Operator’s Manual 21” Self-Propelled Mower Model Series 970 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 Important Safe Operation Practices Slope Guage Assembling Your Lawn Mower Know Your Lawn Mower Operating Your Lawn Mower Making Adjustments Content Maintaining Your Lawn Mower Servicing Your Lawn Mower Off-Season Storage Troubleshooting Illustrated Parts List Warranty Page 3 6 7 9 10 11 Page 13 14 16 17 18 36 FINDING MODEL NUMBER This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn mower. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance.
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. 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. Shut the engine off and wait until the blade comes to a complete stop before removing the grass catcher or unclogging the chute.
10. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for fuel expansion. 11. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. 12. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and equipment. Move unit to another area. Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine. 13. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light as on a water heater, space heater, furnace, clothes dryer or other gas appliances. 14.
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 O N DOT TED SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE NG A 15 ° SL OPE OR A FENCE POST A CORNER OF A BUILDING A POWER POLE LINE , RE P R ESE NTI 15° 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 Recoil Starter 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 recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating. WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
• Bagging Grass Clippings to slip and fall. New grass or thick grass may require a narrower cut. For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be trimmed in fall as long as there is growth. You can use the grass catcher bag to collect clippings while you are operating the mower. • IMPORTANT: 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.
• Pull the lever out and away from the mower and then move it forward or backward to another slot. For rough or uneven lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help stop scalping. 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. Shift Lever Cable Periodic adjustment of the six speed shift cable may be necessary due to normal wear on the cable.
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 14.
SECTION 8: SERVICING 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. • 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 17. • • Wheel • • Hex Bolt • • • Cutting Height Adjustment Wheel Figure 17 • 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 • • • 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. Lightly lubricate the inside of the blade adapter and reinstall the spacer, wave washer, blade adapter assembly, and blade in the correct order. Tighten the hex bolt to secure the blade to torque: 450-600 in. lbs.
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 MODEL SERIES 970 1 2 3 4 15 14 8 5 19 9 7 6 12 20 13 10 17 16 11 35 36 21 40 41 45 42 18 43 30 44 26 23 22 38 39 33 50 52 37 32 34 49 46 62 77 63 47 65 27 64 24 28 48 29 66 31 33 67 51 53 59 45 58 61 68 69 70 73 71 76 64 74 75 78 72 79 81 80 25 77 IMPORTANT: For a proper working machine, use Factory Approved Parts. V-BELTS are specially designed to engage and disengage safely.
Model Series 970 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. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. Part No.
Model Series 970 1 16 2 17 15 3 4 28 11 26 27 5 24 9 25 8 18 10 12 21 23 22 4 5 7 14 7 13 14 6 30 19 34 29 20 35 31 32 33 20 6 7
Model Series 970 Ref. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 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 741-0324A 682-7526 618-0263A 710-0604A 713-0453 Ref. No. Part Description 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. Grip Spring Lever Shoulder Nut .825 x .165 Lg. Cap Screw 1/4-20 x .620 Bell Washer .285 ID x .75 OD Wheel Rachet Flat Washer .508 ID x 1.
NOTES 22
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 F Figure 3 A. Fuel Tank Cap B. Fuel Tank (capacity 2.0L [0.528US gal.]) Figure 1 C. Fuel Tube a. Warning b. Engine Maintenance D. Carburetor 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 -20°C -10°C 0°C 10°C 20°C Fuel Use only clean, fresh, unleaded regular grade gasoline. 30°C 40°C SAE 40 SAE 30 SAE 10W-30/10W-40 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. SAE 5W-20 Figure 5 NOTE: If "knocking or pinging" occurs, use a different brand of gasoline or higher octane rating.
• CAUTION: The engine is shipped without engine oil. • • DO NOT let the recoil starter grip snap back itself. This may cause damage to the recoil starter assembly. Hold the brake control lever (A) on the equipment against the handle (B) on the equipment. Pull the recoil starter grip (C) slowly until you feel compression, then pull fast and steady. Figure 7 Starting Band Pad System Upon releasing the brake control lever on the equipment, the cutting blade and the engine will stop automatically.
Adjustment 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.
• Refilling Fresh Oil Put the mower back to its operating position (on all four wheels). • Dipstick Remove dipstick and refill with new oil (See FUEL AND OIL RECOMMENDATIONS chapter). NOTE: If you followed the second method of draining oil, the dipstick is already removed from the engine. • Crank Case Check the oil level (See PREPARATION chapter), and secure dipstick to the filler plug. WARNING: Engine oil is toxic substance. Dispose of used oil properly.
A. Fasteners A. Slit in the air cleaner body B. Recoil Starter B. Projection on the air cleaner case C. Air Cleaner Case C. Fasteners D. Air Cleaner body CAUTION: After servicing the air cleaner, be sure all the removed parts are reinstalled properly in place. Failure to secure fastening of the air cleaner case with the air cleaner body may cause dirt or other foreign materials to enter the engine, while it is running, through the air cleaner, resulting in engine troubles or failures. E.
Storage Engine to be stored over 30 days should be completely drained of fuel (gasoline) to prevent gum deposits forming on essential carburetor parts and fuel system. WARNING: Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions. Drain gasoline before storing the equipment for extended periods. Drain gasoline in a well-ventilated area away from any source of flame or sparks, including any appliances with a pilot light. Store gasoline in an approved container in safe location.
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 offroad engines must be designed, built and equipped to meet stringent anti-smog standards.
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” warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship 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.