Lawn-Boy Silver Series User manual

Operator’s Manual
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Lawn-Boy Inc., Attn: Parts Dept., 8111 Lyndale Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55420-1196.
Domestic English (EN)
Form No. 3327-602
Silver Series
Walk Power Lawn Mower
10360—220000001 and Up
10361—220000001 and Up

2
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the USA
2001 by Lawn-Boy, Inc.
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420-1196
Contents
Page
Introduction 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Lawn Mower Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Instruction Decals 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assembly 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unfolding the Handle 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Handle Height 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Fuse 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before Starting 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Crankcase with Oil 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank with Gasoline 8. . . . . . . . . .
Operation 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the Engine 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Engine 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Self-propel Drive 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pulling the Lawn Mower Rearward 10. . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Cutting Height 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Tips 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 12. . . . . . . .
Checking the Engine Oil 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Underside of the Lawn Mower
Housing 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Engine Oil 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Air Filter 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning under the Belt Cover 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintaining the Cutting Blade 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive Cable 17. . . . . . . .
Lubricating the Self-propel Drive 17. . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintaining the Spark Plug 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing the Fuse 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging the Battery 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Disposing of the Battery 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emptying the Fuel Tank 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Fuel System 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preparing the Engine 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Information 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding the Handle 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing from Storage 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Rear Grass Catcher 20. . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Cover Plate 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Mulch Plate 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Lawn-Boy No-Worry Warranty 28. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
1064
1
Figure 1
1. Locationof the model and serial numbers
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.

3
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.
•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.

4
•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.
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.

5
•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.
By Front Wheels
(Part No. 92-2914 Right)
(Part No. 92-2915 Left)
On Muffler Guard
(Part No. 65-2690)
On Mower Housing
(Part No. 93-7250)
On Mower Housing
(Part No. 43-8480)
On Mower Housing
(Part No. 99-6018)
On Mower Housing
(Part No. 92-4851)
On Wire Harness (Electric Start Model only)
(Part No. 104-7953)

6
Assembly
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Unfolding 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. Loosen the handle knobs and lift the top handle half in
an arc until the handle halves are in line and nest
together (Fig. 2).
1068
12
3
Figure 2
1. Top handle half
2. Knob (2) 3. Stops
2. Tighten the knobs securely.
3. Rotate the handle toward the rear of the lawn mower
until it snaps into the stops in the handle brackets
(Fig. 2).
Changing the Handle Height
The handle has two height settings: high and low (Fig. 3).
Choose a handle height setting that is most comfortable
for you.
1026
2
3
1
Figure 3
1. Cableanchor
2. Low setting 3. High setting
1. Squeeze the bottom handle section (both sides) inward
off the pins.
2. Position the handle and cable anchor over the pins at
the desired height (Fig. 3).
Note: You may need to loosen and slightly move the belt
cover.
3. Adjust the cable. Refer to Adjusting the Self-propel
Drive Cable on page 17.

7
Installing the Fuse
Electric Start Model only
The fuse protects the electric starter. If the battery does
not charge or the engine does not turn with the electric
starter, the fuse may be blown. Use a 40-amp plug-in type
fuse.
1. Remove the battery box cover (Fig. 4).
m-5146
1
2
Figure 4
1. Battery box 2. Battery box cover
Note: Use a flat-head screw driver to unclip the
battery cover (Fig. 5). Unclip both ends of the battery
cover before removing it to prevent damaging it.
m–5147
Figure 5
2. Install the fuse in the fuse holder as shown in Figure 6.
m-4796
1
2
Figure 6
1. Fuse Holder 2. Fuse
3. Install the battery box cover.
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. 7).
m-3717
1
Figure 7
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. 7).

8
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 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.
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. 8).
m-3711
1
Figure 8
1. Spark-plugwire
2. Clean around the fuel tank cap (Fig. 9).
m-3713
1
Figure 9
1. Fuel tank cap
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.

9
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. 9).
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.
Operation
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Each time before you mow, ensure 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, the blade control bail, and the
self-propel drive bail are on the upper handle as shown in
Figure 10.
m-3712
3
2
4
1
Figure 10
1. Starterhandle
2. Self-propel drive bail 3. Blade control bail 4. Upper handle
Starting the Engine
1. Connect the wire onto the spark plug (Fig. 8).
2. Push the primer three times, waiting two seconds
between each push (Fig. 11).
m-3714
1
Figure 11
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. 10).
4. Start the lawn mower.
Manual Starting—Pull the starter handle lightly until
you feel resistance, then pull it sharply (Fig. 10).
Allow the rope return to the handle slowly.
Electric Starting (Electric Start Model only)—Insert
the key into the switch. Turn the key to the right and
release it when the engine starts (Fig. 12).
Figure 12
Note: If the battery charge is too low to start the
engine, start the engine manually. To charge the
battery, refer to Charging the Battery on page 18.
Note: If the engine fails to start after three attempts,
repeat steps 2 through 4.

10
Stopping the Engine
Release the blade control bail (Fig. 13). Both the engine
and the blade should stop. If they do not stop properly,
contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
1060
1
Figure 13
1. Bladecontrol bail
Using the Self-propel Drive
1. To operate the self-propel drive, squeeze the
self-propel drive bail against the handle and hold it
(Fig. 14).
1017
1
Figure 14
1. Self-propeldrive bail
Note: The maximum self-propel ground speed is fixed. To
reduce the ground speed, increase the space between the
bail and the handle.
2. To disengage the self-propel drive, release the
self-propel drive bail (Fig. 15).
1016
1
Figure 15
1. Self-propeldrive bail
Pulling the Lawn Mower
Rearward
The lawn mower comes with free-wheeling clutches
which make it easier to pull the lawn mower rearward. To
disengage the clutches, you may need to push the lawn
mower forward one inch (2.5 cm) or more after you
release the self-propel drive bail.
For example, if you approach an object (such as a tree or a
bush) from which you want to pull back the lawn mower,
release the self-propel drive bail when the lawn mower is
about six inches (15 cm) away from the object. The
momentum of the lawn mower should carry it forward at
least one inch (2.5 cm) and disengage the clutches. You
should then be able to easily pull the lawn mower
rearward.
Adjusting the Cutting Height
Each wheel adjusts individually with a wheel height
adjustment lever. Cutting heights are 1 in. (25 mm); 1-1/2
in. (38 mm); 2 in. (51 mm); 2-1/2 in. (64 mm); 3 in.
(76 mm); and 3-1/2 in. (89 mm).
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. 16).
1021
1
Figure 16
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.

11
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 13.
•Keep the engine in good running condition.
•Clean 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.
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.

12
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.
•Remove grass clippings and dirt from under the housing.
5 Hours •Check the blade and the engine mounting fasteners. Tighten them if they are
loose.
25 Hours
•Change the engine oil.1
•Replace the air filter; replace it more frequently in dusty operating conditions.
•Remove grass clippings and debris from the under the belt cover and around the
drive belt.
50 Hours
•Sharpen or replace the blade; maintain it more frequently if the edge dulls
quickly in rough or in sandy conditions.
•Check the stopping time of the blade brake. The blade most stop within three
seconds of releasing the bail; if it does not, contact an Authorized Service Dealer
for repair.
•Check and adjust the self-propel drive cable.
•Grease the rear-height adjustor levers.
•Check for leaks in the fuel system and/or a deteriorating fuel hose. Replace
parts if necessary.
100 Hours
•Clean, inspect, and gap the spark plug. Replace the spark plug if necessary.
•Clean the cooling system; remove grass clippings, debris, or dirt from the engine
air cooling fins and starter. Clean the system more frequently in dirty or
high-chaff conditions.
Storage •Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed or before storage.
•Charge the battery monthly and before storage.
1Changethe engine oil after the first two operating hours.
Important Refer to your engine operator’s manual for additional maintenance procedures.
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.

13
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. 7). If the oil level is below the Add
mark, add oil. Refer to Filling the Crankcase with Oil on
page 7.
Cleaning the Underside of the
Lawn Mower Housing
A clean lawn mower housing provides the best cutting
performance. Check for grass buildup and clean the
housing 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 wheel (Fig. 17).
1093
1
Figure 17
1. Rear right wheel
The blade will draw in water and wash out the
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 garden hose.
6. Start the lawn mower and let it run for a few minutes
to dry it off.
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 the housing 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 by
removing the gasoline with a hand pump; never
siphon.
Warning
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 8).
3. Tip the lawn mower onto its right side (air filter up)
(Fig. 18).
1036
Figure 18
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.

14
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.
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 18.
2. Drain the oil from the oil fill tube at the dipstick into
an appropriate container (Fig. 19).
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.
1067
1
Figure 19
1. Oil fill tube
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.
Replacing the Air Filter
Replace the filter every 100 operating hours or yearly;
replace it more frequently under dusty conditions.
Important Do not operate the engine without the air
filter element; extreme engine wear or damage will occur.
1. Turn the cover counterclockwise and remove the cover
and the filter (Fig. 20).
1
2
35
4
6
m-5809
Figure 20
1. Flange
2. Slot
3. Filter
4. Tab
5. Retainer
6. Cover
2. Clean the cover and the flange thoroughly (Fig. 20).
3. Insert the new filter into the cover (Fig. 20).
4. Position the cover and the filter against the flange with
the tab on the cover inserted into the lower left corner
of the slot in the flange (Fig. 20).
5. Push the cover firmly against the flange and turn it
clockwise as far as it will go.
Note: Ensure that the retainers lock around the flange.

15
Cleaning under the Belt Cover
Under certain conditions, 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
the self-propel drive not to disengage.
Clean grass clippings and debris from under the belt cover
every 25 operating hours.
1. Remove the screw from the belt cover and slide the
belt cover to the rear, unhooking the tab on the front of
the cover from the deck opening (Fig. 21).
1040
12
Figure 21
1. Belt cover 2. Tab
2. Tilt the cover up to the side and remove debris from
under the cover and pulley groove (Fig. 21).
3. Reverse the procedure to install belt cover.
Maintaining the Cutting Blade
A straight, sharp blade provides maximum cutting
performance. Inspect and sharpen or replace the blade
every 50 operating hours (more frequently if the blade
edge dulls quickly in rough or in sandy conditions).
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. 8).
2. Tip the lawn mower onto its right side (air filter up)
(Fig. 18).
Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Fig. 22A). 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. 22B and 22C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 16.
270
1
1
1
2
3
4
A
B
C
Figure 22
1. Sail
2. Flat part of blade 3. Wear 4. Slot formed
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.

16
Removing the Blade
1. Remove the blade nut (Fig. 23).
3
2
1
m-2909
Figure 23
1. Bladenut
2. Blade 3. Blade driver
2. Remove the blade from the blade driver (Fig. 23).
3. 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. 24A) and inner cutting edge radius
(Fig. 24B). The blade will remain balanced if you remove
the same amount of material from both cutting edges.
153
1
m4783
2
AB
Figure 24
1. Sharpenat this angle only 2. Maintain the original
radius here
Note: Do not file or 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 as shown in Figure 25.
990
2
1
Figure 25
1. 5 in. (12.7 cm) 2. 2 in. (5.1 cm)
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. 26).
1007
Figure 26
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). 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 23.
2. Install the blade over the lugs of the blade driver with
the curved ends toward the housing (Fig. 23).
3. Secure the blade with the blade nut as shown in
Figure 27.
Figure 27
4. Torque the blade nut to 47 ft-lb (63 Nm).
Note: Replace the blade nut after installing and removing
the blade four times. The locking power of the blade nut
diminishes and the blade nut could loosen if you do not
replace it.
5. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

17
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive
Cable
Whenever you change the handle height, install a new
self-propel drive cable, or if the traction drive belt slips,
adjust the self-propel drive cable.
1. Loosen the nut on the cable support (Fig. 28).
1063
1
2
3
45
Figure 28
1. 1 to 1/in. (25 to 38 mm)
2. Self-propel drive bail
3. Cable jacket
4. Nut
5. Cable support
2. Hold the self-propel bail 1 to 1/in. (25 to 38 mm)
from the handle (Fig. 28).
3. Pull the cable jacket down (away from bail) to remove
the slack in the cable between the bail and the cable
support.
4. Tighten the nut on the cable support.
5. Release the bail and ensure that the cable is loose.
Note: The cable must be loose with the bail in the
released position. Otherwise, the lawn mower may creep
forward when you disengage the bail.
Lubricating the Self-propel
Drive
Grease the fittings on the rear wheel height adjustment
levers every 25 operating hours.
1. Wipe the grease fittings on the rear wheel height
adjustment levers with a clean rag (Fig. 29).
1018
1
Figure 29
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.
Maintaining the Spark Plug
A spark plug that is dirty, pitted, carbon-covered, or has
worn electrodes may cause hard starting and poor
operation.
Replace the spark plug once a season or clean it every 100
hours, whichever occurs first. Use a Champion RJ19LM
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. 8).
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. 30).
986
1
Figure 30
1. 0.030in. (0.76 mm)
6. Install the spark plug by hand; then torque it to
180 in-lb (15 ft-lb or 20 N⋅m).
7. Connect the wire to the spark plug.

18
Changing the Fuse
Refer to Installing the Fuse on page 7.
Charging the Battery
Electric Start Model only
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Warning
Charge a new or stored battery for 24 continuous hours to
ensure a full charge. Charge the battery for 24 hours every
month (every 25 starts) or as needed.
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 8).
3. Remove the key from the switch.
4. Connect the lead of the battery charger (supplied with
your lawn mower) to the wire harness lead.
m–5145
12
Figure 31
1. Wire harness lead 2. Battery charger lead
5. Plug the charger into a 120 VAC power outlet.
6. Charge the battery for the specified time.
7. Unplug the battery charger.
Important Use only the Lawn-Boy charger; other
chargers could damage the battery. Always use the
charger indoors and charge the battery at room
temperature (70F or 22C) whenever possible.
8. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
Disposing of the Battery
Important Do not dispose of used batteries in your
regular trash.
Important Recycle or dispose of a sealed lead (acid)
battery according to local codes.
Incinerating, landfilling, or mixing of sealed lead (acid)
batteries with the municipal solid waste stream is
prohibited by law in most areas.
Return this battery to a federal- or state-approved sealed
lead (acid) battery recycler.
Contact your local waste management officials for more
information regarding the environmentally sound
collection, recycling, and disposal of the battery.
Emptying the Fuel Tank
1. Stop the engine and wait for it to cool down.
2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 8).
3. Remove the cap from the fuel tank (Fig. 9).
4. Use a hand pump to syphon the fuel into a clean
approved gasoline container.
5. Connect the wire to the spark plug.
6. Run the engine until it stops.
7. Start the engine again to make sure that all the
gasoline is out of the carburetor.

19
Storage
To prepare the lawn mower for off-season storage,
perform the recommended maintenance procedures.
Refer to Maintenance on page 12.
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. Run the lawn mower until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
2. Prime the engine and start it again.
3. 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
through the spark plug hole (Fig. 32).
Figure 32
3. Slowly rotate the engine several times, using the
starter rope, to distribute the oil (Fig. 10).
4. Install the spark plug but do not connect the wire to
the spark plug.
General Information
1. Clean the lawn mower housing. Refer to Cleaning the
Lawn Mower Housing on page 13.
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 17.
7. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces with
paint available from an Authorized Service Dealer.
8. Prepare the battery for storage (Electric Start Model
only). Charge the battery for 72 hours to ensure a full
charge (refer to Charging the Battery on page 18), then
unplug the battery charger and store the lawn mower
in an unheated area. If you must store the lawn mower
in a heated area, you must charge the battery every 90
days.
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. Squeeze the bottom handle sections together and slide
them past the stops on the handle brackets (Fig. 33).

20
1039
Figure 33
2. Rotate the handle toward the front of the lawn mower
(Fig. 34).
Important Fold the handle only as illustrated in Figure
34. If you fold the handle in the opposite direction, you
will damage the control cables.
3. Loosen the knobs that secure the top handle section to
the bottom section and fold the top handle section
back toward the rear of the lawn mower into the
storage position (Fig. 34).
1068
Figure 34
Removing from Storage
1. Carefully unfold the handle. Refer to Unfolding the
Handle on page 6.
2. Check and tighten all fasteners.
3. Remove the spark plug (Fig. 8) and spin the engine
rapidly using the starter to blow 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
(15 ft-lb or 20 Nm).
6. Perform the recommended maintenance procedures.
Refer to Maintenance on page 12.
7. Fill the fuel tank (Fig. 9) with fresh, clean gasoline.
8. Check the engine oil level.
9. Connect the wire to the spark plug (Fig. 8).
10.Charge the battery (Electric Start Model only). Refer
to Charging the Battery on page 18.
Accessories
Your lawn mower may include the following accessories
available from your Authorized Service Dealer:
•Side Grass Catcher Kit
•Rear Grass Catcher Kit
For proper installation of the rear grass catcher, follow
these instructions.
Installing the Rear Grass
Catcher
1. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire
(Fig. 8).
2. Remove the wing screw that fastens the cover plate to
the housing (Fig. 35).
996
1
2
Figure 35
1. Cover or mulch plate 2. Wing screw
3. Slide the cover plate counterclockwise and remove it
from the lawn mower housing.
4. Place front corner of the chute baffle into the deck
opening. Rotate the chute counterclockwise and push
down into the deck opening (Fig. 36).