Simplicity 1021 User manual

SlmpliBliig
OPERATOR'S
MANUAL
MODELS
1021 & 1019
21" SELF PROPELLED MOWER
MFC. NO. 1690132
SELF PROPELLED ELEC. START MOWER
MFC. NO. 1690133
21" PUSH MOWER
MFC. NO. 1690131
19" PUSH MOWER
MFC. NO. 1690130
CAUTION: Read Manual Thoroughly
Before Operating Mower
FORM - 1651679
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
763

fSimahcStMf
Models
1019
&
1021
labile Of Contents
SAFETY RULES ..
MOWER IDENTIFICATION ....
OWNER BENEFITS .
ASSEMBLY .
CONTENT OF SECTION .
ASSEMBLY OF HANDLE & CONTROLS
OPERATION .
CONTENT OF SECTION .
MOWER CONTROLS.
PREPARING MOWER FOR USE.
INSTALLING GRASS CATCHER .
OPERATING PROCEDURES.
NORMAL CARE .
CONTENT OF SECTION .
SCHEDULED CARE .
NORMAL STORAGE.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE .
STARTING AFTER STORAGE.
BELT REPLACEMENT .
TROUBLESHOOTING .
CONTENT OF SECTION.
TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCEDURES.
ADJUSTMENTS.
MOWER HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS ...
HANDLE ADJUSTMENTS.
2
4
5
6
6
6
8
8
8
9
9
10
13
13
13
13
13
14
19
21
21
21
22
22
22
23
25
SPECIFICATIONS.
MAINTENANCE RECORD
1

s
WARNING
Read these safety rules and follow them closely. Failure to
obey these rules could result in loss of control of vehicle,
severe personal injury to yourself or bystanders, or damage
to property or equipment
Safety Rules
This notation preceding Cautions and Warnings in the text signifies important precaution¬
ary steps which, if not properly followed, could result in personal injury or damage to
your equipment
General • Read the Operator's Manual care¬
fully. Be thoroughly familiar with
the controls and proper use of the
equipment.
• Never allow children to operate a
power mower.
• Keep the area of operation clear of
all persons, particularly small chil¬
dren, and pets.
Preparation • Thoroughly inspect the area where
the equipment is to be used and re¬
move all stones, sticks, wire, bones
and other foreign objects.
• Do not operate equipment when
barefoot or wearing open sandals.
Always wear substantial footwear.
• Never operate equipment in wet
grass. Always be sure of your foot¬
ing; keep a firm hold on handle and
walk, never run.
• Disengage self-propelling unit on
units so equipped before starting
engine.
• Never attempt to make a wheel
height adjustment while engine is
running.
• Mow only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
• Check fuel before starting engine. Do
not fill gasoline tank when engine is
running or while engine is still hot.
Wipe off any spilled gasoline before
starting engine.
Operation • Do not put hands or feet near or
under rotating parts. Keep clear of
discharge opening at ail times.
• Stop engine when crossing gravel
drive, walks or roads.
• After striking a foreign object stop
the mower, remove spark plug wire
and fasten away from the plug. Thor¬
oughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage be¬
fore restarting and operating the
mower.
2
• Do not change engine governor set¬
tings or overspeed engine.

Safety Rules
• If the equipment should start to vi¬
brate abnormally, stop the engine
and check immediately for the cause.
Vibration is generally a warning of
trouble.
• Stop engine whenever you leave the equip¬
ment, before cleaning mower housing,
making any repair or inspection.
• When cleaning, repairing or inspecting,
make certain blade and all moving parts
have stopped. Disconnect spark plug
wire and keep wire away from plug to
prevent accidental starting.
• Do not run engine indoors.
• Shut engine off and wait until blade
comes to a complete stop before re¬
moving grass catcher and/or unclogging
chute.
• Mow across the face of slopes, never up-
and-down. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes. Do
not mow excessively steep slopes.
• Never operate mower without proper
guards, plates or other safety protec¬
tive devices in place.
Maintenance
and Storage
• Never store equipment with gasoline in
the tank inside of a building where fumes
may reach an open flame or spark. Allow
engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
• Check blade and engine mounting
bolts at frequent intervals for proper
tightness.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to
be sure equipment is in safe working
condition.
• To reduce fire hazard keep engine free of
grass, leaves or excessive grease.
• Check grass catcher bags frequently for
wear or deterioration. Replace with new
bags for safe operation.
3

Simpliciti§
Mower Identification
When ordering replacement parts for your Simplicity mower, be prepared to give your dealer the identification numbers
found on the mower and engine identification plates shown below. The identification plate for the mower is located in
the rear, on top of the mower deck. The engine ID plate is located on the top of the engine blower housing. We suggest
that you locate the numbers and record them below for easy reference.
Engine I D
Mower I D

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Owner Benefits
Grass Catcher fills completely to
top, holds a full bushel. Large
bag has a zipper for easy unloading.
(Optional on 1019.)
Briggs and Stratton easy-spin engine
has an automatic choke, high-car¬
bon nodular iron crankshaft, zinc
flywheel key.
Magnesium deck is lighter, won't
rust. Over 3" deep above blade for
greater air mixing to spread clip¬
pings evenly. Deck extends well be¬
low blade all around for added
safety.
Adjustable wheels have 6 positions
for selecting cutting height from
7/8" to 2-7/8". No tools needed
for instant cutting height adjusters.
Adjustable handle can be folded
down to engine cover, moved for¬
ward to straight-up position and
adjusted for height - all without
tools.
1019 & 1021
Walk Behind Mower
Sealed ni-cad battery can be tipped without danger of
spilling acid. Requires no maintenance other than charg¬
ing. (Electric start models only).
Through-deck catching and right front corner discharge per-
mits mowing at 20% lower blade tip speed.
Verticul pull manual starter is geared to reduce pull force
by 25%-naturally easier and safer than side-pull starters.
(On manual mowers only).
Pre-stressed blade is clamped in a rigid stiffener to reduce
flutter and fatigue failure.
Mulching baffle is easily installed, cuts and recuts grass,
making mulch for your lawn.
Ignition Key starts and stops engine with no effort. Re¬
movable to prevent unauthorized starts. (Electric start
models only).
Speed control selector gives one simple control for fuss-free
engine performance.
Rear wheel drive enables mower to climb a 40° slope, with¬
out slipping to prevent wheel marks on lawn. (Self propelled
models only).
Touch-a-matic control bar gives soft clutch action for un¬
marked lawns.
5

SimpUdiif
Assembly
CONTENT OF SECTION
Procedures necessary to complete the assembly of
the mower are provided in this section.
ASSEMBLY OF HANDLE AND CONTROLS
The mower handle and controls (self-propelled
models) are removed from the mower for shipping.
To assemble the mower handle and controls, pro¬
ceed as follows:
The mower handle is attached to the mower by
means of two pins and spring clips. There are two
holes in each tip of the mower handle. By placing
the pins in the lower set of holes, the mower
handle is suited to short operators. Placing the pins
in the upper set of holes makes the handle height
suitable for medium to tall operators. Choose the
set of holes which will be appropriate for your
needs.
1. Tighten the wing nuts on the handle in its
unfolded position.
2. Remove the spring clips from the pins in the
rear wheel brackets, as shown in figure 1.
3. I nstall the handle on the pins, with the handle
locks positioned over the top of the wheel
brackets. (See figure 1).
4. R eplace the spring clips through the pins to
attach the handle to the rear wheel brackets.
On self-propelled models, the drive engaging rods
must be attached to the driveshaft bellcranks. To
assemble the engaging rods, proceed as follows.
1. Unscrew the turn buckles on the lower en¬
gaging rods so that the lower rod is free from
the upper rod.
2. Slip the hooks in the lower engaging rods
through the slots in the driveshaft bell-
cranks as shown in Figure 1.
3. Attach the rod spring to the loops in the
upper engaging rods as shown in figure 2.
4. Reassemble the engaging rod tumbuckles,
tightening them so that the driver wheels are
approximately 1/4 inch from each rear wheel.
(See figure 4).
5. Tighten the locknuts on each end of the
tumbuckles to prevent them from loosening.
On electric start models, the wiring harness must
be connected to the handle and ignition switch.
To connect the wiring harness, proceed as follows:
1. Attach the wiring harness to the lower and
upper handles as shown in figure 3 with the
cable clamps provided.
2. Slip the harness through the cable clip on
the mower housing (figure 4).
6

Assembly
Figures. Attaching Harness
Figure 4. installing Harness in Clip
3. Attach the three wire plug to the ignition
switch (see figure 5).
4. Insert the charging plug into the slot on the
handle crosspiece next to the ignition switch
(see figure 5).
Figures. I nstalling Plug
NOTE
The sealed battery requires no water or liquid
electrolyte. It can be stored or placed in any
position without danger of spillage. The only
attention required is periodic recharging. It
need not be recharged during the off-season,
and prolonged storage will cause no harm. If
the battery has not been used for an extended
period, or if it is new, it should be charged for
24 hours to restore its full charge.
NOTE
The engine must be filled with oil before it is
started. See the procedure shown in the Nor¬
mal Care section of this manual for checking
the oil level.
7

RSmphciiag
Operation
CONTENT OF SECTION
This section provides operating procedures for your
rotary mower. A brief description of the Mower
Controls is followed by Preparing the Mower for
Use, and basic Operating Procedures.
MOWER CONTROLS
Figure 6 shows the location, name and function of
each of the mower controls. The control names
given in figure 6 are used throughout the manual.
Item
Name
Function
A
Ignition Switch
Operates with key to start.
(Elec. Start Only)
run or turn off engine.
B
Control Bar
(Self-propelled
Models only)
Engages and disengages
power to the rear driving
wheels.
C
Height
Adjusters
Control the mowing
height of the mower,
adjustable to 2-7/8 inch
cutting height.
Item
Name
Function
D
Speed Control
Knob
Controls the engine speed for
heavy or light jobs. Engages
the choke for easy starting,
and stops the engine when
desired.
E
Starter Handle
(Manual Start
only)
Starts the mower engine by
pulling upward.
Figure 6. Location and Function of Controls
8

Operation
S'^npISciiag
PREPARING THE MOWER FOR USE
The clippings from your lawn can be collected in
the grass catcher bag, dispersed to the side, or
chopped finely and left as a mulch for yoiu: lawn.
In the spring and early summer, when the growth
is heavy, it is recommended that you collect the
clippings from your lawn, leaving it neat and clean,
with no fear of smothering new growth. To do
this, install the grass catcher.
INSTALLING GRASS CATCHER
1. R emove the spark plug wire and tie it away
from the spark plug wire. (See figure 7).
2. I f the mower deck plate is installed, remove
it by taking off the wing screw at the front of
the plate and sliding it out from the two
spring bolts on the mower deck.
3. I nstall the grass deflector plate in the mower
deck by sliding the slot under the front spring
bolt. (See figure 8).
4. Insert and tighten finger tight the wing screw
provided through the mower deck into the
grass deflector plate. (See figure 8).
5. Install the grass chute over the opening in the
mower deck by sliding both slots under the
spring bolts, and tightening the wing screw
finger tight into the mower deck (see figure 9).
Figure 8. Remove Grass Deflector Plate
6. Insert the leg of the bag support rod through
the left hole in the handle crossbar, and attach
it with the spring clip provided through the
hole in the rod. (See figure 10). Make sure
bag support rod is underneath control rod.
7. Attach the grass bag to the grass chute by
inserting the bottom of the bag reinforcing
loop into the slots on the mower deck (see
figure 11), and push the top of the reinforcing
loop under the spring clip on the top of the
grass chute.
8. Attach the zipper end of the grass bag to the
bag support rod with the loop sewn into the
edge of the bag.
9

SiMWMpiidiMg
Operation
9. Replace the spark plug wire onto the plug.
WARNING
Using Mower as Mulcher
As the summer progresses, the growth of grass be¬
comes lighter and drier. The clippings can be left
on the lawn without affecting its appearance or
growth. Your mower can be used as a mulcher,
chopping the clippings finely and spreading them
evenly over the lawn. The clippings will add valu¬
able nutrients to the soil and act as a mulch, pre¬
serving moisture in the soil.
To use yom: mower as a mulcher, install the grass
deflector plate (see figure 8) and the mower deck
plate.
To install the mower deck plate, slide the two slots
under the two spring bolts and insert and tighten
the wing nut through the deck plate into the mower
deck (see figure 12).
Dispersing Clippings
Clippings can be dispersed on the lawn through the
discharge deflector. This is done by using the mower
deck plate only on the mower (see figure 12).
Figure 12. Installing Mower Deck Plate
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Whenever removing the grass bag to empty it,
always stop the mower engine before remoidng
the bag. Never operate the mower without
either the grass chute and grass bag or the
mower deck plate installed on the mower.
The rest of this section tells you how to operate
your mower. The directions assume that the mower
is working properly. If your mower does not per¬
form satisfactorily during operation, refer to the
Troubleshooting section of this manual.
10

Operation
Rinwpiiditf
The directions in this section have been arranged so
that you learn the basic operating procedures safely
and efficiently. When operating the mower for the
first time, study and be familiar with the following
operating directions in the order given:
3. O n self-propelled models, be sure that the
drive is disengaged before attempting to start
the engine.
Starting the Engine
• Location and Function of Controls
• Checks Before Starting
• Starting the Engine
• Starting the Mower in Motion
• Stopping the Engine
NOTE
When using the mower for the first time,
choose a smooth, level area, cutting straight
strips overlapping slightly. After you get used
to operating it, proceed to slopes or rough
ground.
Before starting any operation it is essential that
you review and become completely familar with
the Safety Rules on page 2.
Checks Before Starting
The checks below should be performed before
starting the engine for the first time. Repeat these
checks each time you use the mower to be sure
that it is ready for use.
1 .
Refer to the Normal Care section of this
manual to determine and perform needed
care.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and must be
handled with care. Never fill the tank when
the engine is still hot from recent operation.
Do not allow open flame, smoking, or matches,
in the erea. Avoid overfilling and wipe up any
spills.
To start the mower engine, proceed as follows:
1. Place the mower on a flat surface in an open
area.
WARNING
Do not start or run the engine in an enclosed
area. Open doors if in garage — exhaust fumes
are dangerous.
2. Turn the speed control knob to the “START”
position. This sets the choke in the engine
carburetor.
6 . Un electric start models, insert the key into
the ignition switch and turn it clockwise to
“START”. Release the key as soon as the
engine starts, it will return to the “ON”
position.
A
CAUTION
4. O n manual start models, place one foot on
the left side of the mower deck where indi¬
cated, keeping the other foot well clear of the
underside of the mower.
Grasp the starter handle firmly with one hand
and pull upward. Return the handle to the
engine cover, then release it. DO NOT RELEASE
THE HANDLE WITH THE ROPE EXTENDED.
5. W hen the engine starts, turn the speed con¬
trol knob to the engine speed you desire,
usually around the “MOW” position. Warm
up the engine for a minute before starting
to mow.
2. Check the fuel tank. If you need more fuel,
fill the tank as follows:
a. Remove the fuel cap (see figure 12).
b. Fill the fuel tank completely with clean, fresh,
leaded or non-leaded regular grade gasoline.
c. Replace and tighten fuel cap.
Starting the Mower in Motion
On self-propelled models, pull the control bar
toward the mower handle to start the mower in
motion. To stop mower motion, release the control
bar, and the drive to the mower wheels will dis¬
engage immediately.
11

fwimgBlidiu
Operation
Stopping the Engine
On electric start models the engine can be stopped
by turning the key to the “OFF” position. Remove
the key from the ignition switch to prevent un¬
authorized or accidental starting.
On manual start models, turn the sjseed control
knob to the “STOP” position to stop the engine.
CAUTION
Keep feet and hands away from mower
housing and hot engine.
For heavy growth, raise the height setting (See
Adjustments) to the highest cutting position, then
mow the area again at the desired height.
Wet, thick or heavy grass: if mowing without the
catcher assembly, start at the outer edge of the
area and mow counterclockwise so that clippings
are always deposited on cut grass. Less engine
power is required and a more even cut free of
streaks will result.
Height setting: On thick or springy grass, do not
set the cutting height too low. The wheels may
sink into the lawn, resulting in too short a cut.
Mowing Hints
Before mowing an area, clean it of all sticks,
stones, etc. For mowing, average engine speed is
from three-fourth to full. For cleaning leaves or
bagging litter, run at full speed for greater blowing
action.
Approach sunken flower beds, edges of drives and
walks headon. Let front of mower extend over the
edge slightly on each pass. Overhanging grass will
be cut cleanly.
For best appearance, new grass should be cut in the
afternoon or evening when it is free of moisture.
Change mowing patterns occasionally to eliminate
matting, graining and a corrugated appearance.
Guide the left side of the mower along trees, posts,
or other obstacles and follow the contour as
closely as possible.
12

Normal Care
CONTENT OF SECTION
Your mower has been designed and built to give
you years of service with only minor care. Certain
tasks, however, must be performed to keep the
mower in good operating condition and to avoid
costly repairs. This section shows you how to pro¬
vide the necessary care for your mower.
SCHEDULED CARE
A schedule for routine care is provided in figure 14.
Some of the schedule requirements are based on
operating hours. To calculate the number of hours
your mower has been used, determine the normal
time it takes for your regular mowing jobs. Mul¬
tiply this time by the number of times you have
performed the job and add any unusual operating
time to estimate the total operating time.
A maintenance record (figure 29) is provided at the
rear of this manual. Use this record to document
all operating hours and repair or servicing actions
for the mower.
NORMAL STORAGE
To protect your mower, store it in an enclosed,
dry area. Do not store it in an enclosure where
fumes from the fuel tank could reach an open
flame without first draining the fuel tank.
OFF-SEASON STORAGE
When the mower is to be stored for two months or
longer, take the following precautions:
1. Clean the machine thoroughly.
2. Remove all fuel from the fuel tank.
3. Run the engine until it stops from lack of fuel.
4. Change engine oil while the engine is still
warm.
5. Remove spark plug. Pour one ounce (two
to three tablespoons) of SAE 30 motor oil
into chamber through spark plug hole. Crank
engine a few times to distribute oil. Reinstall
spark plug.
6. After checking blade for sharpness and bal¬
ance, apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust
forming.
To save space while the mower is being stored, the
mower handle can either be stored in a vertical
position, or folded over the top of the mower
engine.
To raise the handle to the vertical position, lift the
handle locks on the bottom ends of the handle,
and raise the handle to the vertical position.
Care Required
See
Figure
Schedule
Before Each
Use
After Each
Use
* ♦
Every
25 Hours
** *
End Of Mowing
Season
Check mower and engine
15
•
Clean underside of mower and
grass catcher bag, if used.
16
•
Clean engine and air filter
17
•
•
Change engine oil*
18
•
•
Lubricate handle pivots and
height adjuster
20
•
•
Clean/sharpen mower blade
19
•
•
Clean or replace spark plug
21
•
^Change original engine oil after first 5 hours of operation
^^^More often in hot (over 70°F) weather or dusty operating conditions.
More often under heavy use.
Figure 13. Summary Of Scheduled Care
13

fSSmalStsS§a§
Mfg. No., 1690131, 1690132, 1690133
Decals
21" PUSH MOWERS
172763 LATCH FILM
1651929 FI LM, SIMPLICITY
21" SELF-PROPELLED MOWERS
1651929
FILM, SIMPLICITY
1608217
CAUTION FILM
1651724
DECAL, CAUTION
1608221
HANDLE FILM
1608216 THROTTLE
CONTROL DECAL
1608220 INSTRUCTION FILM
1653205
DECAL, OPEI
170488 FILM
NUMERAL, ENGINE
1608216 THROTTLE
CONTROL FILM
1608220 INSTRUCTION FILM
176150 SAFETY CHUTE FILM
1651931 FILM, 1021, PUSH
170488 FI LM, NUMERAL, ENGINE
1653205 DECAL, OPEI
108772 FILM, SHROUD
1651930 FILM, 1021. SELF-PROP.
176150SAFETY CHUTE FILM
21" SELF-PROPELLED, ELECTRIC MOWERS
1608527
172763 LATCH FILM
CAUTION DECAL FILM
1651929 FILM
SIMPLICITY
P
1608221
HANDLE FILM
108813 SI MPLI-
START FILM
1608217
CAUTION FILM
1653205
DECAL, OPEI
170488 FILM,
NUMERAL, ENGINE
1608216 THROTTLE
CONTROL FILM
1608220 INSTRUCTION FILM
108792 FILM, SHROUD
176150 SAFETY CHUTE FILM
1651928-1021 ELECTRIC

Normal Care
fmitnphcitaf
Clean all dirt and grass from underside
of mower, discharge chute, and grass
catcher bag.
A WARNING
Disconnect spark plug wire and fasten it away
from the spark plug before tipping the mower
to work underneath it.
Figure 16. Clean Mower (After Each Use)
1. Clean all dirt and chaff from engine
fins. Remove engine blower housing
as necessary.
2. Clean air filter.
A. Remove screw on top of air filter,
and remove air filter.
B. Wash foam filter with kerosene
or soap and water.
C. Dry foam element thoroughly.
D. Soak foam with engine oil,
squeezing it several times to
distribute oil through foam
and to wring out excess.
E. Reassemble air filter.
Figure 17. Clean Engine and Air Filter (25-Hour Care)
15

Slimphdim

Normal Care
pSimpiitsiit/
Figure 19. Check, Balance, Sharpen Mower Blade (Yearly Care)
17

Simptidiig
Normal Care
1. Put a few drops of oil on:
A. Height Adjusters
B. Handle Pivots
C. Clutch Handle Pivots
(Self-propelled Models)
2. Wipe off any excess oil.
Figure 20. Lubricate Mower
1. Remove spark plug.
NOTE
Do not clean spark plug by sandblasting;
sand or grit that remains on plug may
damage engine.
2. Clean spark plug. If plug shows
signs of defects, it should be
replaced with a new plug.
3. Set gap at .030 inch.
4. Install spark plug in engine and
reconnect wire.
SPARK PLUG
WIRE BRUSH OR WASH
WITH COMMERCIAL
SOLVENT
Figure 21. Clean or Replace Spark Plug (Yearly Care)

Normal Care
BELT REPLACEMENT
(Self-Propelled Models Only)
To replace the drive belt on self-propelled models,
proceed as follows:
1. Swing engine cover up.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and fasten it
away from the plug. Lift the mower up from
its proper side. Remove the capscrew holding
on the helt shield (figure 22).
3. Push the spring-loaded vertical idler pulley
arm forward and slip the old belt up off the
horizontal pulley.
4. Slide the belt shield out toward the mower
hlade.
5. Slip the old belt off the engine drive pulley
and remove it from the mower deck.
6. Insert the new belt through the mower deck
opening. Place the belt onto the engine drive
pulley, making sure that it is seated properly
in the pulley groove.
7. Keep tension on the belt while tipping the
mower back on its wheels so that the belt
does not slip from mower drive pulley.
8. Rim the belt under the shaft pulley and
idler pulley, then around to the top hori¬
zontal pulley. Make certain that the belt is
properly installed, as in figure 23.
Figure 22. Removing Belt Shield
9. T ip the mower back up from the proper side,
checking that the drive belt is properly seated
in the drive pulley groove. Replace the belt
shield and capscrew.
10. Test for proper installation by cranking the
engine over and watching the rotation of the
roller shaft. It should rotate in a clockwise
direction when viewed from the left side.
11. Replace spark plug wire.
Recharging Battery
(Electric Start Models Only)
The sealed, ni-cad battery requires no water or
liquid electrolyte. It can be stored or placed in any
position with no danger of damage. The only at¬
tention required is that of periodic recharging. It
need not be recharged during the off-season. Pro¬
longed storage will cause no harm.
NOTE
When the battery charge is too weak to crank
the engine, do not continue the attempt to
start or serious damage to the battery may
result, the battery should then be recharged.
19