Lawn Boy 10730 Manual User Manual

Form No. 3379-226 Rev A  
21in Mulching/Rear Bagging Lawn  
Mower  
Model No. 10730—Serial No. 314000001 and Up  
Model No. 10732—Serial No. 314000001 and Up  
Model No. 10734—Serial No. 314000001 and Up  
Model No. 17730—Serial No. 314000001 and Up  
Model No. 17732—Serial No. 314000001 and Up  
Model No. 17734—Serial No. 314000001 and Up  
Operator's Manual  
Receive a free side-discharge chute by  
completing the Discharge Chute Order  
Form when you register your product at  
weeks for delivery.  
Model No.  
Introduction  
This rotary-blade, walk-behind lawn mower is intended  
to be used by residential homeowners. It is designed  
primarily for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns  
on residential properties. It is not designed for cutting  
brush or for agricultural uses.  
Serial No.  
This manual identifies potential hazards and has safety  
messages identified by the safety alert symbol (Figure 2),  
which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death  
if you do not follow the recommended precautions.  
Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and  
maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and  
product damage. You are responsible for operating the  
product properly and safely.  
You may contact Lawn-Boy directly at www.Lawn-Boy.com  
for product and accessory information, help finding a dealer,  
or to register your product.  
Figure 2  
1. Safety alert symbol  
Whenever you need service, genuine Lawn-Boy parts, or  
additional information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer  
or Lawn-Boy Customer Service and have the model and  
serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 identifies the  
location of the model and serial numbers on the product.  
Write the numbers in the space provided.  
This manual uses 2 words to highlight information.  
Important calls attention to special mechanical information  
and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special  
attention.  
Figure 1  
1. Model and serial number plate  
© 2013—Lawn-Boy® Inc.  
8111 Lyndale Avenue South  
Bloomington, MN 55420  
Original Instructions (EN)  
Printed in the USA  
All Rights Reserved  
*3379-226*  
A
     
Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operating.  
Stop machine if anyone enters the area.  
Children  
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.  
Do not operate machine barefooted or while wearing  
sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.  
Do not pull machine backward unless absolutely  
necessary. Always look down and behind before and  
while moving backward.  
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the  
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the  
operator.  
Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid  
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.  
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop the  
blade when crossing gravel surfaces.  
Be alert and turn mower off if a child enters the area.  
Never allow children to operate the machine.  
Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,  
discharge guard, rear guard, or other safety protective  
devices in place and working.  
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,  
trees, or other objects that may block your view of a child.  
Never leave a running machine unattended.  
Service  
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.  
Safe Handling of Gasoline  
Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial light.  
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use  
extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely  
flammable and the vapors are explosive.  
Do not operate the machine while under the influence  
of alcohol or drugs.  
Never operate the mower in wet grass. Always be sure of  
your footing; walk; never run.  
Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources  
of ignition.  
Disengage the drive system, if so equipped, before  
starting the engine.  
Use only an approved gasoline container.  
Never remove the gas cap or add fuel with the engine  
running. Allow the engine to cool before refueling.  
If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop  
the engine and check for the cause immediately. Vibration  
is generally a warning of trouble.  
Never refuel the machine indoors.  
Always wear eye protection when operating the machine.  
Never store the machine or fuel container where there is  
an open flame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water  
heater or on other appliances.  
Lightning can cause severe injury or death. If you see  
lightning or hear thunder in the area, do not operate the  
machine; seek shelter.  
Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or  
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on  
the ground away from your vehicle before filling.  
See the manufacturer's instructions for proper operation  
and installation of accessories. Use only accessories  
approved by the manufacturer.  
Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or trailer  
and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then  
refuel such equipment with a portable container rather  
than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.  
Slope Operation  
Slopes are a major factor related to slip-and-fall accidents,  
which can result in severe injury. Operation on all slopes  
require extra caution. If you feel uneasy on a slope, do not  
mow it.  
Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank  
or container opening at all times until fueling is complete.  
Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.  
If fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immediately.  
Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.  
Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on  
slopes.  
Never overfill fuel tank. Replace the gas cap and tighten  
it securely.  
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden  
objects. Uneven terrain could cause a slip-and-fall  
accident. Tall grass can hide obstacles.  
WARNING  
Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless,  
deadly poison that can kill you.  
Do not mow on wet grass or excessively steep slopes.  
Poor footing could cause a slip-and-fall accident.  
Do not run the engine indoors or in an enclosed  
area.  
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.  
You could lose your footing or balance.  
3
     
Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves,  
and use extra caution when servicing them.  
General Service  
Never operate the machine in a closed area.  
Do not change the engine governor setting or overspeed  
the engine.  
Keep all nuts and bolts tight to be sure the equipment is  
in safe working condition.  
Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as  
necessary.  
Never remove or tamper with safety devices. Check their  
proper operation regularly. Never do anything to interfere  
with the intended function of a safety device or to reduce  
the protection provided by a safety device.  
To best protect your investment and maintain optimal  
performance of your Lawn-Boy equipment, count on  
Lawn-Boy genuine parts. When it comes to reliability,  
Lawn-Boy delivers replacement parts designed to the  
exact engineering specifications of our equipment. For  
peace of mind, insist on Lawn-Boy genuine parts.  
Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris  
buildup. Clean up oil or fuel spillage and remove any  
fuel-soaked debris. Allow the machine to cool before  
storing it.  
If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the  
machine. Repair the machine, if necessary, before starting  
it.  
Hauling  
Use care when loading or unloading the machine into a  
trailer or truck.  
Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine  
running. Disconnect the spark-plug wire and ground  
against the engine to prevent unintended starting.  
Use full-width ramps for loading the machine into a  
trailer or truck.  
Check grass catcher components and the discharge  
guard frequently, and replace them with manufacturer's  
recommended parts, when necessary.  
Tie the machine down securely using straps, chains, cable,  
or ropes. Both the front and the rear straps should be  
directed down and outward from the machine.  
Safety and Instructional Decals  
Important: Safety and instruction decals are located near areas of potential danger. Replace damaged decals.  
Manufacturer's Mark  
1. Indicates that the blade is identified as a part from the  
original machine manufacturer.  
94-8072  
104-7953 (Electric-start models only)  
1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual for information on charging the battery; contains lead; do not discard.  
2. Read the Operator's Manual.  
4
 
117–2718  
117-4143  
1. Warning—read the Operator's Manual.  
2. Thrown object hazard—keep bystanders a safe distance  
from the machine.  
3. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower  
blade—disconnect the spark-plug wire and read the  
instructions before servicing or performing maintenance.  
4. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower  
blade—stay away from moving parts and keep all guards  
and shields in place.  
5. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower  
blade—do not mow up and down slopes, only mow across;  
stop the mower and engine, pick up debris before operating;  
look behind and down when reversing.  
5
Installing the Recoil-starter  
Rope in the Rope Guide  
Setup  
Important: Remove and discard the protective plastic  
Important: To start the engine safely and easily  
whenever you use the machine, install the recoil-starter  
rope in the rope guide.  
sheet that covers the engine.  
Unfolding the Handle  
Hold the blade-control bar to the upper handle and pull the  
recoil-starter rope through the rope guide on the handle  
(Figure 4).  
WARNING  
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can  
damage the cables, causing an unsafe operating  
condition.  
• Do not damage the cables when folding or  
unfolding the handle.  
• If a cable is damaged, contact an Authorized  
Service Dealer.  
1. Remove the handle knobs from the machine housing  
(Figure 3).  
Figure 4  
1. Recoil-starter rope  
2. Rope guide  
Important: Route the cables to the outside of the  
handle as you install the handle.  
Filling the Engine with Oil  
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 5) and pour about 3/4 of  
the crankcase capacity of oil into the oil-fill tube.  
Note: Max. fill: 0.65 L (22 oz), type: 10W-30 or SAE  
30 detergent oil with an API service classification of  
SJ or higher.  
Figure 3  
1. Handle knob (2)  
2. Move the handle to the operating position (Figure 3).  
3. Install the handle knobs and tighten them firmly by  
hand.  
Figure 5  
Engine for electric-start models not shown  
3. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth.  
6
               
4. Insert the dipstick into the oil-fill tube, but do not  
Product Overview  
screw it in.  
5. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level on the  
dipstick (Figure 5).  
If the oil level is 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 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 (page  
13).  
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 (page 13).  
Figure 6  
Charging the Battery  
Electric-start model shown  
(Electric-start models only)  
1. Self-propel-drive bar  
(self-propel models only)  
7. Ignition key (electric-start  
models only)  
2. Recoil-start handle  
8. Battery (not shown;  
electric-start models only)  
(page 14).  
3. Grass bag  
9. Fuel-tank cap  
10. Air filter  
4. Oil fill/Dipstick  
5. Cutting-height lever (2)  
6. Blade-control bar  
11. Spark plug  
12. Battery charger  
(electric-start models  
only)  
7
     
Operation  
Attachments/Accessories  
A selection of Lawn-Boy approved attachments and  
accessories is available for use with the machine to enhance  
and expand its capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service  
Dealer or Distributor or go to www.Lawn-Boy.com for a list  
of all approved attachments and accessories.  
Filling the Fuel Tank  
DANGER  
Figure 7  
Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive. A  
fire or explosion from gasoline can burn you and  
others.  
Checking the Engine-oil Level  
To prevent a static charge from igniting the  
gasoline, place the container and/or machine  
directly on the ground before filling, not in a  
vehicle or on an object.  
Service Interval: Before each use or daily  
Max. fill: 0.65 L (22 oz), type: 10W-30 or SAE 30 detergent  
oil with an API service classification of SJ or higher.  
1. Move the machine to a level surface.  
2. Remove the dipstick (Figure 8).  
• Fill the tank outdoors when the engine is cold.  
Wipe up spills.  
• Do not handle gasoline when smoking or around  
an open flame or sparks.  
• Store gasoline in an approved fuel container, out  
of the reach of children.  
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.  
Figure 8  
Engine for electric-start models not shown  
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 8.  
Do not use gasoline containing methanol.  
If the oil level is 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.  
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.  
If the oil level is 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 (page  
13).  
Important: To reduce starting problems, add fuel  
stabilizer to the fuel all season, mixing it with gasoline  
less than 30 days old.  
8
             
Important: If the oil level in the crankcase is  
too low or too high and you run the engine,  
you may damage the engine.  
Note: To raise or lower the machine, move the cutting-height  
levers as shown in Figure 10.  
6. Install the dipstick securely.  
Adjusting the Cutting Height  
WARNING  
Adjusting the cutting height may bring you into  
contact with the moving blade, causing serious  
injury.  
Figure 10  
• Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts  
to stop.  
1. Raise the machine  
2. Lower the machine  
• Do not put your fingers under the housing when  
adjusting the cutting height.  
Important: The cutting height settings are 32 mm  
(1-1/4 inches); 44 mm (1-3/4 inches); 57 mm (2-1/4  
inches); 70 mm (2-3/4 inches); 83 mm (3-1/4 inches);  
and 95 mm (3-3/4 inches).  
CAUTION  
If the engine has been running, the muffler will be  
hot and can severely burn you. Keep away from the  
hot muffler.  
Starting the Engine  
1. Hold the blade-control bar (Figure 11) against the  
handle.  
Adjusting the Cutting Height  
(High-wheel models only)  
Adjust the cutting height as desired. Set the front wheels and  
the rear wheels to the same height.  
Note: To raise or lower the machine, move the cutting-height  
levers as shown in Figure 9.  
Figure 11  
1. Blade-control bar  
2. Turn the ignition key (electric-start models only; refer  
to Figure 12) or pull the recoil-start handle (Figure 13).  
Figure 9  
Figure 12  
1. Raise the machine  
2. Lower the machine  
Important: The cutting height settings are 32 mm  
(1-1/4 inches); 44 mm (1-3/4 inches); 57 mm (2-1/4  
inches); 70 mm (2-3/4 inches); 83 mm (3-1/4 inches);  
and 95 mm (3-3/4 inches).  
Adjusting the Cutting Height  
(Regular-wheel models only)  
Adjust the cutting height as desired. Set the front wheels and  
the rear wheels to the same height.  
Figure 13  
9
             
Note: If the machine does not start after several  
attempts, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.  
Mulching the Clippings  
Your machine comes from the factory ready to mulch the  
grass and leaf clippings back into the lawn.  
Using the Self-propel Drive  
(Self-propel models only)  
If the grass bag is on the machine, remove it before mulching  
the clippings. Refer to Removing the Grass Bag (page 11).  
To operate the self-propel drive, squeeze the self-propel drive  
bar (Figure 14) toward the handle and hold it.  
Bagging the Clippings  
Use the grass bag when you want to collect grass and leaf  
clippings from the lawn.  
WARNING  
A worn grass bag could allow small stones and other  
similar debris to be thrown at you or in the direction  
of bystanders, resulting in serious personal injury  
or death to you or to bystanders.  
Check the grass bag frequently. If it is damaged,  
install a new Lawn-Boy replacement bag.  
Figure 14  
1. Self-propel drive bar  
WARNING  
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result  
in serious personal injury.  
To disengage the self-propel drive, release the self-propel  
drive bar.  
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop  
before leaving the operating position.  
Note: The maximum self-propel ground speed is fixed. To  
reduce the ground speed, increase the space between the  
self-propel drive bar and the handle.  
Installing the Grass Bag  
1. Lift up the rear deflector (Figure 16).  
Stopping the Engine  
Service Interval: Before each use or daily  
To stop the engine, release the blade-control bar (Figure 15).  
Note: Remove the ignition key when you leave the machine  
(electric-start models only).  
Important: When you release the blade-control bar,  
both the engine and blade should stop within 3 seconds.  
If they do not stop properly, stop using your machine  
immediately and contact an Authorized Service Dealer.  
Figure 16  
1. Rear deflector  
3. Rod end (2)  
4. Grass bag  
2. Notch in the handle  
bracket (2)  
Figure 15  
2. Insert the rod ends of the grass bag into the notches  
in the handle brackets (Figure 16).  
3. Allow the rear deflector to rest on the bag.  
10  
             
– Set the cutting height on the front wheels one notch  
lower than the rear wheels. For example, set the front  
wheels at 57 mm (2-1/4 inches) and the rear wheels  
at 70 mm (2-3/4 inches).  
Removing the Grass Bag  
1. Lift up the rear deflector (Figure 16).  
2. Lift the grass-bag handle out from the notches on the  
handle brackets and remove the bag from the machine.  
3. Close the rear deflector.  
Operating Tips  
General Mowing Tips  
Clear the area of sticks, stones, wire, branches, and other  
debris that the blade could hit.  
Avoid striking solid objects with the blade. Never  
deliberately mow over any object.  
If the machine strikes an object or starts to vibrate,  
immediately stop the engine, disconnect the wire from  
the spark plug, and examine the machine for damage.  
For best performance, install a new blade before the  
cutting season begins.  
Replace the blade when necessary with a Lawn-Boy  
replacement blade.  
Cutting Grass  
Cut only about a third of the grass blade at a time. Do not  
cut below the 44 mm (1–3/4-inch) setting unless the grass  
is sparse or it is late fall when grass growth begins to slow  
down. Refer to Adjusting the Cutting Height (page 9).  
When cutting grass over 15 cm (6 inches) tall, mow at the  
highest cutting height setting and walk slower; then mow  
again at a lower setting for the best lawn appearance. If  
the grass is too long, the machine may plug and cause  
the engine to stall.  
Mow only dry grass or leaves. Wet grass and leaves tend  
to clump on the yard and can cause the machine to plug  
or the engine to stall.  
WARNING  
Wet grass or leaves can cause serious injury if  
you slip and contact the blade. Mow only in dry  
conditions.  
Alternate the mowing direction. This helps disperse the  
clippings over the lawn for even fertilization.  
If the finished lawn appearance is unsatisfactory, try one  
or more of the following:  
– Replace the blade or have it sharpened.  
– Walk at a slower pace while mowing.  
– Raise the cutting height on your machine.  
– Cut the grass more frequently.  
– Overlap cutting swaths instead of cutting a full swath  
with each pass.  
11  
   
Maintenance  
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine from the normal operating position.  
Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s)  
Maintenance Service  
Maintenance Procedure  
Interval  
• Change the engine oil.  
After the first 5 hours  
Before each use or daily  
After each use  
• Check the engine oil level.  
• Ensure that the engine stops within 3 seconds after releasing the blade-control bar.  
• Clean grass clippings and dirt from under the machine.  
• Check the air cleaner for dirty, loose, or damaged parts, and clean or replace them  
if necessary.  
• Charge the battery for 24 hours (electric-start models only).  
Every 25 hours  
• Replace the air-cleaner element (more frequently when operating the machine in  
dusty or dirty operating conditions).  
• Clean the cooling system (refer to your engine owner's manual).  
• Replace the spark plug.  
Every 100 hours  
Before storage  
Yearly  
• Empty the fuel tank before repairs as directed and before annual storage.  
• Change the engine oil.  
• Replace the blade or have it sharpened (more frequently if the edge dulls quickly).  
• Refer to your Engine Operator's Manual for any additional yearly maintenance  
procedures.  
Important: Refer to your Engine Operator's Manual for additional maintenance procedures.  
Preparing for Maintenance  
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.  
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.  
2. Disconnect the spark-plug wire from the spark plug  
(Figure 17) before performing any maintenance  
procedure.  
WARNING  
Tipping the machine may cause the fuel to  
leak. Gasoline is flammable, explosive and  
can cause personal injury.  
Run the engine dry or remove the gasoline  
with a hand pump; never siphon.  
Figure 17  
1. Spark-plug wire  
3. After performing the maintenance procedure(s),  
connect the spark-plug wire to the spark plug.  
12  
       
Servicing the Air Cleaner  
Service Interval: Every 25 hours/Yearly (whichever comes  
first)—Check the air cleaner for dirty,  
loose, or damaged parts, and clean or  
replace them if necessary.  
Changing the Engine Oil  
Service Interval: After the first 5 hours  
Yearly  
Run the engine a few minutes before changing the oil to warm  
it. Warm oil flows better and carries more contaminants.  
Every 100 hours/Yearly (whichever comes  
first)—Replace the air-cleaner element (more  
frequently when operating the machine in dusty or  
dirty operating conditions).  
1. Perform the pre-maintenance procedures; refer to  
Preparing for Maintenance (page 12).  
2. Tip the machine onto its side, with the dipstick down,  
to drain the used oil out through the oil-fill tube (Figure  
19).  
1. Perform the pre-maintenance procedures; refer to  
Preparing for Maintenance (page 12).  
2. Press the button on the air-cleaner cover (Figure 18)  
and open the cover.  
Figure 19  
3. Remove the dipstick.  
4. After draining the used oil, return the machine to the  
normal operating position.  
5. Pour about 3/4 of the crankcase capacity of oil into  
the oil-fill tube.  
Note: Max. fill: 0.59 L (22 oz), type: 10W-30 or SAE  
30 detergent oil with an API service classification of  
SJ or higher.  
Figure 18  
6. Wipe off the dipstick end with a clean cloth.  
1. Air-cleaner cover  
2. Paper element  
3. Air-cleaner housing