Lawn-Boy GoldPro Series User manual

Operator’s Manual
Para obtener una versión gratis de este manual en español, escriba a la dirección
indicada más abajo. Asegúrese de indicar el modelo y el número de serie de su producto.
Pour obtenir gratuitement une version en français de ce manuel, écrivez à l’adresse
ci–dessous. N’oubliez pas d’indiquer les numéros de modèle et de série de votre produit.
Lawn-Boy Inc., Attn: Parts Dept., 8111 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420-1196.
Domestic English (EN)
Form No. 3325-919 Rev A
GoldPro Series
Walk Power Lawn Mower
10551—210000001 and Up

2
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the USA
2001 by Lawn-Boy, Inc.
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420-1196
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive
harm.
Warning
Important This engine is not equipped with a spark
arrester muffler. It is a violation of California Public
Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this engine
on any forest–covered, brush–covered or grass–covered
land. Other states or federal areas may have similar laws.
This spark ignition system complies with Canadian
ICES-002.
Ce système d’allumage par étincelle de véhicule est
conforme à la norme NMB-002 du Canada.
The enclosed Engine Owner’s Manual is supplied for
information regarding The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission
Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance
and warranty.
Keep this engine Owner’s Manual with your unit.
Should this engine Owner’s Manual become damaged
or illegible, replace immediately. Replacements may be
ordered through the engine manufacturer.
Contents
Page
Introduction 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Lawn Mower Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Instruction Decals 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Handle 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Starter Rope 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Handle Height 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Starting 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Crankcase with Oil 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank with Gasoline 7. . . . . . . . . .
Operation 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the Engine 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Engine 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Self-propel Drive 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulling the Lawn Mower Rearward 9. . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Cutting Height 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Tips 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 11. . . . . . . .
Checking the Engine Oil 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Lawn Mower Housing 12. . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Engine Oil 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning under the Belt Cover 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubricating the Self-propel Drive 14. . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive Cable 14. . . . . . . .
Replacing the Air Filter 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintaining the Spark Plug 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintaining the Cutting Blade 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emptying the Fuel Tank 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Fuel System 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Engine 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Information 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding the Handle 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing From Storage 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing a Rear Grass Catcher 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Cover Plate 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Mulch Plate 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Lawn-Boy No-Worry Warranty 24. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and
maintain your product properly. The information in this
manual can help you and others avoid injury and product
damage. Although Lawn-Boy designs and produces safe
products, you are responsible for operating the product
properly and safely.
Whenever you need service, genuine Lawn-Boy parts, or
additional information, contact an Authorized Service
Dealer or Lawn-Boy Customer Service and have the
model and serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1
illustrates the location of the model and serial numbers on
the product.
m-5307a
1
Figure 1
1. Locationof the model and serial numbers

3
Write the product model and serial numbers in the space
below:
Model No.
Serial No.
This manual identifies potential hazards and has special
safety messages that help you and others avoid personal
injury and even death. Danger, Warning, 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 you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or
death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or
moderate injury if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
This manual uses two other words to highlight
information. Important calls attention to special
mechanical information and Note: emphasizes general
information worthy of special attention.
Safety
This lawn mower meets or exceeds the CPSC blade
safety requirements for walk-behind rotary lawn
mowers and the B71.1 specifications of the American
National Standards Institute in effect at the time of
production.
Improperly using or maintaining this lawn mower can
result in injury. To reduce the potential for injury,
comply with these safety instructions.
Lawn-Boy designed and tested this lawn mower to offer
reasonably safe service; however, failure to comply with
the following instructions may result in personal injury.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed
area.
Warning
To ensure maximum safety, best performance, and to
gain knowledge of the product, it is essential that you
and any other operator of the lawn mower read and
understand the contents of this manual before the
engine is ever started. Pay particular attention to the
safety alert symbol which means caution, warning,
or danger — “personal safety instruction.” Read and
understand the instruction because it has to do with
safety. Failure to comply with the instruction may
result in personal injury.
General Lawn Mower Safety
The following instructions have been adapted from the
ANSI/OPEI standard B71.1—1998 and ISO standard
5395:1990(E). Information or terminology specific to
Lawn-Boy lawn mowers is enclosed in parenthesis.
This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet
and of throwing objects. Failure to observe the following
safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
Training
•Read this operator’s manual carefully. Be thoroughly
familiar with the controls and the proper use of the
lawn mower before starting it.
•Never allow children to operate the lawn mower.
Local regulations may restrict the age of the operator.
•Never allow adults unfamiliar with these instructions
to operate the lawn mower.
•Never mow while people (especially children) or pets
are nearby. Stop the lawn mower if anyone enters the
area.
•Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the lawn mower 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.
•Be alert and turn the lawn mower off if children enter
the area.
•Use extra care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
•Keep in mind that the operator or user is responsible
for accidents or hazards occurring to other people or
their property.
•See the manufacturer’s instructions for proper
operation and installation of accessories. Use only the
accessories that are approved by the manufacturer.
Preparation
•Thoroughly inspect the area where you will use the
lawn mower, and remove all stones, sticks, wires,
bones, and other foreign objects.

4
•While mowing, always wear substantial footwear and
long trousers.
•Do not operate the lawn mower when barefoot or
wearing open sandals.
•Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating the lawn mower.
•Warning: Gasoline is highly flammable. Take the
following precautions:
– 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 gasoline while the
engine is running or when the engine is hot.
– If gasoline is spilled, do not attempt to start the
engine. Move the lawn mower away from the area
of spillage to avoid creating any source of ignition
until the gasoline vapors have dissipated.
– Replace all fuel tank and container caps securely.
– If you must drain the fuel from the fuel tank, do it
outdoors.
•Replace faulty mufflers.
•Before using, always visually inspect the blades, blade
bolts, and cutter assembly for wear or damage.
Replace worn or damaged blades and bolts in sets to
preserve balance.
•On multibladed lawn mowers, use care as rotating one
blade can cause the other blades to rotate.
Operation
•Do not operate the engine in a confined space where
dangerous carbon monoxide fumes can collect.
•Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
•Always be sure of your footing on slopes.
•Walk; never run.
•Keep a firm hold on the handle.
•For wheeled rotary lawn mowers, mow across the face
of slopes, never up and down.
•Exercise extreme caution when changing the direction
on slopes.
•Do not mow excessively steep slopes.
•Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling the
lawn mower toward you.
•Before and while moving backward, look behind and
down for small children.
•Stop the blade(s) if you must tilt the lawn mower for
transportation when crossing surfaces other than grass
and when transporting the lawn mower to and from the
area to be mowed.
•Never operate the lawn mower with damaged or
missing guards or shields, or without safety devices
(such as deflectors and grass catchers) in place.
•Do not change the speed settings on the engine.
•Disengage all blade and drive clutches before starting
the engine.
•Start the engine carefully according to instructions and
with feet well away from the blade(s).
•Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the engine,
unless you must tilt the lawn mower to start it. In this
case, do not tilt it more than absolutely necessary and
lift only the part which is away from the operator.
•Do not start the engine when standing in front of the
discharge chute.
•Do not put your hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•Never pick up or carry a lawn mower while the engine
is running.
•Stop the engine and disconnect the spark-plug wire:
– before clearing blockages or unclogging the chute;
– before checking, cleaning, or working on the lawn
mower;
– after striking a foreign object. Inspect the lawn
mower for damage and make repairs before starting
and operating the lawn mower; and
– if the lawn mower starts to vibrate abnormally
(check it immediately).
•Stop the engine:
– whenever you leave the lawn mower; and
– before refuelling.
•Reduce the throttle setting during engine run-out and,
if the engine has a shutoff valve, turn the fuel off after
mowing.
•Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks,
or roads.
•Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a
complete stop before removing the grass catcher.
•Do not operate the lawn mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
•If the lawn mower should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

5
Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents
which can result in a severe injury. If you feel uneasy on a
slope, do not mow it.
•Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
You could lose your footing or balance.
•Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
Maintenance and Storage
•Keep all nuts, bolts (especially blade attachment
bolts), and screws tight to ensure that the lawn mower
is in safe working condition.
•Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank
inside a building where fumes may reach an open
flame or spark.
•Allow the engine to cool before storing the lawn
mower in any enclosure.
•To reduce the fire hazard, keep the engine, muffler,
battery compartment, and gasoline storage area free of
grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
•Check the grass catcher frequently for wear or
deterioration.
•Replace worn or damaged parts.
•Use extra care when handling gasoline; gasoline
vapors are explosive.
•Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
•Keep the lawn mower free of grass, leaves, or other
debris buildup. Clean up any oil or fuel that spills.
•Stop and inspect the lawn mower if you strike an
object. Repair the lawn mower, if necessary, before
starting the engine.
•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 the
components and replace them with the manufacturer’s
recommended parts when necessary.
•Lawn 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 speed settings on the engine.
•If you must drain the fuel from the fuel tank, do it
outdoors.
•To ensure the best performance and safety, purchase
only genuine Lawn-Boy replacement parts and
accessories.
•Maintain or replace safety and instruction decals when
necessary.
Safety and Instruction Decals
Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any
area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or lost.
On Mower Housing
(Part No. 43-8480) On Mower Housing
(Part No. 93-7250)

6
Assembly
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Installing the Handle
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
pinch, stretch, or damage one or more of the
cables. Any pinched, stretched, or damaged cable
may cause an operational failure that results in an
unsafe operating condition.
•Do not pinch, stretch, or damage the cables.
•Handle the cables with care when folding or
unfolding the handle.
•Do not use the lawn mower if one or more of
the cables are pinched, stretched, or damaged.
Contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
Warning
1. Lay the upper handle on the ground behind the lawn
mower with the handle label facing up.
2. Rotate the lower handle toward the rear of the lawn
mower and insert the bottom of the lower handle ends
onto the pins as shown in Figure 2.
2
13
4
5
6
m-5309
Figure 2
1. High setting hole (2)
2. Low setting hole (2)
3. Lawn mower housing
4. Traction cable bracket
5. Pin (2)
6. Bottom of lower handle
end (2)
3. Insert the traction cable bracket in place as shown in
Figure 2.
4. Insert a bolt, a lock washer, and a wing nut in either
the high setting hole or low setting hole as shown in
Figure 2. To set the handle height, see Adjusting the
Handle Height on page 6.
5. Install the upper handle section onto the lower handle
section until the lower handle section nests inside the
upper handle section.
6. Install two bolts and knobs (from the loose parts bag)
to fasten the bottom of the upper handle section to the
lower handle section.
7. Tighten the upper knobs on the upper handle section.
8. Assemble the handle knobs and handle screws and
tighten them securely.
Installing the Starter Rope
Pull the starter rope through the rope guide on the handle
(Fig. 3).
Figure 3
1. Rope guide 2. Starter rope
Note: To install the starter rope more easily, squeeze the
blade control bail (Fig. 6).
Adjusting the Handle Height
You can set the handle to the high or low settings (Fig. 2).
Select the handle height setting most comfortable for you.
1. Align the holes in the lower handle section with the
holes in the lawn mower housing. Use the hardware
shown in Figure 2 to secure the handle to the lawn
mower housing.
2. Match the holes in the traction cable bracket to the
holes in the left side of the lawn mower housing.
Secure the bracket with the handle hardware (Fig. 2).

7
Before Starting
Filling the Crankcase with Oil
Your Lawn-Boy lawn mower comes without oil in the
crankcase. However, your lawn mower comes with a
20 oz. (0.59 liter) bottle of oil.
Fill the engine crankcase with a maximum of 21 oz.
(0.62 liters) of SAE 30 oil. Use only a high-quality
detergent oil that has the American Petroleum Institute
(API) service classification SF, SG, SH, or SJ.
To add oil:
1. Move the lawn mower to a level surface.
2. Clean around the dipstick (Fig. 4).
m-3717
1
Figure 4
1. Dipstick
3. Remove the dipstick by rotating the cap
counterclockwise and pulling it out.
4. Wipe the dipstick clean with a clean cloth.
5. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck, then remove it.
Note: To ensure an accurate oil level reading, you must
fully insert the dipstick.
6. Read the oil level on the dipstick (Fig. 4).
7. If the oil level reading is below the Add mark on the
dipstick, slowly pour only enough oil into the filler
hole to raise the oil level to the Full mark on the
dipstick.
Important Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and
run the engine; engine damage will result. Drain the
excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick reads Full.
8. Insert the dipstick into the filler neck and rotate the
cap clockwise until it is tight.
Filling the Fuel Tank with
Gasoline
For best results, use clean, fresh, lead-free gasoline,
including oxygenated or reformulated gasoline, with an
octane rating of 87 or higher. To ensure freshness,
purchase only the quantity of gasoline that you expect to
use in 30 days. Using unleaded gasoline results in fewer
combustion deposits and longer engine life. You may use
leaded gasoline if unleaded gasoline is not available.
Important Do not add oil to the gasoline.
Important Do not use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol,
premium gasoline, or white gas. Using these fuels can
damage the engine’s fuel system.
Important Do not use gasoline that is more than 30
days old.
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
•Fill the fuel tank outdoors, in an open area, and
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 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This empty space in the tank allows
the gasoline to expand.
•Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where a spark may
ignite the gasoline fumes.
•Store gasoline in an approved fuel container
and keep it out of the reach of children.
•Never buy more than a 30-day supply of
gasoline.

8
Danger
When fueling, under certain circumstances, a
static charge can develop, igniting the gasoline. A
fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and
others and damage property.
•Always place gasoline containers on the ground
and away from your vehicle before filling.
•Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle
or on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
•When practical, remove gasoline-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel
the equipment with its wheels on the round.
•If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a portable
container, not from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
•If you must use a gasoline dispenser nozzle,
keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the
fuel tank or container opening at all times until
fueling is complete.
1. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
2. Clean around the fuel tank cap (Fig. 5).
m4825
1
23
4
Figure 5
1. Spark-plugwire
2. Oil fill cap 3. Fuel tank cap 4. Primer
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner regularly during
operation and storage. A stabilizer/conditioner cleans the
engine during operation and prevents gum-like varnish
deposits from forming in the engine during periods of
storage.
Important Do not use fuel additives other than a fuel
stabilizer/conditioner. Do not use fuel stabilizers with an
alcohol base such as ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol.
3. Remove the cap from the tank (Fig. 5).
4. Fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline to within 1/4
to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) from the top of the tank. Do
not fill into the filler neck. The gasoline must have
room to expand.
5. Install the fuel tank cap and wipe up any spilled
gasoline.
6. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Operation
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Each time before you mow, make sure that the self-propel
drive and the control bar operate properly. When you
release the control bar, the engine and the self-propel
drive should stop. If they do not, contact an Authorized
Service Dealer.
Controls
The starter handle and the blade control bail are on the
upper handle as shown in Figure 6.
3
21
m–5308a
Figure 6
1. Bladecontrol bail
2. Upper handle 3. Starter handle
Starting the Engine
1. Connect the wire to the spark plug (Fig. 5).

9
2. Push the primer three times, waiting two seconds
between each push (Fig. 7).
m-3714
1
Figure 7
1. Primer
Note: If the temperature is 55F (13C) or below, push
the primer five times, waiting two seconds between each
push.
Note: Do not use the primer to start a warm engine after a
brief shutdown. However, cool weather may require you
to prime the engine again.
3. Hold the blade control bail against the upper handle
(Fig. 6).
4. Pull the starter handle (Fig. 6) lightly until you feel
resistance, then pull sharply. Let the rope return to the
handle slowly.
5. If the engine fails to start, repeat steps 2 through 4.
Stopping the Engine
Release the blade control bail. Both the engine and the
blade will stop. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer
immediately if they do not.
Using the Self-propel Drive
To operate the self-propel drive, simply walk forward with
your hands on the upper handle. As you move forward,
the upper handle will slide toward the lawn mower,
activating the self-propel drive. The faster you walk, the
farther the handle will slide and the faster the lawn mower
will propel (Fig. 8).
m–4206
Figure 8
Note: The lawn mower propels at the maximum speed
when you push in the upper handle as far forward as
possible.
To slow down the drive, simply slow your walking speed;
to stop the drive, stop walking (Fig. 8).
Pulling the Lawn Mower
Rearward
The lawn mower comes with free-wheeling clutches that
make it easier to pull the lawn mower backward. These
clutches disengage when you roll the lawn mower forward
with the self-propel drive disengaged.
To pull the lawn mower backward with ease, do the
following:
1. Stop the lawn mower 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15
centimeters) before you reach the point where you
want to pull it backward.
2. When you stop walking, hold your elbows at your
sides and do not extend your arms forward.
Note: As the momentum of the lawn mower carries it
forward (away from you), the self-propel drive should stop
driving. From that point, the lawn mower must roll
forward another 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 centimeters) to
disengage the clutches.
3. Pull the lawn mower backward.
4. To engage the self-propel drive again, start walking.
If these steps do not work, the lawn mower may not have
had enough momentum to roll far enough. Another way to
disengage the clutches is to reach below the upper handle
to the metal tube (Fig. 9) and push the lawn mower
forward a couple of inches (centimeters). This will not
engage the drive and should give the clutches the free
wheeling they need. If you cannot disengage the
self-propel drive using these methods, contact an
Authorized Service Dealer.
m–4206
1
Figure 9
1. Push here
Adjusting the Cutting Height
You can adjust each wheel individually with a wheel
height adjustment lever. Cutting heights are 1 inch
(25 mm); 1-1/2 inch (38 mm); 2 inch (51 mm); 2-1/2 inch
(64 mm); 3 inch (76 mm); and 3-1/2 inch (89 mm).

10
Danger
Adjusting the cutting height levers could bring
your hands into contact with a moving blade and
result in serious injury.
•Stop the engine and wait for all movement to
stop before adjusting the cutting height.
•Do not put fingers under the housing when
adjusting the cutting height.
1. Pull the wheel height adjustment lever toward the
wheel and move it to the desired position (Fig. 10).
1018
1
Figure 10
1. Wheelheight adjustment lever
2. Release the wheel height adjustment lever and seat it
securely in the desired notch.
Note: Set all four wheels to the same height.
Operating Tips
•Review the safety instructions and read this manual
carefully before operating the lawn mower.
•Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches, and
other debris that the lawn mower could pick up or the
blade could hit and throw objects.
•Keep everyone, especially children and pets, away
from the area of operation.
•Avoid striking trees, walls, curbs, or other solid
objects. Never deliberately mow over any object.
•If the lawn mower strikes an object or starts to vibrate,
immediately stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire, and examine the lawn mower for damage.
•Maintain a sharp blade throughout the cutting season.
Periodically file down nicks on blade.
•Replace the blade when necessary with an original
Lawn-Boy replacement blade.
•Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and leaves
tend to clump on the yard and may cause the lawn
mower to plug or the engine to stall.
Wet grass or leaves can cause you to slip, contact
the blade, and seriously injure you.
Mow only in dry conditions.
Warning
•Clean clippings or leaves from the underside of the
lawn mower deck after each mowing. See Cleaning the
Lawn Mower Housing on page 12.
•Keep the engine in good running condition.
•Replace the air filter frequently. Mulching stirs up
more clippings and dust which clogs the air filter and
reduces engine performance.
•To achieve the best mulching action, set the lawn
mower height of cut so that the lawn mower cuts no
more than a third of the grass stem or a maximum of
one-inch (25 mm) long clippings. If you try to mulch
more or if the grass is very lush, the mulching action
will be poor. Under these conditions, use the side
discharge or grass catcher. A few days later, install the
mulch plate on your lawn mower to resume mulching.
Cutting Grass
•In the summer, cut the grass at the 2, 2-1/2, or 3-inch
(51, 64, or 76 mm) cutting height settings. Only cut off
about one-third of the grass blade. Do not cut below
the two-inch setting unless the grass is sparse or it is
late autumn when the grass growth begins to slow
down.
•When cutting grass over six inches tall, first mow
using the highest cutting height setting and walking
slower; then mow again at a lower setting for best
lawn appearance. If grass is too long and leaves
clumps on top of the lawn, the lawn mower may plug
and cause engine to stall.
•Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse
the clippings over the 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 cutting height on your lawn mower.
•Cut the grass more frequently.
•Overlap the cutting swaths instead of cutting a full
swath with each pass.
•Set the cutting height on the front wheels one notch
lower than the rear wheels.

11
Cutting Leaves
•After cutting the lawn, make sure that half of the lawn
shows through the cut leaf cover. You may need to
make one or more passes over the leaves.
•For light leaf coverage, set all the wheels at the same
cutting height.
•If there are more than 5 inches (12.7 cm) of leaves on
the lawn, set the front wheels one or two notches
higher than the rear wheels. This makes it easier to
feed the leaves under the lawn mower deck.
•Slow down your mowing speed if the lawn mower
does not cut the leaves finely enough.
•If you cut up a lot of oak leaves, you can add lime to
your grass in the spring to reduce the acidity of the oak
leaves.
Maintenance
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Service
Interval Maintenance Procedure
Each Use
•Check the engine oil level.
•Check the stopping time of the blade brake. The blade must stop within three
seconds of releasing the bail; if it does not, contact an Authorized Service Dealer
for repair.
•Remove grass clippings and dirt from the under the housing.
25 Hours
•Change the engine oil.1
•Check the blade and the engine mounting fasteners. Tighten them if they are
loose.
•Remove the grass clippings and debris from under the belt cover and near the
drive belt.
•Grease the rear-height adjustor brackets.
50 Hours
•Adjust the self-propel drive after changing the handle height, installing a new
self-propel drive cable, or if the traction drive belt slips.
•Remove and clean the air filter. Clean it more frequently in dusty operating
conditions.
•Clean, inspect, and gap the spark plug. Replace it if necessary.
•Sharpen or replace the blade; maintain it more frequently if the edge dulls
quickly in rough or in sandy conditions.
•Check for leaks in the fuel system and/or a deteriorating fuel hose. Replace
parts if necessary.
100 Hours
•Replace the air filter; service it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
•Inspect and gap the spark plug. Replace the spark plug if necessary.
•Clean off grass clippings, debris, or dirt that can clog the engine air cooling fins
and starter. Clean the cooling system more frequently in dirty operating
conditions.
Storage •Empty the fuel tank before certain repairs as directed or before storage.
1Changethe engine oil after the first two operating hours.
Important Refer to your engine operator’s manual for additional maintenance procedures.

12
Caution
If you leave the wire on the spark plug, someone could accidently start the engine and seriously
injure you or other bystanders.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug before you do any maintenance. Set the wire aside so
that it does not accidentally contact the spark plug.
Checking the Engine Oil
Before you use the lawn mower, make sure that the oil
level is between the Add and the Full marks as shown on
the dipstick (Fig. 4). If the oil level is below the Add
mark, add oil. Refer to Filling the Crankcase with Oil on
page 7.
Cleaning the Lawn Mower
Housing
A clean lawn mower housing provides the best cutting
performance. Check for grass buildup and clean it after
each use.
Washing Method
1. Move the lawn mower to a flat concrete or asphalt
surface near a garden hose.
2. Start the engine.
3. Hold the running garden hose at handle level and
direct the water to flow on the ground just in front of
the right rear tire (Fig. 11).
1093
1
Figure 11
1. Rear right wheel
The blade will draw in water and wash out clippings.
Let the water run until the clippings no longer come
out from under the housing.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
5. Turn off the water.
6. Start the lawn mower and let it run for a few minutes
to dry out the moisture on the lawn mower and its
components.
7. While the engine runs, engage and disengage the
traction drive several times to dry it out.
Scraping Method
If washing does not remove all debris from under the lawn
mower, tip it and scrape it clean.
1. Run the engine dry or remove the fuel when the engine
is cool.
Tipping the lawn mower may cause the fuel to
leak from the carburetor or the fuel tank.
Gasoline is extremely flammable, highly explosive
and under certain conditions can cause personal
injury or property damage.
Avoid fuel spills by running the engine dry or
removing gasoline with a hand pump; never
siphon using your mouth.
Warning
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
3. Tip the lawn mower onto its right side (air filter up)
(Fig. 12).
1036
Figure 12
Note: When you tip the lawn mower onto its side, rotate
the blade as little as possible to avoid starting problems.
4. Scrape the built-up grass clippings and dirt from the
lawn mower housing with a hardwood scraper.
5. Tip the lawn mower upright.
6. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

13
Changing the Engine Oil
Change the engine oil after the first two hours of operation
and then after every 25 operating hours or every season.
Run the engine just before changing the oil to warm the
oil. Warm oil flow better and carries more contaminants.
Note: Change the oil more frequently when operating the
lawn mower under a heavy load or in high temperatures.
Tipping the lawn mower may cause the fuel to
leak from the carburetor or the fuel tank.
Gasoline is extremely flammable, highly explosive
and under certain conditions can cause personal
injury or property damage.
Avoid fuel spills by running the engine dry or
removing gasoline with a hand pump; never
siphon using your mouth.
Warning
Draining the Oil above the Lawn Mower
Deck
1. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank; refer to steps 1
through 4 of Emptying the Fuel Tank on page 17.
2. Drain the oil from the oil fill tube at the dipstick into
an appropriate container.
3. Recycle the used oil according to local codes.
Note: There is an oil drain plug on the bottom of the
engine visible from under the lawn mower deck. However,
because the plug is not easily accessible, Lawn-Boy does
not recommend draining the oil from below the deck.
4. Fill the crankcase to the Full line on the dipstick with
fresh oil. Refer to Filling the Crankcase with Oil on
page 7.
5. Check the oil level and insert the dipstick.
6. Wipe up any spilled oil.
Cleaning under the Belt Cover
Under certain conditions, the clippings can collect under
the belt drive cover and in the pulley groove. This can
cause the belt to slip, the self-propel drive to lose power,
or the self-propel drive not to disengage.
Clean the grass clippings and debris from under the belt
cover every 25 hours of operation.
1. Remove the bolts from the belt cover (Fig. 13).
1
3
2
42
Figure 13
1. Belt cover
2. Bolt 3. Cable spring 4. Drive bracket
2. Unhook the cable spring from the drive bracket
(Fig. 13).
3. Remove the belt cover by pulling it straight out from
the engine.
Note: If the belt cover is pinched between the handle and
handle bracket, remove the handle before removing the
belt cover.
4. Remove the debris from under the cover and the pulley
groove.
5. Replace the belt cover by squeezing the sides together
and inserting the tabs on the belt cover into the
brackets on the engine base (Fig. 14).
m–4472
1
3
2
32
Figure 14
1. Belt cover
2. Tab 3. Bracket
6. Secure the belt cover with the bolts.
7. Hook the cable spring onto the drive bracket.

14
Lubricating the Self-propel
Drive
1. Wipe the grease fittings on the rear height-of-cut
adjustors (Fig. 15) with a clean rag.
1018
1
Figure 15
1. Grease fittings
2. Install a grease gun onto each fitting in turn and gently
apply one or two pumps of #2 multi-purpose lithium
grease to each.
Important Excess grease may prevent the wheel
clutch from properly operating.
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive
Cable
If the top speed begins to decrease on the lawn mower,
adjust the self-propel drive cable.
1. With the engine turned off, remove the bolts that
secure the belt cover (Fig. 13) and remove the cover.
2. Loosen the cable support nut (Fig. 16).
m–4205
1
2
3
4
Figure 16
1. Cable jacket
2. Cable support 3. Nut 4. Upper handle
3. Push the drive bracket down until it contacts the lawn
mower, then hold it in place (Fig. 17).
1
2
m–4209
Figure 17
1. Drive bracket 2. Push here
4. With the upper handle pushed back as far as possible
and while holding the drive bracket down, pull the
cable jacket down (toward the lawn mower) until there
is no slack in the cable (Fig. 16).
5. Tighten the nut on the cable support (Fig. 16).
6. Release the drive bracket.
7. Install the belt cover; refer to Cleaning under the Belt
Cover on page 13.
Replacing the Air Filter
Replace the air filter every 100 operating hours or yearly;
service it more frequently under dusty conditions.
Note: Do not operate the engine without the air filter
element; extreme engine damage will occur.
1. Remove the air filter cover by pulling the tab from the
body and lifting the cover up (Fig. 18).
m4827
1
2
3
4
Figure 18
1. Cover
2. Filter 3. Body 4. Tab
2. Remove the air filter (Fig. 18).
3. Inspect the air filter. If it is discolored or dirty, replace
it.

15
Note: Do not attempt to clean or oil the air filter.
4. Clean the inside of the air filter cover and body
thoroughly.
5. Install the air filter.
6. Install the cover by hooking the cover slot over the tab
on the body, push the cover down, and snap the cover
onto the body (Fig. 18).
Maintaining the Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered, or has
worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Clean or replace the spark plug once a season or every
100 operating hours, whichever occurs first. Use a
Champion RN 4C spark plug or equivalent.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
3. Clean around the spark plug.
4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder head.
Important Replace the spark plug if it is cracked,
fouled, dirty, or if the electrodes are worn or damaged. Do
not clean the electrodes because grit entering the cylinder
can damage the engine.
5. Set the gap on the plug at 0.030 inch (0.76 mm)
(Fig. 19).
986
1
Figure 19
1. 0.030in. (0.76 mm)
6. Install the spark plug by hand; then torque it to
180 in-lb (20 N⋅m).
7. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Maintaining the Cutting Blade
A straight, sharp blade provides maximum cutting
performance. Regularly inspect and sharpen the blade.
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result
in serious personal injury.
Wear gloves or wrap the sharp edges of the blade
with a rag.
Warning
1. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
2. Tip the lawn mower onto its right side (air filter up)
(Fig. 12).
Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Fig. 20A). Because sand and abrasive material can wear
away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of
the blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower. If
you notice a slot or wear (Figs. 20B and 20C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 16.
270
1
1
1
2
3
4
A
B
C
Figure 20
1. Sail
2. Flat part of blade 3. Wear 4. Slot formed
Note: Examine the mulching fan for any wear, cracks or
damage (Fig. 21). Replace it if necessary.

16
4
23
1
M–2909
Figure 21
1. Bladebolt
2. Mulching fan 3. Blade 4. Blade driver
Note: For the best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins. During the year, file down any
small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
Danger
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece
of the blade could be thrown into the operator’s
or bystander’s area, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
•Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Removing the Blade
1. Remove the blade bolt and the mulching fan (Fig. 21).
2. Remove the blade from the blade driver (Fig. 21).
3. Examine the mulch fan for worn or bent blades.
Replace it if necessary.
4. Examine the blade driver for bent or sheared drive
lugs. Replace it if necessary.
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Fig. 22A) and inner cutting edge radius
(Fig. 22B). The blade will remain balanced if you remove
the same amount of material from both cutting edges.
153
1
m4783
2
AB
Figure 22
1. Sharpenat this angle only 2. Maintain the original
radius here
Note: Do not grind the blade more than 5 in. (127 mm)
from the outside ends and no less than 2 in. (51 mm) from
the trailing edge (Fig. 23).
990
2”
(51 mm)
5”
(127 mm)
Figure 23
Balancing the Blade
1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center
hole of the blade over a nail or a screwdriver shank
clamped horizontally in a vise (Fig. 24).
1007
Figure 24
Note: You can also check the balance by using a
commercially manufactured blade balancer.
2. If either end of the blade rotates downward, file that
end (not the cutting edge or the end near the cutting
edge; refer to Figure 23). The blade is properly
balanced when neither end drops.
Installing the Blade
1. Ensure that the blade driver is installed on the
crankshaft. See Figure 21.
2. Install the blade over the lugs of the blade driver with
the curved ends toward the housing (Fig. 21).
3. Install the mulch fan into the blade recess (Fig. 21).
4. Secure the blade with the blade bolt (Fig. 21)
5. Torque the blade bolt to 47 ft-lb (63 Nm).
6. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

17
Emptying the Fuel Tank
1. Stop the engine and wait for it to cool down.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
3. Remove the cap from the fuel tank.
4. Use a hand pump to pump the fuel into a clean
approved gasoline container.
5. Install the fuel cap.
6. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
7. Run the engine until it stops.
8. Start the engine again to make sure that all the
gasoline is out of the carburetor.
Storage
To prepare the lawn mower for off-season storage,
perform the recommended maintenance procedures.
Refer to Maintenance on page 11.
Store the lawn mower in a cool, dry place. Cover the lawn
mower to keep it clean and protected.
Preparing the Fuel System
Gasoline can vaporize if you store it over long
periods of time and explode if it comes into
contact with an open flame.
•Do not store gasoline over long periods of time.
•Do not store the lawn mower with gasoline in
the fuel tank or the carburetor in an enclosure
with an open flame. (For example, a furnace or
a water heater pilot light.)
•Allow the engine to cool before storing it in any
enclosure.
Warning
1. Empty the fuel tank using a hand-type pump only.
2. Run the lawn mower until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
3. Prime the engine and start it again.
4. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you can
no longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
Preparing the Engine
1. Remove the spark plug.
2. Using an oil can, add about one tablespoon of oil to
the engine through the spark plug hole.
3. Slowly rotate the engine several times, using the
starter rope, to distribute the oil.
4. Install the spark plug but do not connect the spark
plug wire.
General Information
1. Clean the lawn mower housing. Refer to Cleaning the
Lawn Mower Housing on page 12.
2. Clean any dirt and chaff from the cylinder, cylinder
head fins, and blower housing.
3. Remove grass clippings, dirt, and grime from the
external parts of the engine, the shrouding, and the top
of the lawn mower housing.
4. Check the condition of the blade. Refer to Maintaining
the Cutting Blade on page 15.
5. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and screws.
6. Lubricate the wheels. Refer to Lubricating the
Self-propel Drive on page 14.
7. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces with
paint available from an Authorized Service Dealer.
Folding the Handle
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
pinch, stretch, or damage one or more of the
cables. Any pinched, stretched, or damaged cable
may cause an operational failure that results in an
unsafe operating condition.
•Do not pinch, stretch, or damage the cables.
•Handle the cables with care when folding or
unfolding the handle.
•Do not use the lawn mower if one or more of
the cables are pinched, stretched, or damaged.
Contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
Warning
1. Remove the handle mounting hardware from the
handle brackets (Fig. 2).
Note: Save the handle mounting hardware and insert
into the handle bracket holes.
2. Rotate the handle toward the front of the lawn mower.
3. Loosen the knobs that secure the upper handle section
to the lower handle section and fold the upper top
handle section back toward the rear of the lawn mower
into the storage position.

18
Removing From Storage
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
pinch, stretch, or damage one or more of the
cables. Any pinched, stretched, or damaged cable
may cause an operational failure that results in an
unsafe operating condition.
•Do not pinch, stretch, or damage the cables.
•Handle the cables with care when folding or
unfolding the handle.
•Do not use the lawn mower if one or more of
the cables are pinched, stretched, or damaged.
Contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
Warning
1. Carefully unfold the handle.
2. Check and tighten all fasteners.
3. Remove the spark plug (Fig. 5) and spin the engine
rapidly using the starter to blow out excess oil from
the cylinder.
4. Clean the spark plug or replace it if it is cracked,
broken, or the electrodes are worn.
5. Install the spark plug and torque it to 180 in-lb
(20 Nm).
6. Perform the recommended maintenance procedures.
Refer to Maintenance on page 11.
7. Fill the fuel tank (Fig. 5) with fresh, clean gasoline.
8. Check the engine oil level.
9. Connect the wire to the spark plug (Fig. 5).
Accessories
Your lawn mower may include accessories available from
your Authorized Service Dealer. For proper installation of
these accessories, follow these instructions.
Installing a Rear Grass Catcher
An uncovered discharge opening could allow the
lawn mower to throw objects in the operator’s or
bystander’s direction and result in serious injury.
Also, contact with the blade could occur.
Never operate the lawn mower unless you install a
cover plate, a mulch plate, or a grass chute and
catcher.
Warning
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
3. Remove the mulch plate, cover plate, or side discharge
plate.
4. Place the chute assembly into the housing opening
(Fig. 25).
Note: You do not need to loosen the two shoulder bolts
on the lawn mower housing that protrude through the
slotted holes in the chute assembly. The chute
assembly moves over the shoulder bolts.
1
2
2
31725/1014
Figure 25
1. Chute assembly
2. Shoulder bolts 3. Knob
5. Insert the chute support rod through the hole at the
right rear of the deck (Fig. 26).

19
1145
1
Figure 26
1. Chute support rod
6. Slide the chute assembly clockwise to install it; slide it
counterclockwise to remove it.
7. Secure the chute assembly to the housing with a knob
(Fig. 25).
8. Remove the knob and the bolt that secures the left side
of the upper and lower handle sections (Fig. 27).
2
1
3
4
m–5311
Figure 27
1. Knob
2. Bolt 3. Hangerclamp 4. Bag hanger
9. Hold the hanger clamp on the inside of the handle
sections. Insert the handle bolt from the inside of the
handle sections through the holes in the hanger clamp.
10.Position the bag hanger leg into the hanger clamp
groove and secure it with a knob.
11. Repeat steps 8 through 10 for the right side of the
handle sections.
12.Close the rear of the bag by folding the sides in and
pressing the interlocking rear handle halves together
(Fig. 28).
1012
Figure 28
13.Position the rear bag handles into the bag hanger on
the handle.
14.Grasp the bag assembly handle and slide it over the
flange of the grass chute (Fig. 29).
15.Push downward on the handle until it seats into
position.
1010
Figure 29
Adjusting the Bag
You may need to adjust the bag when you change the
handle height. A properly adjusted bag should be taut on
the top cloth area between the front bag handle and the
rear bag hanger handles. If the bag is too tight or too
loose, adjust as follows:
1. Remove the bag from the rear bag hanger by removing
the bolt(s) and knob(s) that secure the hanger clamps
to the handle sections (Fig. 30). The hanger clamps
have four adjustment holes.

20
2
1
3
4
m–5311
Figure 30
1. Knob
2. Bolt 3. Hangerclamp 4. Bag hanger
2. Assemble the hanger clamps to the handle sections
using the set of holes that best holds the bag taut.
Using the lower holes in hanger clamps tightens the
bag assembly; using the upper holes in the hanger
clamps loosens the bag assembly.
Note: Under normal use, the bag will wear and
deteriorate. Check the grass bag often and replace it when
necessary with a genuine Lawn-Boy replacement bag. A
weakened or inferior bag may let objects pass through,
causing an injury.
Keep hands, sticks or other objects out of the
grass chute while the blade is turning; thrown
objects or blade contact can result in serious
injury.
Always stop the engine when emptying the grass
bag and disconnect the wire from the spark plug
before cleaning a clogged chute, a bag tunnel, or
the underside of the lawn mower housing.
Warning
Installing the Cover Plate
Your lawn mower comes with a cover plate. For side
discharge operation, install the cover plate into the deck
opening.
An uncovered discharge opening could allow the
lawn mower to throw objects in the operator’s or
bystander’s direction and result in serious injury.
Also, contact with the blade could occur.
Never operate the lawn mower unless you install a
cover plate, a mulch plate, or a grass chute and
catcher.
Warning
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 5).
3. Remove the knob that fastens the cover plate to the
housing (Fig. 31).
m-1726
1
2
Figure 31
1. Cover plate 2. Knob
Note: You do not need to remove or loosen the two
shoulder bolts on the housing that protrude through the
slotted holes in the cover plate. The cover plate moves
over the shoulder bolt heads (Fig. 32).