Lawn-Boy 11002 User manual

Operator’s Manual
IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully. It contains information about your
safety and the safety of others. Also become familiar with the controls and
their proper use before you operate the product.
FORM NO. 3321–180 GB
COMMERCIAL
Walk-Behind
Power Mower
Model No. 11002 – 8900001 & Up
Model No. 11003 – 8900001 & Up

Lawn-Boy Inc. – 1998
Printed in USA All Rights Reserved
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Lawn-Boy product.
All of us at Lawn-Boy want you to be completely
satisfied with your new product, so feel free to
contact your local Authorized Service Dealer for help
with service, genuine Lawn-Boy parts, or other
information you may require.
Whenever you contact your Authorized Service
Dealer or the factory, always know the model and
serial numbers of your product. These numbers will
help the Service Dealer or Service Representative
provide exact information about your specific
product. You will find the model and serial number
decal located in a unique place on the product as
shown below .
1064 1149


1. Model and Serial Number Decal (Model 1 1002)
2.
Model and Serial Number Decal (Model 1 1003)
For your convenience, write the product model and
serial numbers in the space below.
Model No:
Serial No.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product correctly. Reading this
manual will help you and others avoid personal injury
and damage to the product. Although Lawn-Boy
designs, produces and markets safe, state-of-the-art
products, you are responsible for using the product
properly and safely. You are also responsible for
training persons who you allow to use the product
about safe operation.
The Lawn-Boy warning system in this manual
identifies potential hazards and has special safety
messages that help you and others avoid personal
injury, even death. DANGER, W
ARNING and
CAUTION are signal words used to identify the level
of hazard. However, regardless of the hazard, be
extremely careful.
DANGER signals an extreme hazard that will cause
serious injury or death if the recommended
precautions are not followed.
WARNING signals a hazard that may cause serious
injury or death if the recommended precautions are
not followed.
CAUTION signals a hazard that may cause minor or
moderate injury if the recommended precautions are
not followed.
Two other words are also used to highlight
information. “Important” calls attention to special
mechanical information and “Note” emphasizes
general information worthy of special attention.
The left and right side of the machine is determined
by standing behind the handle in the normal
operator’s position.

GB–1
Contents
Page
Safety 2.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Symbol Glossary 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handle 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cover Plate and Guard Plate 8 . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Starting 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil Mix Ratio 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixing Gasoline And Oil 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lawn Preparation And Mowing 12 . . . . . . . . .
Operation 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting Engine 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping Engine 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-propelled Drive 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting Cutting Height 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mulching Tips 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Maintenance 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 17 . . .
Air Filter 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clean Mower Housing 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blade 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust Ports 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self–propelled Cable 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Grass Catcher 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mulch Plate 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing From Storage 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GB–2
Safety
Training
1. Read the instructions carefully. Be familiar with
the controls and the proper use of the equipment.
2. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with
these instructions to use the lawnmower. Local
regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
3. Never mow while people, especially children, or
pets are nearby.
4. Keep in mind that the operator or user is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to
other people or their property.
Preparation
1. While mowing, always wear substantial
footwear and long trousers. Do not operate the
equipment when barefoot or wearing open
sandals.
2. Thoroughly inspect the area where the
equipment is to be used and remove all objects
which may be thrown by the machine.
3. WARNING – Petrol is highly flammable.
•Store fuel in containers specifically
designed for this purpose.
•Refuel outdoors only and do not smoke
while refuelling.
•Add fuel before starting the engine. Never
remove the cap of the fuel tank or add
petrol while the engine is running or when
the engine is hot.
•If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start
the engine but move the machine away
from the area of spillage and avoid creating
any source of ignition until petrol vapors
have dissipated.
•Replace all fuel tanks and container caps
securely.
4. Replace faulty silencers.
5. Before using, always visually inspect to see that
the blades, blade bolts and cutter assembly are
not worn or damaged. Replace worn or damaged
blades and bolts in sets to preserve balance.
6. On multi–bladed machines, take care as rotating
one blade can cause other blades to rotate.
Operation
1. Do not operate the engine in a confined space
where dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can
collect.
2. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
3. Avoid operating the equipment in wet grass,
where feasible.
4. Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
5. Walk, never run.
6. For wheeled rotary machines, mow across the
face of slopes, never up and down.
7. Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
8.
Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
9. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
the lawnmower towards you.
10. Stop the blade(s) if the lawnmower has to be
tilted for transportation when crossing surfaces
other than grass, and when transporting the
lawnmower to and from the area to be mowed.
11. Never operate the lawnmower with defective
guards or shields, or without safety devices, for
example deflectors and/or grass catchers, in
place.

Safety
GB–3
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine.
13. Disengage all blade and drive clutches before
starting the engine.
14. Start the engine or switch on the motor carefully
according to instructions and with feet well away
from the blade(s).
15. Do not tilt the lawnmower when starting the
engine or switching on the motor, except if the
lawnmower has to be tilted for starting. In this
case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary
and lift only the part which is away from the
operator.
16. Do not start the engine when standing in front of
the discharge chute.
17. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
18. Never pick up or carry a lawnmower while the
engine is running.
19. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire
•before clearing blockages or unclogging
chute;
•before checking, cleaning or working on the
lawnmower;
•after striking a foreign object. Inspect the
lawnmower for damage and make repairs
before restarting and operating the
lawnmower;
•if lawnmower starts to vibrate abnormally
(check immediately).
20. Stop the engine
•whenever you leave the lawnmower;
•before refuelling.
21. Reduce the throttle setting during engine shut
down and, if the engine is provided with a
shut-off valve, turn the fuel off at the conclusion
of mowing.
22. Go slow when using a trailing seat.
Maintenance and storage
1. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure
the equipment is in safe working condition.
2. Never store the equipment with petrol in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an
open flame or spark.
3. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
4. To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine,
silencer, battery compartment and petrol storage
area free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
5. Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
6. Replace worn or damaged parts for safety.
7. If the fuel tank has to be drained, this should be
done outdoors.
Sound Pressure Level
This unit has an equivalent continuous A-weighted
sound pressure at the operator ear of: 87 dB(A), based
on measurements of identical machines per ANSI
B71.5-1984 procedures.
Sound Power Level
This unit has a sound power level of: 105 dB(A)/1
pW, based on measurements of identical machines per
Directive 84/538/EEC and amendments.
Vibration Level
This unit has a maximum hand-arm vibration level of
10.65 m/s@, based on measurement of identical
machines per ISO 5349.

Safety
GB–4
Symbol Glossary
Safety alert triangle —
symbol within triangle
indicates a hazard.
Do not open or
remove safety shields
while engine is
running.
Safety alert symbol
Rotating blade can cut
off toes or fingers.
Stay clear of mower
blade as long as
engine is running.
Read operator ’s
manual.
To avoid blade failure
when mulching, use
blade stiffener when
mower is equipped
with mulching plug.
Consult technical
manual for proper
service procedures.
Transmission
Stay a safe distance
from the machine.
Oil
Stay a safe distance
from the mower .On/Run
Thrown or flying
objects — Whole body
exposure Engage
Thrown or flying
objects — Rotary
side-mounted mower .
Keep deflector shield
in place.
Disengage

Safety
GB–5
Stop engine before
leaving operator
position.
Battery charging
condition
Hourmeter/elapsed
operating hours Fuel
Fast Neutral
Slow First gear
Decreasing/Increasing Second gear
Grease lubrication
point
Third gear
Engine start
Cutting element —
basic symbol
Engine stop
Cutting element —
height adjustment
Choke Pull rope.

Safety
GB–6
Primer (start aid) Wheel
Push primer three
times.
Wheel traction
Properly dispose of
batteries.
Lower control bar .
Insert key into ignition
switch.
Raise control bar .
Turn key in ignition
switch.
Raise/lower control
bar.
Move control.
Raise/lower control
bar.
Move control forward. Raise control bar .
Move control
rearward.
Raise control bar .
Lower control bar .

GB–7
Assembly
Handle
Assembly
1. Lift top handle half in an arc until handle
sections nest together and holes line up.
Note: Use care to prevent pinching or
stretching of cables.
2. Using hardware shown in Figure 1, secure
handle halves together.
1180
Figure 1
3. Squeeze lower handle section together and place
over pins on handle brackets (Fig. 2/3).
3
12
4
M–3897
Figure 2
(Model 1
1002)
1. High setting
2. Medium setting
3. Low setting
4. Mower housing
3
124
6
7
5M–2506
Figure 3
(Model 1 1003)
1. High setting
2. Medium setting
3. Low setting
4. Mower housing
5. T raction cable bracket
6. T raction cable spring
7. Actuator bracket
4. Hook traction cable spring into actuator bracket
as shown in Figure 3 (model 11003 only).
5. Match three (3) holes in traction cable bracket to
three (3) holes in left side of mower housing
(model 11003 only) (Fig. 3).
Handle Height
Handle may be placed in three (3) height positions:
high, medium or low (Fig. 2/3). Select a handle
height position that is most comfortable for you.
1. Align holes in lower handle section with holes in
mower housing. Using hardware shown in
Figure 2 or 3, secure handle to mower housing.

Assembly
GB–8
Fuel T ank
1. Locate fuel hose attached to the carburetor
(Fig. 4). Remove and discard cap on free end of
hose.
2. Push hose onto fuel shut off valve in fuel tank,
completely covering all ridges of fitting (Fig. 4).
m–3886
1
2
Figure 4
1. Fuel hose 2. Fuel shut of f valve
3. Place fuel tank onto mounting bracket with tabs
through openings in mounting bracket.
m–3888
1
2
Figure 5
1. Tabs 2. Mounting bracket
4. Slide clips through tabs of tank under mounting
bracket until they snap into locked position.
m–3889
1
Figure 6
1. Clip
Cover Plate and Guard Plate
Your mower was shipped with a cover plate and
guard plate. For side discharge operation the cover
plate must be installed in the deck opening and the
guard plate over the side discharge opening.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•An uncovered discharge opening will allow
objects to be thrown in operator’ s or
bystander’s direction. Also, contact with
blade could occur.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•Thrown objects or blade contact can cause
serious injury .
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Never operate mower unless cover plate,
guard plate, mulch plate or grass chute and
catcher are installed.
1. Stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire
(Fig. 7) before installing or removing cover
plate.

Assembly
GB–9
m–3884
1
Figure 7
1. Spark plug wire
2. Remove bolt that fastens cover plate to the
housing (Fig. 8).
1754
1
2
Figure 8
1. Cover plate 2. Bolt
3. Two shoulder bolts on the housing protrude
through slotted holes in the cover plate and do
not have to be loosened or removed. Cover plate
moves over the shoulder bolt heads (Fig. 9).
995
11
Figure 9
1. Shoulder bolt
4. Slide cover plate clockwise to install or
counterclockwise to remove.
5. Secure with bolt.
6. Install guard plate over side discharge opening
(Fig. 10).
1756
1
2
Figure 10
1. Guard plate 2. Bolt and nut
7. Secure with two bolts and nuts.
8. Connect spark plug wire (Fig. 7).

GB–10
Before Starting
Oil Mix Ratio
Your Lawn-Boy mower is powered by a 2-cycle
engine which requires a 32:1 mixture of gasoline and
oil. Use only Lawn-Boyr GENERA TION II
2-Cycle Ashless Oil, packaged in purple/green
cans (Fig. 11) or an equivalent premium grade
2–cycle ashless oil, certified NMMA TCW III.
Failure to use the correct oil or mixture ratio could
result in serious engine damage.
m–3864
Figure 1 1
Lawn-Boy Generation II 2-Cycle Ashless Oil is
formulated specifically for Lawn-Boy and is available
from your Lawn-Boy retailer. Regular use of
Lawn-Boy Generation II 2-Cycle Ashless Oil will
help keep your engine clean, reduce spark plug
fouling, piston ring sticking and pre-ignition.
Lawn-Boy Generation II 2-Cycle Ashless Oil will
also minimize varnish build-up, combustion chamber
deposits and exhaust port blockage.
If Lawn–Boy Generation II 2–Cycle Ashless Oil is
not available, other premium grade 2–cycle ashless
oils, certified NMMA TCW III, can be substituted.
Substitute oils may produce more exhaust smoke and
may require increased engine service including more
frequent spark plug changes, exhaust port/cylinder
decarbonizing, and could reduce engine life.
IMPORTANT: ONL
Y Lawn-Boy r
Generation II 2-Cycle Ashless Oil, packaged
in purple/gr een cans or an NMMA TCW III
certified oil should be used.
Note: NEVER USE AUTOMOTIVE OIL
(i.e. SAE 30, 10W30 etc.), OR THE
WRONG MIX RA TIO BECAUSE
ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR. If
engine failure occurs and it has been
determined that Lawn-Boy
Generation II 2-Cycle Ashless Oil or
an NMMA TCW III certified oil was
not used, the failure may not be
covered by the Lawn-Boy warranty.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•In certain conditions gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn
you, others, and cause property damage.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Use a funnel and fill the fuel tank outdoors,
in an open area, when the engine is cold.
Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
•Do not fill the fuel tank completely full.
Add gasoline to the fuel tank until the level
is 1/4” to 1/2” (6 mm to 13 mm) below the
bottom of the filler neck. This empty space
in the tank allows gasoline to expand.
•Never smoke when handling gasoline, and
stay away from an open flame or where
gasoline fumes may be ignited by a spark.
•Store gasoline in an approved container
and keep it out of the reach of children.
•Never buy more than a 30-day supply of
gasoline.

Before Starting
GB–11
Mixing Gasoline And Oil
For simplicity and best engine performance, mix
8 ounces (250 ml) of Lawn-Boy Generation II
2-Cycle Ashless Oil with two gallons (8 liters) of
fresh, unleaded regular gasoline. Pour one gallon (4
liters) of gasoline into an approved gasoline container
and add the correct amount of 2-cycle oil. Install cap
on gasoline container and shake to mix oil and
gasoline thoroughly (Fig. 12). Slowly remove cap and
add remaining gasoline.
1056
Figure 12
Note: Do not mix gasoline and oil in the
product fuel tank. Oil that is at room
temperature mixes easily and more
thoroughly than cold oil.
Use clean, fresh lead-free gasoline with an octane
rating of 85 or higher. Purchase only the quantity of
gasoline that can be used in 30 days to assure
freshness. Use of lead-free gasoline results in fewer
combustion chamber deposits and longer spark plug
life. Leaded gasoline may be used if lead-free is not
available.
Note:
NEVER USE METHANOL,
GASOLINE CONT AINING
METHANOL, GASOHOL
CONT AINING MORE THAN 10%
ETHANOL, PREMIUM
GASOLINE OR WHITE GAS
BECAUSE ENGINE FUEL
SYSTEM COULD BE DAMAGED.
1. Clean around fuel cap before removing (Fig. 13).
Fill fuel tank with gasoline/oil mix to within 1/4
inch (6.5 mm) of top of tank, not into filler neck.
DO NOT OVER-FILL TANK. Replace fuel cap
securely and wipe up any spilled fuel.
993
Figure 13
Lawn-Boy recommends that Lawn-Boy 2+4rFuel
Conditioner (Fig. 14) be used regularly during
operation and storage. Lawn-Boy 2+4rFuel
Conditioner cleans the engine during operation and
prevents gum-like varnish deposits from forming in
the engine during storage.
1058
Figure 14

Before Starting
GB–12
DO NOT USE FUEL ADDITIVES OTHER
THAN THOSE MANUF ACTURED FOR FUEL
STABILIZA TION DURING ST ORAGE, SUCH
AS LAWN-BOY 2+4r FUEL CONDITIONER.
LA WN-BOY DOES NOT RECOMMEND
ST ABILIZERS WITH AN ALCOHOL BASE
SUCH AS ETHANOL OR METHANOL.
ST ABILIZERS SHOULD NOT BE USED T O
TRY TO ENHANCE THE POWER OR
PERFORMANCE OF MACHINE.
2. Connect spark plug wire (if disconnected)
(Fig. 15).
m–3884
1
Figure 15
1. Spark plug wire
Lawn Preparation And Mowing
1. Review SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS and read
this manual carefully before operating mower.
2. Clear area of sticks, stones, wire, branches and
other debris which could be picked up or hit by
cutting blade and become thrown objects.
3. Keep everyone, especially children and pets,
away from area of operation.
4. Avoid striking trees, walls, curbs or other solid
objects. Never deliberately mow over any object.
5. If an object is struck, or mower starts to vibrate,
immediately stop engine, disconnect spark plug
wire and examine mower for damage.
6. Replace blade when necessary with an original
Lawn-Boy replacement blade.

GB–13
Operation
Starting Engine
Note: Follow steps in BEFORE STARTING
section.
1. Open fuel shut off valve (Fig. 16).
m–3887
1
Figure 16
1. Fuel shut of f valve
2. Move throttle lever to position (Fig. 17).
10051
Figure 17
3. Push primer three (3) times (Fig. 18). Wait
about two (2) seconds between each push.
Note: Do not use position to restart a
warm engine after a short shutdown.
1728
1
Figure 18
1. Primer
4. Hold blade control bail against upper handle
(Fig. 19).
M–2505
1
2
Figure 19
1. Blade control bail 2. Starter handle
5. Pull starter handle (Fig. 19) lightly until
resistance is felt, then pull sharply. Let rope
return to handle slowly.
6. If the engine fails to start, repeat steps 3
through 5.
Note: If the engine starts but then begins to
stall, move the throttle lever to the
position until the engine continues to
run, then move the throttle back to the
position.

Operation
GB–14
In cool temperatures, it may be
necessary to prime three times with the
throttle lever in the position, and
then start the engine. Once the engine
has started, move the throttle lever to
the position.
Stopping Engine
1. Move throttle lever to position (Fig. 17).
2. Release blade control bail (Fig. 20). Both the
engine and blade will stop. See your dealer
immediately if they do not.
M–1046
1
Figure 20
1. Blade control bail
To Restart Engine
1. Repeat STARTING ENGINE procedure with
throttle lever in position.
Note: To restart a warm engine, a single
prime may be required, but do not push
the primer button any more than once,
or you may flood the engine.
Self-propelled Drive (Model
1 1003 Only)
1. Move ground speed lever to one (1) of three (3)
ground speeds, 1– slow, 2– medium or 3 – fast.
Select a speed that is comfortable to walk and
not too fast for grass length.
Note: Do not change ground speeds with
self-propelled drive engaged. Stop
mower, place ground speed lever in
desired position then continue
mowing.
2. Move ground speed lever to N– neutral for push
operation, trimming or when leaving mower.
3. To operate self–propelled drive squeeze
self-propelled bail against handle and hold
(Fig. 21).
Note: Slight variations in ground speed can
be made by increasing space between
self-propelled bail and handle.
1048
1
Figure 21
1. Self-propelled bail
4. To disengage self–propelled drive, release
self-propelled bail (Fig. 22).
Note: Mower is equipped with free-wheeling
clutches which make it easier to pull
the mower rearward. T
o disengage

Operation
GB–15
clutches mower may need to be pushed
forward one inch or more after
self-propelled bail has been released.
1047
1
Figure 22
1. Self-propelled bail
Adjusting Cutting Height
Each wheel is adjusted individually with a wheel
height adjustment lever. Cutting heights are 1”,
1–1/2”, 2”, 2–1/2”, 3” and 3–1/2 inches (25, 38, 51,
64, 74 and 89 mm).
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•Adjusting height-of-cut levers could bring
hands into contact with moving blade.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•Contact with rotating blade can cause
serious injury .
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Stop engine and wait for all movement to
stop before adjusting cutting height.
•Do not put fingers under housing when
adjusting height-of-cut.
1. To change cutting height pull wheel height
adjustment lever toward wheel and move to the
desired position (Fig. 23).
1195
1
Figure 23
1. Wheel height adjustment lever
2. Release wheel height adjustment lever and seat
securely in notch.
Note: Set all four (4) wheels at the same
height.
Mulching T ips
General Tips
Follow these instructions whether cutting grass or
leaves for the best cutting results and lawn
appearance:
•Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting
season. Periodically file down nicks on blade.
•Only mow dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and
leaves tend to clump on yard and may cause
mower to plug or engine to stall. They may also
be slippery to walk on and could cause you to
slip and fall.

Operation
GB–16
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•Wet grass or leaves can cause you to slip
and contact blade.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•Blade contact can seriously injure you.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Mow only in dry conditions.
•Set engine speed to fastest position. Maximum
horsepower provides best cutting results.
•Clean clippings or leaves from underside of
mower deck after each mowing.
•Keep engine in good running condition. Cutting
and recutting requires more horsepower.
•Clean air filter more frequently. Cutting and
recutting stirs up more clippings and dust which
clogs the air filter and reduces engine
performance.
Cutting Grass
•Grass grows at different rates at different times
of the year. In the heat of summer, it is generally
best to cut grass at the 2, 2.5 or 3 inch (51, 64,
74 mm) height-of-cut settings. Only about !/3of
the grass blade should be cut off. Cutting below
the 2 inch (51 mm) setting is not recommended
unless grass is sparse or it is late fall when grass
growth begins to slow down.
•When cutting grass over six inches tall, you may
want to first mow using the highest height-of-cut
setting and a slower walking speed; then mow
again at a lower setting for best lawn appearance.
If grass is too long and leaves clumps on top of
lawn, mower may plug and cause engine to stall.
•Alternate mowing direction. This helps disperse
clippings over lawn for even fertilization.
If the finished cut lawn appearance is unsatisfactory,
try one or more of the following:
•Sharpen the blade.
•Walk at a slower pace while mowing.
•Raise the height-of-cut setting on your mower.
•Cut grass more frequently.
•Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full
swath with each pass.
•Set height-of-cut on front wheels one notch
lower than rear wheels. (example: set front
wheels at 2 inch (51 mm) setting and rear wheels
at 2.5 inch (64 mm) setting)
Cutting Leaves
•When cutting is complete, always be sure that
50% of the lawn shows through the cut leaf
cover. This may require one or more passes over
the leaves.
•For light leaf coverage, position all wheels at the
same height-of-cut setting.
•Walk at a slower mowing speed if leaves are not
being cut up finely enough to be hidden down in
the grass.
•If you cut up a lot of oak leaves, you might want
to add lime to your grass in the spring. Lime
reduces the acidity of oak leaves.

GB–17
Maintenance
Continued safe and dependable operation requires routine maintenance.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Service Item Service Operation
5
Hours 25 Hours 50 Hours 100 Hours
Fasteners
Check blade and engine mounting fasteners
frequently . Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to
ensure safe operation.
X
Air Filter
Remove and clean each mowing season or every
50 hours. Clean more frequently if operating
conditions are dusty. X
Spark Plug Clean, inspect and gap. Replace if necessary . X
Housing Clean built-up grass clippings and dirt. X
Blade
Sharpen or replace; maintain more frequently if
edge is dulled quickly in rough or sandy conditions.
X
Blade Brake
Check stopping time every 50 hours or at start of
each mowing season. Blade must stop within
3 seconds of releasing bail; if not see your
Authorized Lawn-Boy Service Dealer for repair .
X
Exhaust Ports
Clean every 100 hours or at least once each
mowing season.
X
Fuel System
Check for leakage and/or deterioration of fuel hose.
Replace if necessary .X
Cooling System
Clean grass clippings, debris or dirt that clog
engine air cooling fins and starter . Clean more
frequently under dirty or high chaf f conditions.
X
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•If you leave the wire on the spark plug, someone could start the engine.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•Accidental starting of engine could seriously injure you or other bystanders.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Pull wire off spark plug before you do any maintenance. Also push wire aside so it
does not accidentally contact spark plug.

Maintenance
GB–18
Air Filter
Clean air filter once every season or every 50 hours;
clean more frequently under dusty conditions.
Note: Do not operate engine without air filter
element; extreme engine wear or
damage will occur.
1. To remove air filter, snap cover latch open and
swing to side (Fig. 24).
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m–3834
1
2
Figure 24
1. Filter 2. Cover
2. Remove air filter.
3. Wash air filter in laundry detergent or kerosene
(Fig. 25).
4. Squeeze filter to remove excess liquid and blot
dry with a paper towel or rag.
988
Figure 25
5. Apply one tablespoon of SAE 30W oil to the air
filter (Fig. 26).
989
Figure 26
6. Squeeze until oil is distributed evenly
throughout filter. Blot lightly with paper towel to
remove excess oil.
7. Replace filter with cleaner side facing carburetor.
Note: Be sure filter is fully seated in air box
and does not pucker, allowing direct
passage of air and dirt.
Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered or
has worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Replace spark plug once a season or clean every 50
hours, whichever occurs first. Use an NGK
BPMR4A spark plug.
1. Pull wire off spark plug. Remove spark plug and
clean with a wire brush, removing carbon
build–up. DO NOT SAND BLAST. Check
condition of plug for cracks and damaged or
worn electrodes. Replace if necessary.
2. Set spark plug gap at .035 inch (.85 mm)
(Fig. 27).