7
ASSEMBLY
IMPORTANT: This mower is shipped without gasoline or oil in
the engine. Be certain to service engine with gasoline and oil
as instructed in the Operation section of the Engine Operator’s
Manual before starting or operating your mower.
NOTE: Reference to right and left hand side of the Lawn Mower is
observed from the operating position.
Unpacking
OPENING CARTON
1. Cut each corner of the carton vertically from top to bottom.
2. Remove all loose parts:
• Grass Catcher (if equipped)
• Engine Oil
3. Remove loose packing material.
REMOVING MOWER FROM CARTON
1. Lift mower from the rear to detach it from underlying carton
material and roll mower out of carton.
2. Check carton thoroughly for any other loose parts.
Mower Assembly
Perform the following Procedures to assemble and set up the
mower:
• Handle Assembly
• Pull-Out Handle. See page 7.
• Vertical Storage Handle. See page 8.
• Recoil starter Rope Handle Assembly
• Attaching the Grass Catcher (if equipped)
• Attaching Side Discharge Cover (if equipped)
NOTE: If necessary, refer to the procedures in the Adjustments
Section after assembling the mower.
Handle Assembly
PULL-OUT HANDLE
1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper
and lower handles.
2. Remove knobs or wing nuts and carriage bolts from the
handle (Figure 1). Do not loosen or remove adjacent hex head
screws.
Knobs Shown
Figure 1
3. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot upper
handle up (Figure 2). Do not crimp blade control cable while
lifting the handle up.
Figure 2
4. Remove T-bolts from the handle brackets (Figure 3).
Figure 3
5. Pull upward on the handle (Figure 4) until holes in lower
handle line up with holes in handle brackets (Figure 3 deck
cutaway).
NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, do not pull handle all
the way out of the handle brackets.
Figure 4
8
ASSEMBLY
6. Insert the T-bolts removed in STEP 4 through the handle
brackets and lower handle (Figure 4) and tighten securely to
secure the handle in place.
7. Reattach knobs or wing nuts and carriage bolts removed in
STEP 2 into lower holes of the handle (Figure 5).
Knobs Shown
Figure 5
VERTICAL STORAGE HANDLE
1. Remove the four carriage bolts and nuts from the lower
handles (Figure 6).
Figure 6
2. Unlock the two handle release levers. See inset, Figure 7.
3. Ensure the lower handles are folded forward towards the
front of the mower.
Figure 7
4. Using the four carriage bolts and nuts removed in STEP
2, secure the upper handle to the lower handle. Tighten
hardware securely to secure the handle in place.
Figure 8
5. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, lift the upper
handle up (a) (Figure 9). Do not crimp blade control cable
while lifting the handle up.
6. When lifting the upper handle ensure the position indicator
(b) aligns with one of three handle positions (c). See inset,
Figure 9.
7. Lock the two handle release levers. See inset, Figure 9.
8. Ensure all hardware is securely tightened.
a
c
b
Figure 9
9
ASSEMBLY
Recoil Starter Rope Handle Assembly
NOTE: The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper
handle. Loosen the knob securing the rope guide (Figure 10).
NOTE: Vertical Storage Mowers Only: The recoil starter rope is
equipped with a rope stop clamp to prevent the starter rope
being pulled into the engine. Do not remove the rope stop clamp.
1. Hold blade control against upper handle.
2. Slowly pull recoil starter rope handle from engine and slip
starter rope into the rope guide.
3. Tighten rope guide knob.
1
2
3
Figure 10
Attaching the Grass Catcher (if equipped)
1. Perform the following to assemble the grass catcher
(Figure 11).
NOTE: Before assembling the grass catcher, ensure the grass
bag is turned right side out, with the warning label showing
on the outside.
a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is at the
bottom.
b. Slip plastic channels (a) of grass bag over the frame (b).
a
b
Figure 11
2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher (Figure 12).
a. Lift mower rear discharge door (a).
b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets
(b). Lower the discharge door so that it rests on the grass
catcher.
NOTE: To remove grass catcher reverse STEP 2. Lift mower rear
discharge door. Lift grass catcher up and off the slots in the
handle brackets and lower the rear discharge door.
a
b
b
Figure 12
Attaching Side Discharge Cover (if equipped)
The mower is shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge,
ensure the grass catcher is removed and the rear discharge door
is closed.
1. Lift the side mulch cover (Figure 13).
2. Slide the two hooks of the side discharge cover under the
mulch cover hinge pin. Lower the side mulch cover.
IMPORTANT: Do not remove side mulch cover at any time.
1
2
Figure 13
NOTE: Some side discharge chutes include a clip to secure the
discharge chute to the handle. If equipped, the side discharge
chute can be secured to the handle when not in use (Figure 14).
Figure 14
