Operator’s Manual 21” Self-Propelled Mower Models 977A & E977C IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Content Page Important Safe Operation Practices...................................................................... 3 Slope Gauge......................................................................................................... 6 Assembling Your Lawn Mower ............................................................................. 7 Know Your Lawn Mower ....................................................................................... 9 Operating Your Lawn Mower .........
SECTION 1: 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 this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—HEED ITS WARNING.
9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 3. Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause slipping. immediately and the blade will stop rotating within three seconds. Mow in daylight or good artificial light; walk, not run. Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walkways 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.
4. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them. 5. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition. 6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly. 7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating the mower. 8.
SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn mower on such slopes. FOL D ON D OTT ED L IN E 15° , S EN TI NG A 15 ° SL O PE OR A FENCE POST A CORNER OF A BUILDING A POWER POLE SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE R EP RE 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.
SECTION 3: ASSEMBLING YOUR LAWN MOWER Removing Unit From Carton Setting Up Your Lawn Mower • Assembling Handle • • • 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., grass bag etc.), and save it appropriately. Cut along corners, lay the carton down flat, and remove all packing material. Roll or slide unit out of carton and check carton thoroughly for loose parts.
• Fasten the cable to the lower handle with the two cable ties found on the lower handle. Pull the cable ties tight and trim off the excess. See Figure 5. Grass Bag Adapter Cable Tie Lower Handle Wing Nuts Figure 5 Figure 7 Attaching Starter Rope • NOTE: Make certain the drive cable is routed around the outside and above the lower handle so it does not interfere with attaching the grass bag. • • Lift chute door on the grass bag adapter and slide grass bag onto the adapter. See Figure 8.
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER Drive Clutch Control Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference. The drive clutch control is located on the upper handle. Squeeze the drive control to engage the drive system. Release the clutch control to disengage the drive system.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all • instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. • NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best results, raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See the Adjustment Section for details. WARNING: Do not remove the battery pack from the handle panel for any reason other than replacement.
• • • • • Push primer once. Do not prime to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown. Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle. Electric Start: Turn the ignition key to the right to start the engine. Release the key after the engine starts. Recoil Start: 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.
• • Press out on the legs of the lower handle and remove lower handle from the mower. Turn lower handle around so the notch on the bottom of the lower handle is facing forward. See Figure 12. Bottom View Upper Handle Adjustment Wheel Notch Lower Handle Shift Lever Drive Clutch Control Figure 13 Figure 12 • • • • NOTE: For some people the drive clutch control may not be in a comfortable position. You can adjust the handle out by tightening the adjustment wheel.
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER • WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower. Cleaning Mower Lubrication The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent any build-up of debris. If allowed to accumulate, it will cause rust and corrosion. Refer to the lubrication chart in Figure 15.
SECTION 8: SERVICING THE MOWER • WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower. • Blade Care • WARNING: When removing the cutting Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the blade is aligned 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 small holes in the blade.
• • Remove the hex bolt from the rear of unit holding the transmission to the mower housing. See Figure 18. • Wheel • • Hex Bolt • • • Cutting Height Adjustment Wheel Figure 18 • Pivot the control arm down away from the pulley and belt. Lift off the lower pulley assembly and remove the old belt from around the crankshaft. Place the new belt over the transmission pulley. Start the belt in the pulley groove and rotate the pulley until the belt is seated in transmission pulley.
• Six-Speed Cable Slot Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck. Replacing Battery Pack (Model E977 only) • • Control Arm Figure 23 • • • • • Make sure the belt is routed inside the pulley halves and the belt guard pin. Reinstall the bolt securing transmission to rear mower housing. Pivot the baffle back to its original position and secure with three hex screws removed earlier.
SECTION 10: TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Cause Remedy Engine fails to start 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Blade control handle disengaged. Spark plug wire disconnected. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel. Blocked fuel line. Faulty spark plug. Engine flooded 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Engage blade control handle. Connect wire to spark plug. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline. Clean fuel line. Clean, adjust gap, or replace. Wait a few minutes to restart, do not prime. Engine runs erratic 1. 2. Spark plug wire loose.
SECTION 11: PARTS LIST FOR MODELS 977 & E977 1 2 3 4 15 14 8 5 17 9 7 6 12 20 18 13 10 19 16 11 35 36 37 38 21 43 88 42 44 89 40 41 45 48 50 57 54 52 94 28 27 56 39 33 32 34 49 46 51 55 53 57 59 45 90 62 29 91 63 64 92 66 31 33 67 65 47 58 61 68 69 70 73 71 72 76 77 74 75 78 79 81 80 30 IMPORTANT: For a proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts. V-BELTS are specially designed to engage and disengage safely.
Models 977 & E977 Ref. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. Part No.
Models 977 & E977 1 2 15 16 8 3 17 28 27 11 4 26 5 6 25 9 24 7 10 18 12 21 14 29 7 13 23 14 22 30 19 7 31 30 20 33 32 34 60 35 36 59 37 38 40 39 43 41 42 44 45 61 46 48 47 49 51 58 52 62 50 53 56 54 55 63 57 20
Models 977 & E977 Ref. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. Part No. 720-0223 732-0803A 738-0529 710-0751 736-0270 748-0318 736-0369 682-0531 750-0515 741-0978 750-1056 710-0653 682-7528 741-0324 682-7526 618-0263A 710-0604A 713-0453 638-0012 741-0522 732-0832 750-0151 710-1315 711-0835 750-0807 782-0568 710-1652 714-0474 712-3025 736-0425 756-0656 736-3084 Ref. No. Part Description Grip Spring Lever Shoulder Nut .
Model E977 1 2 3 8 5 10 12 15 9 7 13 16 6 11 9 14 17 4 20 18 19 Ref. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Part No. 725-0201 725-0873 731-0891A 725-0727 725-0298 725-1428 725-1276 710-0501 736-0270 712-0329 725-1206 712-0267 736-0242 712-0287 710-1250 710-0111 782-9012 710-0969 725-1538 625-0022 Description Ignition Key Key Switch Battery Tray Battery Charger Fuse 7.5 Amp Fuse Holder Battery 12V Hex Screw:1/4-20:2.
SAFETY AWARENESS WARNING: Whenever you see the symbols shown on the left, heed their instructions! Always follow safe operating and maintenance practices. FORWARD We wish to thank you for purchasing this Kawasaki engine. Please read this Owner's manual carefully before starting your new engine so that you will be thoroughly familiar with the proper operation of your engine's control, its features, capabilities and limitations. Also read the manual of the equipment to which this engine is attached.
READ THIS FIRST WARNING: Never allow children to operate the engine or equipment. Keep people and pets out of area where you are using the engine or equipment. Never wear loose, torn, or bulky clothing. It may catch on moving parts or controls, leading to the risk of accident. Never consume alcohol or drug before or while operating this engine. Do not run the engine in a closed area. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly poison.
gasses are led to a breather chamber through the crankcase and from there to the air cleaner. necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable standards. Engine Emissions Compliance Period As the owner of the engine, you have the responsibility to make sure that the recommended maintenance is carried out according to the instructions in this Owner's Manual at your own expense.
General Information Location of Safety Related Labels C Figure 3 A. Fuel Tank Cap B. Fuel Tank (capacity 2.0L [0.528US gal.]) Figure 1 C. Fuel Tube D. Carburetor a. Warning (Refer to ) b. Engine Maintenance (Refer to )) E. Priming Pump F. Air Cleaner G. Recoil starter H. Recoil Starter Grip I. Oil Drain Plugs (engine oil capacity 0.65L [0.69US gal.]) Figure 4 J. Oil Gauge / Filler Cap K. Spark Plug Cap / Spark Plug L. Muffler Engine Serial Number M. P.T.O.
Fuel And Oil Recommendations Fuel A Use only clean, fresh, unleaded regular grade gasoline. K < SAE5W-20 t. 1 Octane Rating < The octane rating of a gasoline is a measure of its resistance to "knocking".Use a minimum of 87 octane of the antiknock index is recommended. The antiknock index is posted on service station pumps in the U.S.A.
• Remove the oil gauge to check the oil level. Level should be between "ADD" and "FULL" marks. Do not overfill. • Install and tighten the oil gauge. Engine Oil Capacity, 0.65 L (0.69 us.qt) • • CAUTION: The engine is shipped without engine oil. • • damage to the recoil starter or pad system of the engine. DO NOT pull the recoil starter grip out of the end. DO NOT let the recoil starter grip snap back itself. This may cause damage to the recoil starter assembly.
Adjustment A. Brake Control Lever B. Handle Engine Speed Adjustment NOTE: Do not tamper with the governor setting or the carburetor setting to increase the engine speed. Each carburetor is adjusted at the factory with either a cap or stop plate installed on the mixture screw. Any adjustments must be performed an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
• Air Cleaner Service Remove the oil drain plug (A) on side of the engine or on bottom of the engine to drain oil into suitable container (B) while the engine is warm. CAUTION: To prevent excessive engine wear, do not run the engine with the air cleaner WARNING: Clean the elements in a wellventilated area and take care that there are no sparks or flame anywhere near the working area, this includes any appliance with a pilot light. Do not use gasoline or low flash-point solvents to clean the element.
• Check the spark plug gap and reset it if necessary. The gap must be between 0.7 and 0.8 mm (0.028 and 0.032"). To change the gap, bend only the side-electrode, using a spark plug tool. CAUTION: Do not oil foam element. Paper Element • • Clean the paper element every 100 hours. Clean the element by tapping gently to remove dust. If very dirty, replace the element with a new one. • Replace with a new paper-element yearly or 300 hours. CAUTION: Do not wash paper-element.
• A. Spark Plug Hole Remove the spark plug and pour approx. 1-2 mL (0.06-0.1 cu.in) of new engine oil through the plug hole (A), slowly pull the recoil starter grip several times and reinstall the spark plug. • • • • Figure 18 32 Slowly pull the recoil starter grip until you feel compression and leave it there. Clean every part of the engine. After period of storage, change engine oil. (Refer to "Oil Change" section in "MAINTENANCE" section).
Troubleshooting Guide Symptom Engine won't start output is low Probable Cause Insufficient compression 1. Faulty piston, cylinder, piston ring, and head gasket Faulty valves Loose spark plug Loose cylinder head bolts 1. Tighten properly No fuel to 1. combustion chamber 2. 3. 4. No fuel in fuel tank Blocked rue tube Blocked air vent in fuel tank cap Faulty carburetor 1. Fill fuel tank 2. Clean 3. Clean 4. ‡ Spark plug fouled by fuel 1. Over-rich fuel/air mixture 2. 3. 4. 5.
KAWASAKI LIMITED WARRANTY CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS SMALL OFF-ROAD ENGINES The California Air Resources Board, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (hereinafter "Kawasaki") are pleased to explain the Emission Control Systems Warranty on your Kawasaki small off-road engine. In California and other states, new small off-road engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet stringent anti-smog standards.
2. LIMITATIONS. This Emission Control Systems Warranty shall not cover any of the following: (a) Repair or replacement required as a result of (i) misuse or neglect, (ii) lack of required maintenance. (iii) repairs improperly performed or replacements improperly installed, (iv) use of replacement parts or accessories not conforming to Kawasaki specifications which adversely affect performance and/or durability, (v) alterations or modifications not recommended or approved in writing by Kawasaki.
MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR: The limited warranty set forth below is given by Cub Cadet LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in the United States, its possessions and territories. Cub Cadet LLC warrants this product against defects for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship.