White LC 215 User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
WHITE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS COMPANY P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-9722
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Models
LC 215
LC 215E
Warning:This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-
covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting
applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have
similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized
service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
FORM NO. 770-10182
Model Shown: LC 215
(10/98)

2
SECTION 1: FINDING MOWER MODEL NUMBER
This operator’s manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and
maintain your mower. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling the mower for its first use, please locate its model plate and copy the information on
to this operator’s manual. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your White
Outdoor dealer.
• Every mower has a model plate. You can locate it by standing behind the unit in the operating position and
looking down at the cutting deck. An example of the model plate is shown below in Figure 1.
Figure 1
SECTION 2: CALLING WARRANTY SERVICE
If you are having difficulty assembling this product or if you have any question regarding the controls, operation or
maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line. You can reach them by calling:
1-800-949-4483
Before calling your local dealer, make sure that you have your model and serial numbers ready. By having the
model and serial numbers ready, you help your local dealer give you faster service. To find your unit’s model and
serial number, see SECTION 2: FINDING YOUR MODEL NUMBER.
XXX-X-XXX-X-XXX XXXXXXXXXXX
This is where your model number will be.
This is where your serial number will be.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
WHITE OUTDOOR
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136
PRODUCTS COMPANY
P.O. BOX 361131
WARNING: The Engine Exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Restrict the use of this power equipment to persons who read, understand
and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the unit.

3
SECTION 3: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF
NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF
YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR LAWN MOWER. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL,
HEED ITS WARNING.
DANGER: Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator
can result in serious injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing
objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.
1. GENERAL OPERATION
• Read this operator’s manual carefully in its entirety
before attempting to assemble this machine. Read,
understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before operation. Be
completely familiar with the controls and the proper
use of this machine before operating it. Keep this
manual in a safe place for future and regular
reference and for ordering replacement parts.
• Your rotary mower is a precision piece of power
equipment, not a plaything. Therefore, exercise
extreme caution at all times. Your unit has been
designed to perform one job: to mow grass. Do not
use it for any other purpose.
• Never allow children under 14 years old to operate
a power mower. Children 14 years old and over
should only operate mower under close parental
supervision. Only responsible individuals who are
familiar with these rules of safe operation should be
allowed to use your mower.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all persons,
particularly small children and pets. Stop engine
when they are in the vicinity of your mower to help
prevent blade contact or thrown object injury.
Although the area of operation should be
completely cleared of foreign objects, an object
may have been overlooked and could be
accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction
and cause serious personal injury to the operator or
any others allowed in the area.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment
is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones, toys and other foreign objects which could
be picked up and thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause serious personal injury to the
operator or any others allowed in the area. Plan
your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like.
To help avoid a thrown objects injury, keep
children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feet
from the mower while it is in operation.
• Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles
during operation or while performing an adjustment
or repair, to protect eyes from foreign objects that
may be thrown from the machine in any direction.
• Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-
fitting slacks and shirts. Shirts and pants that cover
the arms and legs and steel-toed shoes are
recommended. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or
jewelry. They can be caught in moving parts. Never
operate a unit in bare feet, sandals, slippery or light
weight (e.g. canvas) shoes.
• Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of discharge opening at all times
as the rotating blade can cause injury.
• Many injuries occur as a result of the mower being
pulled over the foot during a fall. Do not hang on to
the mower if you are falling; release the handle
immediately.
• Never pull the mower toward you while you are
walking. If you must back the mower away from a
wall or obstruction first look down and behind, and
then follow these steps:
• Step back from the mower to fully extend your
arms.
• Be sure you are well balanced with sure footing.
• Pull the mower back slowly, no more than half way
toward you.
• Repeat these steps as needed.
• Do not operate the mower while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not engage the self-propelled mechanism on
units so equipped while starting engine.
• The blade control handle is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operation. Doing so makes
the safety device inoperative and may result in
personal injury through contact with the rotating
blade. The blade control handle must operate
easily in both directions and automatically return to
the disengaged position when released.

4
• Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be
sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause
serious personal injury. Keep a firm hold on the
handle and walk, never run. If you feel you are
losing your footing, RELEASE THE BLADE
CONTROL HANDLE IMMEDIATLEY and the blade
will stop rotating within three seconds.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks
or roads.
• If the equipment should start to vibrate abnormally,
stop the engine and check immediately for the
cause. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.
• Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes
to a complete stop before removing the grass
catcher or unclogging the chute. The cutting blade
continues to rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off. Never place any part of the body
in the blade area until you are sure the blade has
stopped rotating.
• Never operate mower without proper guards, grass
catcher, plates or other safety protective devices in
place.
• Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a
burn. Do not touch.
• Only use accessories approved for this machine by
the manufacturer. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions provided with the approved accessory.
• If situations occur which are not covered in this
manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your
dealer for assistance. Telephone [phone]
for the name of your nearest dealer.
2. SLOPE OPERATION
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of
this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit
on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15
degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this
unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction
on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, hidden objects, or bumps.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can
cause serious personal injury. If you feel you are
losing your balance release the blade control
handle immediately and the blade will stop in less
than 3 seconds.
• ON MODELS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Lock both
front wheels so they do not pivot while mowing on
the face of slopes. To turn the mower, depress the
handle and raise the front wheels slightly.
DO NOT:
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or
embankments. The operator could lose footing or
balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as
shown on the slope gauge.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing could
cause slipping.
• ON MOWERS WITH CASTER WHEELS: Do Not
Mow on slopes with casters unlocked since the
mower has a tendency to drift down hill.
3. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
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 other than
the operator.
• Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the
area.
• Before and while moving backwards, look behind
and down for small children or other objects.
• Never allow children under age 14 to operate the
mower. Children 14 years of age and above
should read and understand the operation
instructions and safety rules in this manual.
• Use extreme care when approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
your vision of a child or hazard.
4. SERVICE
• Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive.
• Use only an approved gasoline container.
• Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine
is running. Allow engine to cool at least two
minutes before refueling.
• Replace gasoline cap securely and wipe off any
spilled gasoline before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
• Never refuel machine indoors because flammable
vapors will accumulate in the area.
• Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame or spark such as a
gas water heater, space heater, or furnace.
• Never run an engine inside a closed area.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass,
leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow mower to cool at least 5 minutes
before storing.

5
• Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make
certain the blade and all moving parts have
stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep
the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
• Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at
frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also,
visually inspect blade for damage (e.g., bent,
cracked or worn). Replace with blade which meets
original equipment specifications listed in this
manual.
• Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
• After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wire from the spark plug, and
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
Repair the damage before starting and operating
the mower.
• Never attempt to make a wheel or cutting height
adjustment 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. For
safety protection, frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer’s recommended parts,
when necessary.
• 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 engine governor setting or
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds
are dangerous.
WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
Figure 2 Safety Labels Found On Lawn Mower
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5270

6
SECTION 4: SLOPE GAUGE
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.
15°
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
A CORNER OF A BUILDING
OR A FENCE POST
FOLD ONDOTTED LINE, REPRESENTING A15°SLOPE
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AFELY.

7
SECTION 5: UNPACKING INSTRUCTIONS
REMOVE UNIT FROM CARTON
• Remove staples, break glue on top flaps, or cut tape at carton end and peel along top flap to open carton.
• Remove loose parts if included with unit (i.e., owner’s manual, etc.).
• Cut along dotted lines and lay carton down flat.
• Remove packing material.
• Roll or slide unit out of carton. Check carton thoroughly for loose parts.
DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE
Before setting up your lawn mower, disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug, and ground it against the
engine by attaching rubber boot to a bolt or metal clip to the grounding post on the engine. See Figure 3.
Figure 3
SECTION 6: SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the mower is observed from the operating position.
IMPORTANT: This unit is shipped WITHOUT GASOLINE OR OIL in the engine. Be certain to service engine with
fresh gasoline and oil as instructed in the seperate engine manual before operating your mower
SETTING UP YOUR LAWN MOWER
Remove unit from carton and follow steps 1 through 9 to set up your lawn mower.
Step 1. Remove grass bag from unit and set it out of
the way. Step 2. Pull up the upper handle in the direction shown below. Align it with lower handle.
Spark Plug Wire Spark Plug
Grass
Upper
Handle
Bag
Upper
Lower
Handle Handle

8
Step 3. Tighten wing nuts. Step 4. Raise complete handle assembly until it clicks
into place. Make sure not to kink the control cables.
Step 5. Pinch lower handle against mounting bracket
with pliers.
Step 6. Move hairpin clip from outer to inner hole on
left and right handle mounting brackets.
Step 7. Attach control cables to handle with cable ties
located on the handle.
Step 8. Squeeze the blade control handle against the upper handle and pull out starter rope slowly.
Step 9. Thread starter rope into rope guide.
HERE
Handle
Assembly
Pinch Here
Hairpin Clip
Inner Hole
HERE
Blade Control Handle
Upper Handle
Starter Rope
Look here
Rope Guide
for rope guide
Squeeze handle
NOTE: Your mower has been shipped with the deck and casters set in the lowest cutting position.
Please see “cutting height adjustment” in the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual to adjust the cutting height.

9
SECTION 7: CONTROLS
Figure 4
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. See Figure 4. The blade control handle
must be depressed in order to start and operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and
the blade.
WARNING: The blade control handle is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations. The
blade will be rotating whenever the engine is running.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control lever is located on the side of the engine and is used to regulate engine speed.
• Push the throttle lever forward for SLOW (turtle) setting.
• Pull the throttle lever back for FAST (rabbit) setting.
: WARNING: Never attempt to adjust the engine’s throttle speed while the engine is running. Always
stop the engine by releasing the blade control handle before adjusting the engine’s throttle speed. The
throttle control cannot be used to stop the engine.
NOTE: For best results mulching or bagging grass clippings, always operate the mower with the engine set at full
throttle (FAST).
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the lower handle. See Figure 4. Stand behind the unit in the operating
position to start the unit.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
Squeeze the drive clutch control to engage the drive system; release the clutch control to disengage. See Figure
4. Release the clutch control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or stopping.
Recoil Starter
Blade Control Handle
Drive Clutch Control
Cutting Height
Shift Lever Adjustment Lever
Front Wheel
Caster Locks
Front Wheel
Height Adjuster

10
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control housing on the upper handle. See Figure 4. This lever is used
to select the forward speed of the mower. When changing speed selection, release the drive clutch control.
NOTE: Move the shift lever only when the engine is running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine off
can cause damage to the mower’s drive system.
CASTER LOCK
Warning: When operating mower on hills, front wheels should be locked in the straight ahead position.
The casters can be locked in a straight ahead position or can be left to swivel freely.
• Lift and place the lock pins in the larger holes to lock the wheels for straight-ahead operation.
• Place pins in smaller holes to allow casters to rotate freely for turning.
ENGINE CONTROLS
See the engine manual for the location and function of the controls located on the engine.
SECTION 8: OPERATION
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on the cutting deck. See Figure 1. The
operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields.
NOTE: For best results, raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See
“Cutting Height Adjustment” in the ADJUSTMENTS section.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual. Read all instructions
carefully.
WARNING:
Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to
cool for at least two minutes after running.
EACH TIME BEFORE YOU START YOUR MOWER
ELECTRIC START UNITS ONLY:
Warning: The battery contains corrosive fluid and toxic material — HANDLE WITH CARE. Keep away
from children. Do not puncture disassemble, mutilate or incinerate. Explosive gasses could be vented
during charging or discharging. Use in a well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition.
Charging Instructions: Charge battery for approximately 16 hours before initial use. However, do not charge
longer than 20 hours.
MPORTANT: Use only the battery charger supplied with this mower.

11
Figure 5
To charge the battery, (1) remove the protective cap from the end of the battery pack lead; (2) plug charger lead
into battery pack lead; and (3) insert battery charger plug into 120 volt standard household outlet. See Figure 5. It
is very important to follow this order of action for proper charging of the battery.
After charging, disconnect battery charger plug from household outlet first, then disconnect charger lead from
battery pack lead.
Warning: Do not remove the battery pack from the handle panel for any reason other than
replacement. When replacing the battery pack, refer to the instructions in the maintenance section.
ALL UNITS:
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
• Move the throttle control lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
• Prime or choke engine as instructed in the separate engine manual.
• Stand behind the unit, squeeze and hold the blade control handle against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull
slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly to the
rope guide.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the TROUBLE SHOOTING section of this manual.
TO STOP ENGINE AND BLADE
• Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
2
Cap
Charger
Lead
Charger
Plug
Battery
Pack

12
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST
To perform the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TESTS, answer the following questions after having started the mower
and engaged the drive clutch control.
• With the engine OFF and the drive clutch control released, push mower forward and pull it backward. Does
it move freely?
• Squeeze the drive clutch control and pull the mower backward. Do the rear wheels lock (not turn)?
• Is the drive clutch control cable free of kinks or sharp bends?
If you answered “yes” to all three questions, your mower passed the test and you can start your mower. If you
answered “no” to any of the three questions, you need to perform the “Drive Clutch Control Adjustment” as
instructed in the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the
engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury
to the operator and others.
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing proper
discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or wet grass may require
a narrower cut.
For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass. Your lawn should be cut in
the fall as long as there is growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the best cut and do the most effective job of
mowing or mulching.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower.
Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.
BAGGING GRASS CLIPPINGS
This mower can bag grass clippings. Follow steps 1 through 3 to ready the mower for bagging.
Step 1. Remove three wing nuts holding mulching baffle
or side-discharge chute in place, Then remove the plug
or the chute as the case may be.
Step 2. Replace with bagging adapter. Attach using
three wing nuts removed earlier. Be sure that inner lip
of attachment goes under the edge of the deck.

13
EMPTYING YOUR GRASS BAG
Lift grass bag from the bagging adaptor using the lower handle. While holding the lower handle, lift up the rear
section of the grass bag. The bag will open and the grass clippings will fall out. See Figure 6.
Figure 6
SIDE-DISCHARGING GRASS CLIPPINGS
This mower can also side-discharge grass clippings. Follow step 1 and 2 to ready this mower for side-discharge
operation.
Step 3. Lift chute door and slide bag onto adapter. Top of bag rests on wire bracket that extends between the
handles.
Step 1. Remove mulching baffle or grass bag adapter. Step 2. Attach discharge chute with wing nuts.
Chute
Door
Bagging Adaptor
Mulching Baffle
Side-Discharge Chute
Lower handle

14
SECTION 9: ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Do not at any time make any adjustment to lawn mower without first stopping engine and
disconnecting spark plug wire.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The rear wheel cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull
the lever out and away from the mower. Move it forward or back to the desired cutting height. See Figure 4.
The front wheel cutting height is determined by the selection of one of six positions in each caster assembly.
To adjust, remove the wing nut from the axle bolt. Slide the axle bolt and spring washer from the assembly and
select a cutting height. With the spring washer on the axle bolt, reinsert hardware in the square hole desired
through the wheel assembly and secure with the wing nut previously removed. See Figure 4.
IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same relative position. For rough or uneven lawns, raise the
cutting height of your mower.
HANDLE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Figure 7
Your mower is shipped with the handle in the higher height position. To lower the handle height, proceed as
follows.
• Remove the starter rope from the rope guide.
• Remove the upper handle by removing the hand knobs and carriage bolts. Lay the upper handle out of the
way, being careful not to bend or kink the cables.
• Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the handle brackets. Press out on the legs of the lower
handle. Remove lower handle from the mower.
• Turn the lower handle around so the notch on the bottom of the lower handle is facing forward as shown in
Figure 7. Reassemble, placing the bottom holes in the handle over the weld pins in the handle mounting
bracket.
• Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle.
• Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld pins and attach the starter rope as instructed in the Set-
Up Instructions.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
The drive clutch control adjustment wheel is located in the drive clutch control handle housing and is used to
tighten or loosen the drive belt. You will have to adjust the drive clutch control if any of the following happens:
• The mower does not propel itself with the drive clutch engaged.
Notch
Lower Handle

15
• The mower’s drive wheels hesitate with the drive clutch engaged.
To resolve the above problems, rotate the adjustment wheel with your fingers: clockwise to tighten the cable and
counter-clockwise to loosen the cable. See Figure 8.
Figure 8
Note: For some operators, the drive clutch handle may not be in a comfortable position. You can adjust the
handle by tightening the adjustment wheel.
SHIFT LEVER CABLE ADJUSTMENT
Periodic adjustment of the six-speed shift cable may be required due to normal wear on the cable. Adjustment is
needed if all six speeds do not work.
The adjustable cable bracket is located on the left side of the mower beside the engine. Follow steps 1 through 7
to adjust the shift lever.
Step 1. Start engine.
Step 2. Place speed control in the sixth speed position.
Step 3. Stop engine.
Step 4. Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it.
Step 5. Loosen hex nut (A) which secures the
adjustable cable bracket.
Step 6. Push back on the adjustable cable bracket.
Step 7. Tighten hex nut (A).
Adjustment
Bottom View
Wheel
Bottom View
Speed Control
Lever
Hex Nut (A)
Adjustable Cable Bracket
PUSH

16
SECTION 10: MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire before performing any repairs or
maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty the fuel tank and keep the engine with the discharge chute side up. Never
tip the mower more than 90 degrees and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into
the upper part of the engine or air filter element causing a starting problem.
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for all engine maintenance instructions.
• Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow
instructions carefully.
• Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty
conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced.
To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
• The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is
recommended at the start of each mowing season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap
specifications.
• Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to
permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all
grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings,
leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent
proper mulching, discharge or bagging.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
CUTTING BLADE REMOVAL, REPLACEMENT AND SHARPENING
Figure 9
• When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect hands by wearing heavy gloves or
using a heavy rag to hold the blade.
• Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft.
• Remove the blade and the blade adapter from the crankshaft.
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell
Adapter
Support

17
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object.
Replace when necessary.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each
cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and it could break
causing personal injury.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter when testing for balance.
Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
• Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the
ground when the mower is in the operating position. See Figure 9.
• Slide blade adapter towards the engine crankshaft.
• Place blade on adapter. Be certain the blade is aligned with and seated on the blade adapter flanges.
• Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with the
small hole in the blade.
• Replace hex bolt.
• Tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your unit, the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque.

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DRIVE BELT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Step 1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
Step 2. Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic
beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
Step 3. Place shift lever in the first position.
Step 4. Tip the mower on its side. Block securely.
Step 5. Remove the center bolt which secures the
blade to the crankshaft. Remove the blade, and the
blade adapter, wave washer, and spacer.
Step 6. Move rear height adjustment lever to the sixth
position.
Step 7. Remove the hex bolt holding the transmission
to the mower housing.
Step 8. Using a 3/8” socket, remove three hex screws
holding the baffle to the deck. Step 9. Tilt the transmission forward and loosen the idler pulley bolt and locknut 1/2 turn using two 7/
16” wrenches.
Step 10. Using a pair of pliers, pull back and rotate belt
keeper bracket from the slot on idler pulley.
Step 11. Slide the belt out from between the belt
keeper bracket and the idler pulley.
Step 12. Pivot baffle towards the rear of the mower.
Rear Height Adjustment Lever
Baffle
Hex Bolt
Hex Screw
Hex Screw Hex
Screw
Transmission
Belt Keeper
Bracket
Idler Pulley
Belt
Idler Pulley
Bracket
Transmission
Pulley
Bolt and
Locknut
Baffle

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Step 13. Squeeze the belt together and push belt
forward. Press the control arm inward towards the
deck and remove the six speed cable from the
slot.
Step 14. Place the new belt over the transmission
pulley. Start the belt in pulley groove and rotate
pulley until belt is seated in transmission pulley.
Step 15. Place belt between idler pulley and the belt
keeper bracket.
Step 16. Using pliers, rotate the belt keeper bracket so
that it snaps into slot on the idler bracket.
Step 17. Tighten the idler pulley bolt and locknut 1/2
turn using two 7/16” wrenches.
Step 18. Pivot the control arm down and away from the
pulley and the belt.
Step 19. Lift off the lower pulley assembly and remove
the old belt from around the crankshaft. Step 20. Place belt between the two pulley halves on the crankshaft. Make sure to route the belt inside
the belt guard pin.
IMPORTANT: When replacing the belt, do not disas-
semble the lower pulley assembly.
Belt
Six-Speed
Cable Slot
Control
Arm
Transmission
Belt Keeper
Bracket
Idler Pulley
Belt
Idler Pulley
Bracket
Transmission
Pulley
Bolt and
Locknut
Control
Arm
Six-Speed
Cable Slot
Belt
Lower Pulley
Half
Crankshaft
Belt
Lower
Pulley
Half
Upper
Pulley
Half
Belt
Pin
Tab
Guard

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Step 21. Pinch belt together so that it is not in the
pulley groove, and the lower pulley can be
pushed towards the engine.
Step 22. Pivot the control arm back to its original
position and reinstall the six-speed cable into the
slot.
Step 23. Check and make sure the belt is routed inside
the pulley halves and the belt guard pin.
Step 24. Reinstall the bolt securing transmission to rear mower housing.
Step 25. Pivot the baffle back to its original position and secure with three hex screws earlier removed. You will
need a 3/8” socket for these screws.
Step 26. Lightly lubricate the inside of the blade adapter and reinstall spacer, wave washer, blade adapter
assembly and blade in this order.
Step 27. Tighten the hex bolt to secure the blade. Follow recommended torque which is 450-600 in. lbs.
Belt
Lower Pulley
Belt
Guard
Pin
Half