User Manual Yard Machines 11A-A0S5700 - 21" 132cc Gas Push Lawn Mower

• User Manual - (English, Spanish)

Table of contents

• Assembly & Set-Up
• Controls and Features
• Operation
• Maintenance & Adjustments
• Troubleshooting

Assembly & Set-Up

Contents of Carton

• One Lawn Mower
• One Grass Catcher†
• One Bottle of Oil
• One Lawn Mower Operator’s Manual
• One Engine Operator’s Manual
• One Side Discharge Chute†

NOTE: Please be aware that this Operator’s Manual covers both the low and high wheel models of this mower. While this manual illustrates the low wheel model, the instructions and features are equally applicable to the high wheel model as well, unless otherwise noted.

Assembly

NOTE: This unit is shipped without gasoline or oil in the engine.

Fill up with gasoline and oil as instructed in the accompanying engine manual BEFORE operating your mower.

Handle

1. Remove any packing material which may be between upper and lower handles.
   • a. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from handle as shown in Figure 3-1. Do not loosen or remove adjacent hex head screws.
     
     Figure 3-1
   • b. While stabilizing mower so it doesn’t move, pivot upper handle up as shown in Figure 3-2. Do not crimp cable while lifting the handle up.
     
     Figure 3-2
2. Remove the T-bolts from the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-3.
   
   Figure 3-3
3. Follow the steps below to complete handle assembly:
   • a. Pull upward on the handle until holes in lower handle (shown in Figure 3-3 deck cutaway) line up with holes in handle bracket. See Figure 3-4.
     
     NOTE: When pulling upward on handle, make sure to not pull handle all the way out.
   • b. Insert the T-bolts removed earlier through the handle brackets and lower handle and tighten securely to secure the handle in place. See Figure 3-4.
   • c. Reattach wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier into lower holes of handle as shown in Figure 3-5
     
4. The rope guide is attached to the right side of the upper handle. Loosen the wing knob which secures the rope guide. See Figure 3-6.
   
   • a. Hold blade control against upper handle.
   • b. Slowly pull starter rope handle from engine and slip starter rope into the rope guide. See Figure 3-6.
   • c. Tighten rope guide wing knob.
   • d. Use cable tie(s) to secure cable(s) to lower handle.

Grass Catcher (If Equipped)

1. Follow steps below to assemble the grass catcher (if needed). Make certain bag is turned right side out before assembling (warning label will be on the outside).
   • a. Place bag over frame so that its black plastic side is at the bottom.
   • b. Slip plastic channel of grass bag over hooks on the frame. See Figure 3-7.
     
2. Follow steps below to attach grass catcher:
   • a. Lift rear discharge door.
   • b. Place grass catcher into the slots in the handle brackets as shown in Figure 3-8. Let go of discharge door so that it rests on the grass catcher
     

To remove grass catcher, lift rear discharge door on the mower. Lift grass catcher up and of the slots in the handle brackets. Release rear discharge door to allow it to close rear opening of mower.

Side Discharge Chute (If Equipped)

Your mower may be shipped as a mulcher. To convert to side discharge, make sure grass catcher (if equipped) is off of the unit and rear discharge door (if equipped) is closed.

1. On the side of the mower, lift the side mulching plug. See Figure 3-9
   
2. Slide two hooks of side discharge chute under hinge pin on mulching plug assembly. Lower the mulching plug. Do not remove side mulching plug at any time, even when you are not mulching.

Adjustments

Cutting Height

There is a cutting height adjustment lever located above the front and rear right wheel.

NOTE: On select models, the front height adjuster is located above the front left wheel. Refer to Figure 3-10 below and the instructions on the next page.

1. Pull the height adjustment lever towards wheel.
2. Move lever to desired position for a change in cutting height. See Figure 3-11 and Figure 3-12.
   
   
   NOTE: For mowers with low wheels, the height adjustment levers move in the opposite direction to adjust; for those with high wheels, the levers move in the same direction.
3. Release lever towards deck.

IMPORTANT: Both the front and rear wheels must be placed in the same relative position. For rough or uneven lawns, move the height adjustment levers to a higher position. This will stop scalping of grass.

Handle Pitch (If Equipped)

For convenience of operation, you may be able to adjust the pitch of the handle as follows:

1. Remove wing nuts and carriage bolts from handle. See Figure 3-13.
   
2. Position the handle in one of the three positions that is most comfortable. See Figure 3-13 inset.
3. Secure into position with wing nuts and carriage bolts removed earlier.

Set-Up

Gas and Oil Fill-Up

Refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for additional engine information.

1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time out of the box.
2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate engine owner’s manual.

WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.

Controls and Features

Blade Control

The blade control is attached to the upper handle of the mower.

Depress and squeeze it against the upper handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and blade.

WARNING: This blade control is a safety device.

Never attempt to bypass its operations.

Cutting Height Adjustment Lever

One adjustment lever is located on the right rear wheel and one is located on the right front wheel. Both levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust the cutting height, refer to the “Assembly & Set-Up” Section.

NOTE: On select models, the front height adjuster is located above the front left wheel.

Grass Catcher (If Equipped)

The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is full, remove it up through the handles using the strap provided and empty it before any further mowing.

Mulch Plug (If Equipped)

The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the side discharge chute, some mower models have the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching.

Side Discharge Chute (If Equipped)

Your mower may be shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass clippings to the side instead, follow the instructions in the Assembly & Set-Up” section to attach the side discharge chute.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label on the unit.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.

Operation

Starting & Stopping Engine

Refer to the Engine Operator’s manual packed with your lawn mower for instructions on starting and stopping the engine.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Using as Mulcher (If Equipped)

For mulching grass, remove the side discharge chute (if equipped) or the grass catcher (if equipped) and allow the rear discharge door (if equipped) to close the rear opening of mower.

For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

Using Grass Catcher (If Equipped)

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.

1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the “Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower till grass bag is full.
2. Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.
3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair damage before restarting and operating.

Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

Maintenance & Adjustments

Maintenance

General Recommendations

• Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance.
• The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover items that have been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To receive full value from warranty, operator must maintain the lawn mower as instructed here.
• Changing of engine-governed speed will void engine warranty.
• All adjustments should be checked at least once each season.
• Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these are tight.

WARNING: Always stop engine, disconnect spark plug, and ground against engine before performing any type of maintenance on your machine.

Lubrication

1. Lubricate pivot points on the blade control at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions. See Figure 6-1.
   
2. Follow the accompanying engine manual for lubrication schedule and instruction for engine lubrication.

Deck Care

Clean underside of the mower deck after each use to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. Follow steps below for this job.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain gasoline from lawn mower or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.
2. Tip mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold mower firmly.
   WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90º in any direction and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time. Oil can drain into the upper part of the engine causing a starting problem.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. If you had put plastic under the gas cap earlier, make sure to remove it now.

Engine Care

A list of key engine maintenance jobs required for good performance by the mower is given below. Follow the accompanying engine manual for a detailed list and instructions.

• Maintain oil level as instructed in engine manual.
• 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 engine manual.
• Clean spark plug and reset the gap 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 engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the top of the engine clean to permit proper air circulation.
• Remove all grass, dirt, and combustible debris from muffler area.
• Engines stored between 30 and 90 days need to be treated with a gasoline stabilizer such as STA-BIL® to prevent deterioration and gum from forming in fuel system or on essential carburetor parts.

Blade Care

WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.

1. Disconnect spark plug boot from spark plug. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.
2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 7-1
   
3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft. See Figure 7-1
4. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
   WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury.
5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter (and wave washer, if applicable) onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. See Figure 7-1 inset.
6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.
7. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.

To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.

Off-Season Storage

The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.

• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.
• Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
• Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.
• Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
• Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.

When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving parts of your lawn mower before storage.

Troubleshooting