out. Step 4: Slip rope into rope guide and tighten T-knob.

Assemble Grass Catcher

To convert mower to bagging or discharging, see the Operation section in this manual.

• Put grass catcher frame into grass bag with rigid part of bag on the bottom.
• Slip vinyl bindings over frame.

Diagram description: An illustration of the grass catcher frame and bag, showing how the vinyl bindings slip over the frame to secure the bag.

Operation

How to Use Your Lawn Mower

Engine Speed Control

Engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. Engine speed is not adjustable.

To Adjust Cutting Height

Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns. Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.

• Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut.
• Adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.

Diagram description: A side view of the mower's wheel height adjustment mechanism. An adjuster lever is shown with a plate tab. Arrows indicate "LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER MOWER" and "LEVER FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER".

To Convert Mower

Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher. To convert to side discharging:

Side Discharging:

• Open mulcher door and install discharge deflector under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for side discharging operation.
• Rear door must be closed.

Diagram description: A view of the mower's rear and side discharge areas. It shows the mulcher door open and the discharge deflector being installed. The rear door is shown closed for side discharging.

Rear Bagging:

• Lift rear door of the lawn mower and place the grass catcher frame hooks onto the door pivot pins.
• To convert to mulching or discharging operation, remove grass catcher and close rear door.
• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, discharge deflector must be removed and mulcher door must be closed.

Diagram description: A diagram showing the rear of the mower with pivot pins for the grass catcher handle and the rear door. The grass catcher handle is shown attaching to the pivot pins.

Simple Steps to Remember When Converting Your Lawn Mower

For Mulching -

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

For Rear Bagging -

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

For Side Discharging -

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

To Empty Grass Catcher

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame handle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn mower handle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.

Diagram description: An illustration showing a grass catcher being lifted from the mower by its frame handle, with clippings falling out.

Operator Presence Control Bar

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

Before Starting Engine

Read the engine manual packed with your mower.

Add Oil

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see "ENGINE" in the Maintenance section of this manual.

1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.

4. Insert and tighten dipstick.

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

Diagram description: An illustration of an engine with an oil fill spout and dipstick, and a gasoline filler cap. The engine oil cap is shown.

Mowing Tips

• Under certain conditions, such as when mowing very tall grass, raise the mower height on the first cut to reduce pushing effort, to avoid overheating the engine, and to avoid leaving clumps of grass clippings. Make the second cut to the desired height.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut.
• For side discharge lawn mowers, cut in a counterclockwise direction, starting at the outside of the area to be cut, in order to spread grass clippings more evenly and to put less load on the engine. To keep clippings off of walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first cuts in a clockwise direction.

Diagram description: A top-down view of a lawn showing a recommended counter-clockwise mowing pattern, starting from the outside and moving inwards.

• When using a rear discharge lawn mower in moist, heavy grass, clumps of cut grass may not enter the grass catcher. Reduce ground speed (pushing speed) and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
• If a trail of grass clipping is left on the right side of a rear discharge lawn mower, mow in a clockwise direction with a small overlap to collect the clippings on the next pass.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and the catcher will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before use.

Mulching Mowing Tips

• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass blades. If the lawn is overgrown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely heavy grass, reduce your width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.

Diagram description: A diagram illustrating the "MAX 1/3" rule for grass cutting, showing that only the top third of the grass blade should be cut at a time.

• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then change to east to west the next week. This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.

Maintenance

General Recommendations

The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from the warranty, operator must maintain mower as instructed in this manual. Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to properly maintain your unit. All adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual should be checked at least once each season.

• Once a year, replace the spark plug, clean or replace air filter element, and check blade for wear. A new spark plug and clean/new air filter element assures proper air-fuel mixture and helps your engine run better and last longer.
• Follow the Maintenance Schedule in this manual.

Maintenance Schedule

* (if so equipped)
** Electric-Start mowers
*** Power-Propelled mowers
**** Use a scraper to clean under deck

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

Lubrication Chart

Diagram description: A diagram showing lubrication points on the mower: ⒈ Wheel adjuster (on each wheel), ⒉ Engine oil, ⒈ Mower deflector hinge rod, Rear door hinge rod (HSK2131KLR only), Handle bracket mounting pins. Spray lubricant is indicated for the handle bracket mounting pins. Engine oil is indicated for the engine oil fill point.

Spark Plug

Replace spark plug at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Set spark plug gap according to engine manual specifications.

Cleaning

• Clean the underside of your lawn mower by scraping to remove buildup of grass and trash.
• Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating. A clogged engine runs hotter and shortens engine life.
• Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline, oil, etc.
• The manufacturer does not recommend using a garden hose to clean the outside of your lawn mower unless the electrical system, muffler, air filter and carburetor are covered to keep water out. Water in engine can result in shortened engine life.

Grass Catcher

Grass catcher may be hosed with water but must be dry when used.

To Change Engine Oil (See Engine Manual)

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2. Remove engine oil cap; lay aside on a clean surface.
3. Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container. Rock lawn mower back and forth to remove any oil trapped inside of engine.
4. Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn mower or side of engine.
5. Slowly pour oil down the oil fill spout, stopping every few ounces to check the oil level with the dipstick.
6. Stop adding oil when you reach the FULL mark on the dipstick. Wait a minute to allow oil to settle.

Diagram description: A side view of a lawn mower tipped on its side, showing oil draining from the engine into a container.

7. Continue adding small amounts of oil, rechecking the dipstick until oil level settles at FULL. DO NOT overfill, or engine will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.
8. Always be sure to retighten oil dipstick before starting engine.
9. Reconnect spark plug wire to plug.

Air Filter

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

To Clean Air Filter

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

4. Install cartridge, then replace cover.

See the maintenance section of your engine manual.

Diagram description: An exploded view of an air filter assembly, showing the cartridge, slot, back plate, cover, and clamps.

Muffler

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

In-Line Fuel Filter

The fuel filter should be replaced once each season. If fuel filter becomes clogged, obstructing fuel flow to carburetor, replacement is required.

1. With engine cool, remove filter and plug fuel line sections.
2. Place new fuel filter in position in fuel line with arrow pointing towards carburetor.
3. Be sure there are no fuel line leaks and clamps are properly positioned.
4. Immediately wipe up any spilled gasoline.

Diagram description: A diagram showing an in-line fuel filter with clamps on either side, connecting fuel lines.

Lawn Mower

Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.

Tires

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

Blade Care

For best results, blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.

To Remove Blade

1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up.
3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise.
5. Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer, hardened washer).

To Replace Blade

1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned.
2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.
3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.
4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs. (47-54 Nm).

Diagram description: An exploded view of the blade assembly, showing the blade adapter, key, crankshaft keyway, lockwasher, blade bolt, hardened washer, blade, trailing edge, and crankshaft retainer.

To Sharpen Blade

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

Engine

Read the maintenance section of your engine manual.

Lubrication

Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service classification SJ-SN. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade according to your expected operating temperature. Change the oil after the first two hours of operation and every 25 hours thereafter or at least once a year if the mower is not used for 25 hours in one year. Refer to engine manual.

Diagram description: A chart showing SAE Viscosity Grades (10W-30, SAE 30) and their corresponding temperature ranges in Fahrenheit and Celsius for oil selection.

Service and Adjustments

• Release operator presence control bar.
• Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with the spark plug.

Lawn Mower

Rear Deflector

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

Discharge Deflector

The discharge deflector, attached to the discharge opening of your lawn mower, is provided to prevent the possibility of injury resulting from objects being thrown out of the discharge opening into the operator mowing position. Replace the discharge deflector if it becomes damaged.

Engine

Carburetor

The carburetor has been preset at the factory.

• The air filter must be assembled to the carburetor when running engine.

See the ADJUSTMENT section of your engine manual for further instructions.

Engine Speed

The engine speed has been factory set.

Storage

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or if the unit will not be used for 30 days or more.

Lawn Mower

When lawn mower is to be stored for a period of time, clean it thoroughly, remove all dirt, grease, leaves, etc. Store in a clean, dry area.

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

Handle

Your handle may be folded for storage as shown.

• Remove bolts and nuts.

Diagram description: A side view of the mower handle in two positions: "MOWING POSITION" (unfolded) and "FOLD FORWARD FOR STORAGE" (folded). It shows the upper handle, lower handle, handle knob, bolts, nuts, and bracket. Arrows indicate how the handle folds.

• Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other until handle clears the handle brackets and swing handles forward over mower.

Diagram description: A diagram showing the lower handle being squeezed to fold, with arrows indicating the inward pressure.

• Loosen upper handle mounting hardware enough to allow upper handle to be folded back.

When setting you handles up from the storage position, the lower handle will automatically lock into mowing position.

Engine

Fuel System

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

Engine Oil

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

Cylinder

• Remove spark plug.
• Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.
• Pull starter handle slowly to distribute oil.
• Replace with new spark plug.

Other

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