Murray 20656x31A Technical manual

F- 98517
Instruction Book Self- Propelled Mower
Model 20656x31A
Manuel de lÕutilisateur Tondeuse autotracte
modle 20656x31A
Read and eep this boo for future reference.
This boo contains important information on
SAFETY, ASSEMBLY, OPERATION, AND
MAINTENANCE
The owner must be certain that all the product
information is included with the unit. This
information includes the INSTRUCTION
BOOKS, the REPLACEMENT PARTS and the
WARRANTIES.This information must be
included to ma e sure state laws and other
laws are followed.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Lisez- le et conservez- le comme futur ouvrage
de rfrence. Ce manuel contient dÕimportantes
donnes sur LA SECURITE, LA PRPARATION,
LE FONCTIONNEMENT ET LÕENTRETIEN de ce
modle
RENSEIGNEMENTS Ë LÕUSAGE DU PROPRITAIRE
Le propritaire doit tre certain que tous les
renseignements sur le produit sont inclus avec
la tondeuse. Ces renseignements comprennent
les livres dÕinstructions, le livre de pices de
rechange, les garanties et les certificats de
conformit. Ces renseignements doivent tre
inclus pour tre certain que les lois nationales et
autres lois sont observes.

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F- 98517
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F- 98517
CONTENTS
OWNERÕS INFORMATION 4
SAFE MOWING GUIDE 6
STEPS TO FOLLOW 8
ASSEMBLY 9
OPERATION 9
MAINTENANCE 10
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART 12
SLOPE GUIDE 1
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Murray, Inc. warrants to the original urchaser
that this unit shall be free from defects in
material and workmanshi under normal use
and service for a eriod of Two (2) Years from
the date of urchase; however, this warranty
does not cover engines, accessories (such as
snow blowers, snow blades, grass baggers and
loughs), transmissions, batteries and Normal
Wear Parts (exce t as noted below) or
transaxles as the com anies that manufacture
these items furnish their own warranties and
rovide service through their authorized field
service facilities. For additional information, see
the warranties covering these articular arts. If
you are uncertain whether your unit contains or
is equi ed with one or more of these arts,
consult your dealer rior to urchase. Subject to
the terms and conditions noted in this Limited
Warranty, we shall, at our o tion, re air or
re lace at no cost to the original urchaser any
art covered by this Limited Warranty during the
a licable warranty eriod.
In the event the battery roves defective within
ninety (90) days from the date of urchase, we
will re lace it without charge. If the battery
roves defective after (90) days but within one
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of
urchase, we will re lace it for a charge of one
half (1/2) of the retail rice of the battery in effect
at the time of return.
Normal Wear Parts are defined as belts, blades,
blade ada ters, neumatic tires, headlights and
seat covers. These arts are warranted to be
free from defects in material and workmanshi
as delivered with the roduct. Any claim for
re air or re lacement of Normal Wear Parts
must be made within thirty (30) days of the date
of urchase. No claims involving damage
caused from material use, abuse or misuse will
be honored.
This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited
Warranty is your exclusive remedy; however,
this warranty is void or does not a ly to any
unit that has been tam ered with, altered,
misused, abused or used for rental or other
commercial and/or rofessional
(non- homeowner) uses. Your warranty does not
cover minor mechanical adjustments which are
not due to any defect in material or
workmanshi . For assistance in making such
adjustments, consult your Instruction Book.
To make a claim under this Murray, Inc. Two (2)
Year Limited Warranty, return the unit (or if
authorized in advance, the defective art) along
with your roof of urchase to an Authorized
Service Center near you. To locate the nearest
Authorized Service Center, call the Central Parts
Distributor for your area shown in the list
rovided with your unit or check the Yellow Page
listings in your local tele hone directory. If you
return the entire unit, we will re air the unit. If we
authorize the return of the defective art only, we
will either re lace or re air the art. In the case
of a defect in a transmission or differential (as
distinguished from a transaxle), the entire
transmission or differential must be returned
since they do not include user serviceable arts.
This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited
Warranty gives you s ecific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from
statetostate. This Limited Warranty is given
in lieu of all other expressed and implied
warranties including the implied warranty of
merchantability and warranty of fitness for a
particular purpose. If you need additional
information on this written warranty or
assistance in obtaining service, write:
MURRAY CANADA, INC., Factory Customer
Service, 1195 Coutney ark Drive East, Missis-
sauga, Ont. L5T- 1R1 (1- 800- 661- 6662)
OWNERÕS INFORMATION
This instruction book is written for a erson with
some mechanical ability. Like most service
books, not all the ste s are described. Ste s on
how to loosen or tighten fasteners are ste s
anyone can follow with some mechanical ability.
Read and follow these instructions before you
use the unit.
Know your product: If you understand the unit
and how the unit o erates, you will get the best
erformance. As you read this manual, com are
the illustrations to the unit. Learn the location
and the function of the controls. To hel revent
an accident, follow the o erating instructions
and the safety rules. Kee this manual for future
reference.
IMPORTANT: Many units are not assembled
and are sold in cartons. It is the res onsibility of
the owner to make sure the assembly instruc-
tions in this manual are exactly followed. Other
units are urchased in an assembled condition.
On assembled units, it is the res onsibility of the
owner to make sure the unit is correctly as-
sembled. The owner must carefully check the
unit according to the instructions in this manual
before it is first used.
WARNING: Look for this symbol to indicate
important safety precautions. This symbol
indicates: ÒAttention! Become Alert! Your
Safety Is At Risk.Ó
Responsibility Of The Owner
The responsibility of the owner is to
follow the instructions below.
1. Carefully read and follow the rules for safe
o eration.
2. Follow all the assembly and re aration
instructions.
3. Ins ect the unit.
4. Make sure that the o erator of the unit
knows how to correctly use all standard
and accessory equi ment.
5. O erate the unit only with guards, shields,
and other safety items in lace and working
correctly.
6. Correctly adjust the unit.
7. Service the unit only with authorized or a -
roved re lacement arts.
8. Com lete all maintenance on the unit.
7Forward

5
F- 98517
Safe Operation Practices for Walk- Behind Mowers.
This cutting machine is ca able of am utating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious
injury or death.
I. General Operation
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions
on the machine and in the manual(s). Be
thoroughly familiar with the controls and the
ro er use of the mower before starting.
2. Do not ut hands or feet near or under rotat-
ing arts. Kee clear of the discharge o en-
ing at all times.
3. Only allow res onsible individuals, who are
familiar with the instructions, to o erate the
mower.
4. Thoroughly ins ect the mower and area
where the equi ment is to be used. Clear the
area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
bones, sticks etc., which could be icked u
and thrown by the blade.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other eo le be-
fore mowing. Sto mower if anyone enters
the area.
6. Do not o erate the mower when barefoot or
wearing o en sandals. Always wear substan-
tial foot wear.
7. Do not ull mower backwards unless abso-
lutely necessary. Look down and behind be-
fore and while moving backwards.
8. Do not o erate the mower without ro er
guards, lates, grass catcher or other safety
rotective devices in lace.
9. See manufacturerÕs instructions for ro er
o eration and installation of accessories.
Only use accessories a roved by the
manufacturer.
10. Sto the blade(s) when crossing gravel
drives, walks, or roads.
11. Sto the engine (motor) whenever you leave
the equi ment, before cleaning the mower or
unclogging the chute.
12. Shut the engine (motor) off and wait until the
blade comes to com lete sto before remov-
ing grass catcher.
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. Do not o erate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or other medica-
tion which can cause drowsiness or affect
your ability to o erate this machine safely.
15. Never o erate mower in wet grass. Always
be sure of your footing; kee a firm hold on
the handle and walk; never run.
16. Disengage the self- ro elled mechanism or
drive clutch on mowers so equi ed before
starting the engine (motor).
17. If the equi ment should start to vibrate ab-
normally, sto the engine (motor) and check
immediately for the cause. Vibration is gener-
ally a warning of trouble such as a blade that
is damaged, a loose blade, or the engine
mounting bolts are loose.
18. Always wear safety goggles or safety
glasses with side shields when o erating
mower to rotect your eyes from foreign ob-
jects which can be thrown from the unit.
19. Plan your mowing attern to avoid discharge
of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystand-
ers and the like.
20. After striking a foreign object, sto the en-
gine. Remove the wire from the s ark lug.
Ins ect the blade and mower for damage. If
damaged, re air before starting and o erat-
ing the mower.
21. Kee any washout orts and other mower
housing service o enings closed when mow-
ing.
II. Slope Operation
Slo es are a major factor related to sli and fall
accidents which can result in severe injury. All
slo es require extra caution. If you feel uneasy
on a slo e, do not mow it.
DO:
Mow across the face of slo es; never u and
down. Do not mow excessively stee slo es
(maximum 15 degrees) or areas where the
ground is very rough. See the ÒGuideÓ in the
back of this manual to check a slo e. Exercise
extreme caution when changing direction on
slo es.
Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts, or bum s. Tall grass can
hide obstacles.
DO NOT:
Do not mow near dro - offs, ditches, or em-
bankments. The o erator could lose footing or
balance.
Do not mow excessively stee slo es.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing
could cause sli ing.
III. Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the o erator is not
alert to the resence of children. Children are
often attracted to the mower and the mowing
activity. Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. Kee children out of the mowing area and
under the watchful care of a res onsible
adult.
2. Be alert and turn mower oft if children enter
the area.
3. Before and while moving backwards, look
behind and down for small children.
4. Never allow children to o erate the mower.
5. Use extra care when a roaching blind cor-
ners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may
obscure vision.
IV. Service
*1. Use extra care in handling gasoline and oth-
er fuels. They are flammable and va ors are
ex losive.
a. Use only an a roved container.
b. Never remove gas ca or add fuel with the
engine running. Allow engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
c. Never refuel the machine indoors.
d. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an o en flame, such
as a water heater.
*2. Never run an engine indoors or inside a
closed area.
3. Never make adjustments or re airs to items
such as the height adjusters or grass catcher
with the engine (motor) running. Disconnect
the s ark lug wire, and kee the wire away
from the lug to revent accidental starting.
Always wear eye rotection when you make
adjustments or re airs.
4. Kee all nuts and bolts, es ecially blade at-
tachment bolts, tight and kee equi ment in
good condition.
5. Never tam er with safety devices. Check
their ro er o eration regularly.
6. To reduce fire hazard, kee mower free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build- u .
Clean u oil or fuel s illage. Allow mower to
cool before storing.
7. Sto and ins ect the equi ment if you strike
an object. Re air, if necessary, before re-
starting.
8. Never attem t to make wheel height adjust-
ments while the engine (motor) is running.
9. Always disconnect electric mowers (live o -
erated) before cleaning, re airing, or adjust-
ing.
10. Grass catcher com onents are subject to
wear, damage, and deterioration, which
could ex ose moving arts or allow objects
to be thrown. Frequently check com onents
and re lace with manufacturerÕs recom-
mended arts, when necessary. For storage,
always make sure grass catcher is em ty.
11. Mower blades are shar and can cut. Wra
the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra
caution when servicing them.
12. Do not change the engine governor setting or
over- s eed the engine.
13. Frequently check the blade for wear or dam-
ages such as cracks and nicks. A blade that
is bent or damaged must be immediately re-
laced with a factory re lacement blade. For
safety and good cutting erformance, re lace
the blade every two years. Frequently check
the blade bolt and the engine mounting bolts.
Re lace damaged bolts and tighten loose
bolts.
14. Use only original equi ment or authorized
re lacement arts.
* Asterisked items do not a ly to electric mowers.

6
F- 98517
SAFE MOWING GUIDE
Every erson who uses ower equi ment must
learn the difference between ro er and
im ro er use, safe and unsafe mowing
ractices. Read the next few pages carefully.
They can help you learn. Too often the mower
user is inex erienced, not ro erly instructed, or
has not read the Instruction Book and
instructions on the unit before using it for the first
time. This can result in unsafe use endangering
the o erator, bystanders, and the equi ment.
Another result can be a oor a earance of the
area mowed.
Read this Instruction Book. Read the
instructions on the unit. O erate the mower
according to the Safe Mowing Guide and other
safety rules and recommendations in this
Instruction Book and on the unit. Make sure
anyone who uses the unit has read the
instructions and has been told how to o erate
the mower safely.
Your mower is designed to rovide good service
and durability in normal residential cutting. If the
mower is not ro erly serviced and maintained
or used on unsuitable terrain or in conditions not
suitable for mowing, roduct erformance and
safety will be reduced.
Pro er attire is an im ortant art of safe
mowing. Safety glasses rotect the eyes from
thrown objects. Safety shoes with steel toes can
rotect a foot from being cut by the blade. Shirts
and ants that cover the arms and legs can sto
or deflect a thrown object.
Practice using the mower before you actually
begin cutting grass. Select a large o en level
area. Learn the location and function of the
controls and how they work. It is im ortant that
the blade can be sto ed quickly in an
emergency. Learn how to cut and how to kee
control of the mower at all times.
Many mowers are started manually. When using
a ull start or ro e start, lace your feet firmly
and away from the blade. Hold the ro e handle
securely, but never wra the ro e around your
arm or fingers for a Òbetter gri Ó.
The mower is designed for use by one erson.
Always mow alone. Never carry assengers.
Carrying a assenger is dangerous for the
assenger and the o erator. A mower is not for
amusement or for carrying objects.
Is the area you are lanning to mow wet? Never
cut a wet lawn. Cutting wet grass can cause an
accident. It can affect mower erformance and
also cause roblems with future lawn growth
and a earance. Wet grass is sli ery and
might cause the o erator to fall or the mower to
sli . Someone could be hurt by touching the
blade. Wet grass tends to clog the mower,
causing oor discharge. Wet cli ings bunch u
on the lawn retarding the growth of grass. A wet
mower can cause arts to rust and reduce the
useful life of the unit.
When you look over the lawn, refresh your
memory about hard, immovable obstacles such
as i es, stum s, and rocks and avoid them.
They can cause damage to the mower or an
accident injuring the o erator or a bystander.
Take a litter bag along and walk over the area to
be cut. Pick u any stones, toys, wire, bones, or
other loose objects. These items can damage
the mower or they can become dangerous flying
objects if the mower blade hits them. The blade
of a ower mower travels very fast. It can throw
rocks and other objects with force over long
distances. Objects thrown by mowers can break
windows, cause bruises, or even ut out an eye.
Often the erson hurt by a thrown object is a
bystander such as a child, another family
member or a neighbor. Kee eo le and ets
com letely away from the mowing area. Direct
the mowerÕs discharge away from areas where
eo le can be. Planning your mowing attern
has a double benefit. It can reduce chances of
an injury and make the clean u after mowing
easier.
Are there ditches, walls,
or major inclines in the
area to be cut? Plan the
mowing attern to avoid
such danger areas.
Inclines and rough
terrain must be mowed
carefully and some
areas must not be cut
with a mower at all. With
walk behind equi ment,
mow across the incline
so that if you or the
mower sli , you wonÕt
run into each other.
Never mow slo es greater than 15 degrees. See
the ÒGuideÓ in the back of this Instruction Book
to check any slo es.
Ready to start cutting? Not yet. Be sure the
mower has been fully assembled according to
directions in the Instruction Book. Even if
assembly was done by a lawn and garden sho
or the store where the unit was urchased, it
must be checked. Are all nuts, bolts and screws
tight? Does the engine have oil? These items
must be checked eriodically throughout the life
of the mower.
Your mower has a gasoline engine. Gas is
dangerous. Store fuel only in a a roved gas
container. Do not store large amounts of gas.
Put out all cigarettes, i es and cigars before
working with gasoline. Store fuel and the mower
itself in a well ventilated area away from any
ossible source of ignition such a ilot light on a
furnace. If the mower is to be stored for an
extended time, remove the gas from the tank.
This minimizes the chance of a fire and kee s
the tank clear of de osits and old gasoline, thus
im roving mower erformance. Move the mower
outside before adding gasoline. Use a funnel
and wi e u any s illed fuel before starting.
Remember, gasoline ex ands when heated so
leave some ex ansion room. Also, most mower
gas ca s are vented to allow for ex ansion.
Always use the ro er ca . Peo le are
needlessly burned by fires, hurt in ex losions,
mowers and other ro erty are damaged
because of failure to follow basic safety rules
related to gasoline and fueling.
Never add gasoline to an engine that is running
or that is hot from recent use, this can cause an
accident. Remove dry grass and other debris
from the mower. Kee ing the mower clean will
im rove the erformance, hel the engine stay
cooler, extend the life of moving arts, and
minimize the danger of fire. Peo le get burned
working with and around their mowers for other
reasons than fire and ex losions. It takes only a
few seconds of o eration for the engine and the
muffler to become hot. Do not touch these arts
when the mower is running. Sto the engine and
let it cool down before servicing the mower.
Remember, exhaust fumes can be dangerous.
Never o erate the engine indoors or in an
enclosed area.
Getting a new mower can be a big event for a
family. Let family members satisfy their curiosity
about the mower and at the same time, tell them
about its dangers. Remember, a mower is not a
toy and is not for use by children or anyone
lacking in age, strength or ex erience.
As with any ower equi ment, a mower can be
dangerous if not assembled, misused, or not
ro erly maintained. The most im ortant rule is
to always use good judgement and common
sense.
Your mower will cut thick grass and heavy lant
stems with ease. Fingers and toes are no more
resistant to the mowerÕs blade. Many eo le are

7
F- 98517
injured because they ÒforgotÓ and reached into
the discharge chute. Always treat your lawn
mower as if the blade is rotating. Never erform
any service or try to make any
adjustment,exce t carburetor, while the engine
is running.
Use only accessories suited for your mower.
Use of im ro er accessories can reduce the
safety designed into both the mower and the
accessory, it can even damage the unit. Read
and follow the instructions which come with the
accessory and the mower.
Use only original equi ment or a roved
substitutions as service arts. If you need
rofessional service, select a sho that is an
Authorized Service Center for your brand of
mower. If you lan to service the unit yourself,
follow directions in the Instruction Book.
As you mow, remember children and ets are
sometimes attracted to the activity. Be es ecially
careful when trimming around shrubbery or
when backing u . If at all ossible, donÕt mow
when moving backwards. It is dangerous
because vision is restricted. Also, blades are
designed to cut while the unit is moving forward
so cutting erformance is reduced when mowing
in reverse.
Never leave the mower running and unattended.
Shut off the engine. Put the mower in a osition
so that it can not roll. If the unit is self- ro elled,
make sure the drive control is disengaged.
When mowing, be aware of your condition and
the weather conditions. After mowing a long
time, you will be tired. This is the time when
reactions slow down, your attention wanders;
the time when you are wide o en for an
accident. Take a short break. If tem eratures are
high, take recautions to avoid becoming
dehydrated. If you are angry, tired, or unable to
give your full attention to mowing, if you have
been consuming alcohol, medicines, or drugs,
do not use your mower or any ty e of ower
equi ment.
If weather conditions become worse while you
are cutting, sto and finish later. Cutting grass in
the rain is no fun and it is dangerous. Always
seek shelter in an electrical storm. In extremely
dry mowing conditions, your safety glasses can
serve a dual ur ose by rotecting your eyes
from dust and thrown objects, also a dust or
ollen mask can be hel ful.
Your mower is equi ed with a number of safety
features which are im ortant to the safety of the
o erator and bystanders and must never be
altered or removed. If a safety feature becomes
ino erable, lost, or damaged, it must be re aired
or re laced before the mower is used.
Engine s eed is a key to safe mowing and a
nice looking lawn. The maximum s eed of the
engine on your mower has been set at the
factory. Do not change the engine governor in
any way.
Select the maximum engine and ground s eed
that is right for the terrain and the height of
grass. You get the best cutting and bagging
erformance when using a grass catcher by
o erating the engine at maximum s eed. Never
walk fast or run just to get the job done sooner.
On inclines, reduce ground s eed and exercise
extreme care.
It is best to mow only during daylight hours;
however, if you must mow in the late afternoon
or evening, make sure there is good artificial
light.
Your mower will require maintenance including
service and adjustments before and after use as
with any machine. The frequency of the
maintenance is generally based on hours of use,
however, the frequency can vary because of
mowing conditions. Check the Instruction Book
for more detailed instructions. Pro er
maintenance rotects your investment in the
mower and hel s insure that it will function
safely and reliably.
Never attem t any
service (with the
ossible exce tion of
carburetor adjustment)
with the engine running.
After turning the engine
off, always disconnect
thes ark lugwireto
revent accidental
restarting while the unit
is being serviced.
While mowing, if you hit a foreign object, sto
the engine. Remove the s ark lug wire.
Carefully and thoroughly ins ect the mower for
damage. Make necessary re airs before
restarting. If the unit starts to vibrate abnormally,
sto the engine immediately and check for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble. Kee all nuts, bolts, and screws tight.
The blade is the most dangerous art of the
mower and also the most im ortant art in
obtaining a nice lawn a earance. Check the
blade and the blade mounting hardware
frequently. Kee it tight. If the blade hits a solid
object, check it thoroughly for deformation or
cracks and re lace if damaged. For
safety,re lace the blade every two years. A
shar blade reduces the work load on the
engine and cuts grass more cleanly, for a better
looking cut with less work. The blade is always
close to the outside of the mower housing. For
best trimming on side discharge mowers, cut
with the left side of the housing toward the area
that needs trimming.
A useful accessory for your mower is a grass
catcher. There are grass catchers available for
most models. For best erformance and safety,
be sure the grass catcher is a roved for use
with your mower. Assemble as directed and
follow o erating and safety instructions with the
catcher and in the Instruction Book.
Before mounting, checking or em tying the
grass catcher, always turn the engine off.
Remember to check the grass catcher before
each use for cracks, wear, or deterioration.
Re lace any art that is damaged with the
manufacturerÕs recommended re lacement art
before using the grass catcher again.
Pro er cutting technique is im ortant if you want
your lawn to look good. Avoid the tem tation to
cut grass too short. Cutting grass too short can
kill the lant, cause grass to turn yellow, or make
the lawn look brown and thatchy. Use the lower
cutting heights in cool months when the grass is
lush. Use the higher cutting heights in extremely
dry eriods. Cutting with a dull blade or low
engine s eed bruises, shreds, and can u root
some grass making the lawn look dull and brown
a few days after cutting. Always ut the throttle
control in FAST osition when mowing and
bagging. When bagging, slower ground s eed
will rovide the best results.
Change the mowing attern slightly each time
you cut. If you always cut the same way, the
grass will develo a ÒsetÓ and cli ings will
accumulate more heavily in some areas more
than in others causing grass to get thinner in
those areas. Do not service your mower over the
grass. S illed oil and gas can kill the grass. In
tall grass or very heavy grass, do not try to cut it
all at once. Raise the height of cut on the first
cutting and lower it for the next cutting the same
day or within a few days. Another way is to cut
only art of the width of the mower and adjust
your ground s eed (not the engine) to move

8
F- 98517
more slowly so the mower can clear itself as it
moves forward.
When cutting with a walk behind mower, always
ush the unit. Do not ull it. Pushing the unit
kee s the o erator behind the mower in the
Òo eratorÕs zoneÓ for better control. Pushing the
unit also gives you a chance to see exactly
where and what you are mowing. There will be
times while you are mowing that you will have to
ull the mower backwards (such as when the
front of the mower has come u against a wall or
fence). If you must back u , make sure your feet
are in the clear. Stand well back from the mower,
lant your feet firmly with each ste and back u
being careful to look behind you. Resume
normal mowing as soon as ossible.
If your unit is self- ro elled, remember that the
drive mechanism is not designed to do all the
work, but the unit can move without your hel .
Always kee your hands on the handle near the
controls when the engine is running. Remember
too that the self- ro elled mechanism can be
dangerous. Kee hands and feet away from
belts and chains. Always turn off the engine
before attem ting to remove anything that
becomes entangled in the self- ro elled
system.
Remember, your mower is a useful tool, but it
can be dangerous. Follow the instructions in this
Instruction Book. Use the mower ro erly and
carefully and it will give you many hours of
trouble free, accident free o erations.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
Before Mowing
DBe sure to dress correctly. Wear hard shoes,
not sandals or tennis shoes.
DExamine the blade. A blade that is bent,
cracked, or damaged must be re laced with
a factory re lacement blade.
DFill the fuel tank outside. Clean off s illed
fuel.
DRead and follow the OwnerÕs Manual, the
instructions with the engine, and the instruc-
tions with any attachments. OwnerÕs Manual
instructions are for your safety and the safety
of others.
DExhaust fumes are dangerous. Start the en-
gine outside.
DMake sure all safety devices are in lace and
working correctly.
DO eration of the mower is only for a erson
that has ex erience.
DWet grass can be dangerous. Let the grass
dry.
DInstruct children and others to kee away
from the work area.
DNever cut the grass without good light.
DPick u loose objects. Remove them from
the mowing area.
While Mowing
DWatch for fixed objects and avoid them. They
can damage the mower or cause injury.
DA hot engine and muffler will cause a burn.
Do not touch.
DInclines and slo es must be carefully
mowed. See the ÒGuideÓ in the back of this
book to check a slo e.
DLack of daylight or good artificial light is
cause to sto mowing.
DExamine the mower, the blade, and other
arts for damage after hitting a foreign object
or if the unit vibrates excessively.
DDo not make adjustments or re airs without
sto ing the engine (exce t for carburetor).
Disconnect the s ark lug wire.
DOn or near roads, watch out for traffic. Direct
discharge away from roads.
DWhen mowing, avoid areas where traction is
unsure. Before and while moving back-
wards, look behind and down for small chil-
dren.
DIn heavy grass, raise the cutting height. Cut
slower. Sto the engine to remove clogged
grass from the mower.
DNever remove any safety related arts.
DDo not our gasoline into a engine that is hot
or running.
After Mowing
DAlways let the mower cool before storing in
an enclosed area.
DForeign material on the mower is dangerous.
Clean off grass, leaves, grease and oil be-
fore storing.
DTighten all loose nuts, bolts and screws be-
fore you use the unit.
DEm ty and clean any grass catcher or other
accessory.
DRemove the key or disconnect the s ark lug
wire to revent unauthorized use.
DMake sure the mower is not ke t near a
source of ignition. Gas fumes can cause an
ex losion.
DOnly original arts or factory a roved sub-
stitutes can be used to service the mower.
DWhen storing the mower for an extended e-
riod, remove the fuel from the fuel tank.
DInstruct children to leave the mower alone. It
is not a toy.
DNever kee gasoline near a source of igni-
tion. Always use an a roved container.
Kee gasoline away from children.
DLubricate according to the Instruction Book.
See ÒLubricationÓ.
IMPORTANT- - Read the Instruction
Book. Keep this book for future use and
reference.

9
F- 98517
ASSEMBLY
NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.
Unpacking instructions (Figure 1)
The mower was fully assembled at the factory.
When the mower was ut in the carton, the
handle was ut in the storage osition. To ut
the handle in the o erating osition, follow the
ste s below.
1. Remove the mower from the carton.
2. Put the lower handle (1) in the o erating
osition.
3. Remove the hair pins (2) from the lower in.
Attach the hair pins (2) to the upper pins
(5).
4. Put the upper handle ( ) in the o erating
osition. Tighten the knobs (4).
5. (Figure 24) To attach the recoil- start grip
(1) to the rope guide (2), twist the ro e
through the rope guide (2) mounted on the
right side of the handle.
NOTE: If you cannot attach the
recoil- start grip because the rope is too
short, hold the engine stop lever against
the handle. Slowly pull the recoil- start
grip.
CAUTION: Be careful when you fold or raise
the handle. Do not damage the cables. A
cable that is bent will not work correctly. Be-
fore you use the unit, replace a bent or dam-
aged cable.
How To Mount The Grass Bag (Figure 7)
1. To mount the grass bag on the mower, raise
the rear door (1). Hold the handle (2) of the
grass bag. Put the grass bag in the o erating
osition. Lower the rear door (1).
IMPORTANT: Make sure the rods, on each
side of the frame assembly, are mounted in
the notches ( ) of the handle brackets (4).
How To Prepare The Engine
Note: Engine does not contain OIL or PET-
ROL.
WARNING: Follow the engine
manufacturerÕs instructions for the
type of petrol and oil to use. Al-
ways use a safety petrol container. Do not
smoke when adding petrol to the engine.
When inside an enclosure, do not fill with
petrol. Before you add petrol, stop the en-
gine. Let the engine cool for several min-
utes.
See the engine manufacturerÕs instructions for
the ty e of etrol and oil to use. Before you use
the unit, read the information on safety,
o eration, maintenance, and storage.
How To Discharge Out The Side (Figure
9)
1. Sto the engine.
2. Loosen the wingnut (1).
3. Move the chute deflector (2) to the o en
SIDE DISCHARGE osition.
4. Tighten the wingnut (1).
5. Remove the grass bag. Make sure the rear
door is com letely closed.
How To Mulch (Figure 10)
1. Sto the engine.
2. Loosen the wingnut (1).
3. Move the chute deflector (2) to the closed
MULCH osition.
4. Tighten the wingnut (1).
5. Remove the grass bag. Make sure the rear
door is com letely closed.
Mulching Tips
Mulching finely cuts the grass so that the grass
can be easily recycled. Because the nutrients
are returned to the soil, the lawn will need less
fertilizer. To correctly mulch the lawn, follow the
ti s below.
SThe grass must be dry. If the grass is wet, it will
be difficult to cut and cause heavy clum s of
grass.
SThe grass must not be too tall. The maximum
height to effectively cut is 4 1/2 inches. Set the
height adjusters so that only the to third of the
grass is cut.
SIf the grass is more than 4 1/2 inches high, two
mowings will be necessary. For the first mow-
ing, set the height adjusters in the highest osi-
tion. Then, lower the height adjusters for the
second mowing.
SKee a shar edge on the blade. A blade that
is not shar will cause the ends of the grass to
become brown.
SClean the underside of the mower housing.
Grass and other debris can kee the mower
from working correctly.
If the quality of cut is marginal, try the follow-
ing:
SSet the height adjusters at a higher cutting
height.
SCut the grass more frequently.
SO erate the mower at a slower ground s eed.
SOverla the cutting swaths instead of cutting a
full swath with each ass.
SMow across the marginal areas a second time.
OPERATION
NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.
Engine Stop Lever (Figure 11)
Release the engine stop lever (1) and the
engine and the blade will automatically sto . To
run the engine, hold the engine stop lever (1) in
the Operating position (2)
Before you start the engine, o erate the engine
stop lever (1) several times. Make sure the
cable moves easily.
How To Stop The Engine (Figure 11)
To sto the engine, release the engine stop
lever (1). Disconnect the wire from the s ark
lug to revent the engine from starting.
If the engine will not sto , hold a screwdriver
against the s ark lug and against the engine
cooling fins. The s ark will go to ground and the
engine will sto . Before you start the engine,
check the engine sto cable. Make sure the
engine sto cable is assembled correctly. Before
you o erate the unit, re lace a bent or damaged
engine sto cable.
Front Wheel Drive System (Figure 15)
The mower has a front wheel drive system.
O erate the drive system as follows.
1. Hold the engine stop lever (1) in the OPER-
ATING osition.
2. Push the drive lever (2) com letely forward.
When the drive lever (2) clicks, release the
drive lever (2). The drive system is now en-
gaged.
NOTE: To stop the engine, release the en-
gine stop lever.
3. To disengage the drive system and sto the
engine, com letely release the engine stop
lever (1).
4. To disengage only the drive system, release
the engine stop lever (1) a roximately two
inches. The drive system will disengage but
the engine will continue to run.
NOTE: When the drive system is disengaged
on a new unit, it is possible for the front
wheels to rotate if lifted off the ground. This
is normal with a new belt and will stop after
one or two hours of operation.
WARNING: For safe operation, the
drive system must immediately dis-
engage when the drive lever is re-
leased. If the drive system does not disen-
gage correctly, do not operate the mower
until the drive system is adjusted or re-
paired by an authorized service centre.
How To Start The Engine
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs.
NOTE: A two speed throttle control is located
on the engine. Set the throttle control in the
FAST position for cutting grass, bagging
grass, and for extended engine life.
1. Check the oil.
2. Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded etrol.
See ÒHow To Pre are The EngineÓ.
3. Move the throttle control, located on the en-
gine, to the FAST osition.
4. Make sure the s ark lug wire is connected
to the s ark lug.
5. (Figure 15) Make sure the drive lever (2) is
in the DISENGAGED osition.
6. (Figure 13) Some models have a primer
button (1) on the front or side of the engine.
Push the primer button (1).. Every time you
ush the primer button (1),waittwosec-
onds. For the number of times required to
ush the primer button (1), see the engine
manufacturerÕs instructions.
NOTE: Do not use the primer button to
start a warm engine.
7. (Figure 14) Stand behind the mower. Use
one hand to hold the engine stop lever (1)
in the o erating osition as shown. Use the
other hand to hold the recoil- start grip (2).
8. Ra idly ull the recoil- start grip (2). Slowly
return the recoil- start grip (2).
9. If the engine does not start in 5 or 6 tries,
See the ÒTrouble Shooting ChartÓ Instruc-
tions.
How To Operate The Mower
WARNING: Check the condition of
the grass bag for wear or deteriora-
tion. If worn or damaged, replace
the parts only with approved factory re-
placement parts. For replacement parts,
see the parts list in this book.

10
F- 98517
To com letely fill the grass bag, o erate the
engine with the throttle control in the FAST
osition.
How To Empty The Grass Bag (Figure 7)
WARNING: Before you remove the
grass bag, stop the engine. Before
you remove any grass from the
mower housing, disconnect the wire from
the spark plug.
1. (Figure 7) Raise the door (1) toavertical
osition.
2. Lift the frame assembly (2) over the two
handle notches ( ).
3. (Figure 8) O en the top cover (5). Em ty
the grass from the bag.
4. (Figure 7)To mount the grass bag on the
mower, raise the door (1). Put the two rods
of the frame assembly into the two notches
( ).
5. Lower the door (1).
MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.
Use the following maintenance section to kee
your unit in good o erating condition. All the
maintenance information for the engine is in the
engine manufacturerÕs instructions. Before you
start the engine, read this book.
WARNING: Before you make an in-
spection, adjustment (except
carburettor), or repair, disconnect
thewirefromthesparkplug.
Lubrication
1. For maximum erformance, lubricate the
wheels and all ivot oints with engine oil
every 25 hours.
2. To lubricate the engine, refer to the engine
manufacturerÕs instructions.
NOTE: Do not lubricate the engine stop
cable. Lubricants will damage the cable and
prevent the cable from moving freely. Re-
place the cable if bent or damaged.
How To Clean The Mower Housing
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs. Before you
clean the mower housing, stop the
engine and disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
Grass and other debris can kee the mower
from working correctly. After you mow, clean the
mower housing as follows.
1. Sto the engine.
2. Disconnect the wire from the s ark lug.
3. Clean the to and the bottom of the mower
housing.
How To Check The Drive System
(Figure 16)
Grass and other debris can kee the drive
system from working correctly. Check the front
wheels as follows.
1. Sto the engine.
2. Disconnect the wire from the s ark lug.
3. Check the front wheels (2).Thefront
wheels (2) must turn freely. If the front
wheels (2) do not turn freely, remove the
front wheels (2).
4. Remove any grass or debris from the front
drive wheels (2) and the pinion gears (6).
5. Remove the belt cover (1).Useaflatblade
screwdriver and remove any grass or debris
from under the belt cover (1).
6. Assemble the belt cover (1) and the front
wheels (2).
7. Check the front wheels (2). Make sure the
front wheels (2) turn freely. If the drive sys-
tem does not disengage correctly, do not o -
erate the mower until the drive system is
adjusted or re aired by an authorized service
center.
How To Adjust The Height Of Cut
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs. Before you
change the height of cut, discon-
nect the wire to the spark plug.
Models With Quick Type Adjusters
(Figure 12)
To change the height of cut, move the osition of
the adjuster arm (1) at each wheel. Make sure
each adjuster arm (1) is in the same osition so
that the mower will cut level.
1. Disengage the adjuster arm (1).
2. Move the adjuster arm (1) to another osi-
tion.
How To Remove The Drive Belt
To remove the drive belt, follow the ste s below.
WARNING: Before you remove the
belt, disconnect the wire from the
spark plug.
1. (Figure 16) Remove the belt cover (1).
2. Remove the front wheels (2).
3. (Figure 17) Remove the retainer ring ( )
and the spring pin (4).
4. Remove the dust cover (5) and pinion
gear (6).
5. Remove the hair pin (7) from the axle (8).
6. Slide the axle (8) as shown until the drive
belt (9) can be removed from the drive
pulley (10).
7. Remove the drive belt (9) from the engine
pulley (11).
8. (Figure 18) Remove the drive belt (9) from
the idler bracket (12).
NOTE: Make sure you replace the drive
belt only with a replacement belt from the
factory.
9. To assemble the drive belt (9), reverse the
above ste s.
10. (Figure 19) Note the three assembly holes
(1 ) for the idler ulley. To install a new belt,
use the hole marked with a ÒBÓ for Briggs and
Stratton engines and use the hole marked
with a ÒTÓ for Tecumseh engines.
11. If the drive belt (9) is excessively worn, the
idler arm (14) will move to the to of the slot
in the idler bracket (15).Iftheidler arm (14)
is at the to of the slot, the drive belt (9) will
be loose and sli . If the drive belt (9) is
worn, move the shoulder bolt (16) forward
to the next assembly hole.
12. Before you begin to mow, make sure the
drive system will correctly disengage and
that the mower will sto . If the drive system
will not disengage, take the mower to an au-
thorized service center before you o erate
the mower.
Mulching Blade Replacement
A mulching mower is equi ed with a s ecial
mulching blade. If the mulching blade becomes
worn or damaged, re lace with an original
equi ment mulching blade. A standard blade will
not cut correctly and could cause an accident.
Blade Service
WARNING: Before you inspect the
blade or the blade adapter, discon-
nect the wire to the spark plug. If
the blade hits an object, stop the engine.
Disconnect the wire to the spark plug.
Check the unit for damage.
Frequently check the blade for wear or damage
such as cracks. Frequently check the bolt that
holds the blade. Kee the bolt tight. If the blade
hits an object, sto the engine. Disconnect the
wire to the s ark lug. Check the blade ada ter
for damage. Check for a bent or damaged blade,
a badly worn blade, or other damage. Before
you o erate the unit, damaged arts must be
re laced with factory re lacement arts. For
safety, re lace the blade every two years. Kee
a shar edge on the blade. A blade that is not
shar will cause the ends of the grass to
become brown. Remove the blade as follows.
How To Remove The Blade (Figure 20
and Figure 21)
WARNING: Before you remove the
blade, disconnect the wire to the
spark plug. The blade has sharp
edges. When you hold the blade, use
gloves or cloth material to protect your
hands.
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Lift the side of the mower that has the muffler
or s ark lug.
3. Use a iece of wood to kee the blade from
rotating.
4. Remove the bolt (1) that holds the blade (2).
5. Check the blade according to the ÒBlade Ser-
viceÓ instructions. Re lace a badly worn or
damaged blade with a factory re lacement
blade.
6. Mount the blade with the curved edges to-
ward the housing. If the blade is u side
down, the blade will not cut correctly and can
cause an accident.
7. Fasten the blade 2) with the original wash-
ers ( and 4) and bolt (1). Make sure the
outside rims of the Belleville washers (4)
are toward the blade (2).
8. Tighten the bolt (1) that holds the blade (2)
to a torque of 30 foot ounds.
WARNING: Always keep the bolt
(1) that holds the blade (2) tight. A
loose bolt (1) or blade (2) can
cause an accident.