Super Recycler® Lawn Mower

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before starting the engine.

• Do not put hands or feet near or under the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.

• Only allow responsible adults who are familiar with the instructions to operate this machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, wire, toys, etc., which could be thrown by the blade. Stay behind the handle when the engine is running.

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Do not operate the machine barefooted or while wearing sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.

• Do not pull the machine backward unless it is absolutely necessary. Always look down and behind before and while moving backward with the machine.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction. Material may ricochet back toward you or bystanders. Stop the blade when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate the machine without the entire grass catcher, discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective devices in place and working.

• Never leave a running machine unattended.

• Stop the engine and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before cleaning the machine, removing grass catcher, or unclogging the discharge guard.

• Operate the machine only in daylight or good artificial light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never operate the machine in wet grass. Always be sure of your footing; walk; never run.

• Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before starting the engine.

• If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the engine and check for the cause immediately. Vibration is generally a warning of trouble.

• Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.

• See the manufacturer's instructions for proper operation and installation of accessories. Use only accessories approved by the manufacturer.

Slopes are a major factor related to slip and fall accidents, which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip-and-fall accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes. Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. You could lose your footing or balance.

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine 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 the machine off if a child enters the area.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.

1. Raise the rear of the machine housing to its highest cutting-height setting by moving the 2 rear cutting-height levers all the way forward. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.

2. Attach the handle ends to the machine housing with 2 washers and 2 handle bolts (Figure 3), but do not tighten the handle bolts.

   

   Figure 3

   1. Washer
   2. Handle bolt
   3. Handle end

   Important: Route the cables to the outside of the handle (Figure 3).

3. Rotate the handle rearward (Figure 4).

   

   Figure 4

4. Lock the handle at your desired height. Refer to Adjusting the Handle Height.

5. Torque the handle bolts to 14 to 17 N-m (120 to 160 in-lb).

6. Adjust the cutting height. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.

Important: To start the engine safely and easily whenever you use the machine, install the recoil-starter rope in the rope guide.

Hold the blade-control bar to the upper handle and pull the recoil-starter rope through the rope guide on the handle (Figure 5).

Figure 5

1. Recoil-starter rope
2. Rope guide

Important: Your machine does not come with oil in the engine. Before starting the engine, fill the engine with oil.

1. Move the machine to a level surface.

2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 6) and pour about 3/4 of the crankcase capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.

   Note: Max. fill: 0.55 L (18.6 oz), type: SAE 30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

   

   Figure 6

3. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.

4. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube.

5. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 6).

   • If the oil level is too low, add a small amount of oil slowly to the oil-fill tube, and then repeat steps 3 through 5 until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

   • If the oil level is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is correct. To drain the excess oil, refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

     Important: If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

6. Install the dipstick securely.

   Important: Change the engine oil after the first 5 operating hours; change it yearly thereafter. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

1. Slip the grass bag over the frame as shown in Figure 7.

   

   Figure 7

   1. Handle
   2. Frame
   3. Grass bag

   Note: Do not slip the bag over the handle (Figure 7).

2. Hook the bottom channel of the bag onto the bottom of the frame (Figure 8).

   

   Figure 8

3. Hook the top and side channels of the bag onto the top and sides of the frame, respectively (Figure 8).

• For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).

• Oxygenated fuel with up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE by volume is acceptable.

• Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same. Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use. Never use gasoline that contains more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15 (contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85 (contains up to 85% ethanol). Using unapproved gasoline may cause performance problems and/or engine damage which may not be covered under warranty.

• Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

• Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or in fuel containers over the winter unless a fuel stabilizer is used.

• Do not add oil to gasoline.

Fill the fuel tank with fresh unleaded regular gasoline from a major name-brand service station (Figure 11).

Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline less than 30 days old.

Figure 11

Max. fill: 0.55 L (18.6 oz), type: SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

1. Move the machine to a level surface.

2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 12).

   

   Figure 12

3. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.

4. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but do not screw it in.

5. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level; refer to Figure 12.

   • If the oil level is too low, add a small amount of oil slowly to the oil-fill tube, and then repeat steps 3 through 5 until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

   • If the oil level is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is correct. To drain the excess oil, refer to Changing the Engine Oil.

     Important: If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

6. Install the dipstick securely.

Adjust the cutting height as desired. Set all 4 wheels to the same height.

Note: To raise the machine, move all 4 cutting height levers forward; to lower the machine, move them all rearward (Figure 13).

Figure 13

You may raise or lower the handle to a position comfortable for you.

Rotate the handle lock, move the handle to 1 of 3 positions, and lock the handle into position (Figure 14).

Figure 14

1. Handle lock
2. Handle positions

1. Pull the blade-control bar to the handle (Figure 15).

   

   Figure 15

2. Pull the recoil-start handle (Figure 16).

   

   Figure 16

   Note: If the machine does not start, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

To operate the self-propel drive, simply walk with your hands on the upper handle and your elbows at your sides, and the machine will automatically keep pace with you (Figure 17).

Figure 17

Release the blade-control bar (Figure 18).

Important: When you release the blade-control bar, the blade should stop within 3 seconds. If it does not stop properly, stop using your machine immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Figure 18

Your machine comes from the factory ready to recycle the grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.

If the grass bag is on the machine, remove it; refer to Removing the Grass Bag before recycling the clippings. If the side-discharge chute is on the machine, remove it and lock the side-discharge door; refer to Removing the Side-Discharge Chute before recycling the clippings.

Important: Ensure that the rear-discharge plug is locked in place. To lock the plug: Raise the discharge deflector (Figure 19), firmly push the plug in until it snaps into place behind the tabs, and rotate the lever on the plug to the left (Figure 20).

Figure 19

1. Discharge deflector
2. Rear-discharge plug

Figure 20

1. Lever
2. Tabs

Note: To unlock the plug, rotate the lever on the plug to the right (Figure 20).

Use the grass bag when you want to collect grass and leaf clippings from the lawn.

Note: Ensure the bag is seated in the correct position.

If the side-discharge chute is on the machine, remove it and lock the side-discharge door; refer to Removing the Side-Discharge Chute before bagging the clippings.

Use the side-discharge feature for cutting very tall grass.

If the bag is on the machine, remove it and insert the rear-discharge plug; refer to Removing the Grass Bag before side-discharging the clippings.

Important: Ensure that the rear-discharge plug is locked in place. To lock the plug: Raise the discharge deflector (Figure 27), firmly push the plug in until it snaps into place behind the tabs, and rotate the lever on the plug to the left (Figure 26).

Figure 27

1. Discharge deflector
2. Rear-discharge plug

Note: To unlock the plug, rotate the lever on the plug to the right (Figure 26).

Removing the Side-Discharge Chute

To remove the side-discharge chute, reverse the steps above.

Important: Lock the side-discharge door after you close it (Figure 31).

Figure 31

Close section

1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug (Figure 32) before performing any maintenance procedure.

   

   Figure 32

3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s), connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.

   Important: Before tipping the machine to change the oil or replace the blade, allow the fuel tank to run dry through normal usage. If you must tip the machine prior to running out of fuel, use a hand fuel pump to remove the fuel. Always tip the machine onto its side with the dipstick down.

   Warning

   Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to leak. Gasoline is flammable and explosive and can cause personal injury.

   Run the engine dry or remove the gasoline with a hand pump; never siphon.

1. Press down on the latch tabs on top of the air cleaner cover (Figure 33).

   

   Figure 33

   1. Latch tabs

2. Open the cover.

3. Remove the paper air filter (Figure 34).

   

   Figure 34

4. If the air filter is damaged or is wet with oil or fuel, replace it.

5. If the air filter is dirty, tap it on a hard surface several times or blow compressed air less than 207 kPa (30 psi) through the side of the filter that faces the engine.

   Do not brush the dirt off the filter; brushing forces dirt into the fibers.

6. Remove dirt from the air cleaner body and cover using a moist rag. Do not wipe dirt into the air duct.

7. Install the filter into the air cleaner.

8. Install the cover.

Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm it. Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.

1. Perform the pre-maintenance procedures; refer to Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Remove the dipstick.

3. Tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down, to drain the used oil out through the oil-fill tube (Figure 35).

   

   Figure 35

4. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the normal operating position.

5. Remove the dipstick and pour about 3/4 of the crankcase capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.

   Note: Max. fill: 0.55 L (18.6 oz), type: SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 detergent oil with an API service classification of SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, or higher.

6. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.

7. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube.

8. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level on the dipstick (Figure 36).

   

   Figure 36

   • If the oil level is too low, add a small amount of oil slowly to the oil-fill tube, and then repeat steps 6 through 8 until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

   • If the oil level is too high, drain the excess oil until the oil level on the dipstick is correct.

     Important: If the oil level in the crankcase is too low or too high and you run the engine, you may damage the engine.

9. Install the dipstick securely.

10. Recycle the used oil properly.

1. Wipe the grease fittings just inside the rear wheels with a clean rag (Figure 37).

   

   Figure 37

   1. Grease fitting

2. Install a grease gun onto each fitting and gently apply 2 or 3 pumps of #2 multi-purpose, lithium-based grease.

Important: You will need a torque wrench to install the blade properly. If you do not have a torque wrench or are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline. If the blade is damaged or cracked, replace it immediately. If the blade edge is dull or nicked, have it sharpened or replace it.

1. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance.

2. Tip the machine onto its side with the dipstick down.

3. Use a block a wood to hold the blade steady (Figure 38).

   

   Figure 38

4. Remove the blade, saving all mounting hardware.

5. Install the new blade and all mounting hardware.

   Important: Position the curved ends of the blade to point toward the machine housing.

6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to 82 N-m (60 ft-lb).

   Important: A bolt torqued to 82 N-m (60 ft-lb) is very tight. While holding the blade with a block of wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is very difficult to overtighten.

Whenever you install a new self-propel cable or if the self-propel drive is out of adjustment, adjust the self-propel drive.

1. Turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to loosen the cable adjustment (Figure 39).

   

   Figure 39

   1. Handle (left side)
   2. Adjustment knob
   3. Self-propel-drive cable

2. Adjust the tension on the cable (Figure 39) by pulling it back or pushing it forward and holding that position.

   Note: Push the cable toward the engine to increase the traction; pull the cable away from the engine to decrease the traction.

3. Turn the adjustment knob clockwise to tighten the cable adjustment.

   Note: Tighten the knob firmly by hand.

For best results, clean the machine soon after you have completed mowing.

1. Lower the machine to its lowest cutting-height setting. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height.

2. Move the machine onto a flat paved surface.

3. Attach a garden hose that is connected to a water supply to the washout port (Figure 40).

   

   Figure 40

   1. Washout port

4. Turn the water on.

5. Start the engine and run it until there are no more clippings that come out from under the machine.

6. Stop the engine.

7. Shut off the water and disconnect the garden hose from the machine.

8. Start the engine and run it for a few minutes to dry the underside of the machine.