OMGC00669

Issue C1

21-Inch Walk-Behind Rotary Mower

JS63C

PIN (100001-)

Introduction

Product Identification

Safety

Operating

Engine Controls

Handle Controls

Handle and Cutting Height Controls

Locking Caster Wheels

Adjusting Cutting Height

Adjusting Handle Height

Testing Safety Systems

Testing Blade/Engine Control Lever

Starting Engine

Stopping Engine

Selecting a Travel Speed

Operating the Machine

Using Side Discharge Chute

Installing Grass Bag

Removing and Emptying Grass Bag

Replacement Parts

Service Intervals

Service

Troubleshooting

Storing Machine

Assembly

Specifications

Warranty

John Deere Quality Statement

Service Record

Operating

Engine Controls

MX1573

A - Primer Bulb

Handle Controls

MX7480

A - Blade Control Lever

B - Traction Clutch Lever

C - Starter Handle

D - Travel Speed Lever

E - Caster Wheel Lock Lever

Handle and Cutting Height Controls

MX7481

A - Fold Handle Knobs

B - Handle Height Knob

C - Cutting Height Levers

Locking Caster Wheels

NOTE: Caster wheels will not lock when mower is on an even surface. To lock caster wheels, push mower forward on an uneven surface, such as your yard.

Lock caster wheels when cutting on slope, cutting on rough or bumpy ground, or pulling mower backwards away from wall or out of narrow space.

To lock caster wheels:

1. Push mower forward on an uneven surface.

MX7484

2. Pull lever (A) backward to lock position (B).

To unlock caster wheels:

1. Push lever (A) forward to unlock position (C)

Adjusting Cutting Height

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before you adjust cutting height: Stop engine and wait for moving parts to stop.

NOTE: Adjust both levers to same height except for two lowest cutting heights (A and B on following chart). At two lowest cutting heights, raise rear lever one notch higher than front lever. This adjustment allows for increased air flow when bagging and side discharging, and provides a larger exit window for clippings when mulching.

Begin at upper cutting height, then adjust downward as desired, to avoid scalping lawn with too low a setting.

Highest cutting height for rear wheel is lever in furthest front position. Highest cutting height for front wheel is lever in furthest back position.

MX7482

Picture Note: Front wheel

M87102

Picture Note: Rear wheel

Adjusting front wheel height:

1. Lift front of mower deck slightly with one hand to take some weight off wheels.

2. Move height adjustment lever to desired position with other hand.

3. Repeat for other front wheel.

Adjusting rear wheel height:

NOTE: One height adjustment lever on left rear wheel adjusts both rear wheels.

1. Lift lower handlebar slightly with one hand to take some weight off wheel.

2. Move height adjustment lever to desired position with other hand.

Adjusting Handle Height

M96559

NOTE: If you are using a bagger with your mower, bag may prevent lowering of handle. Remove clip (A) to remove rod (B). Remove rod from lower position (C) and insert in upper position as shown to lengthen bag.

MX7483

1. Remove knob (D) and bolt from handle.

2. Pivot handle to desired height.

3. Install bolt in one of three slots (E) and tighten knob (D) on handle.

4. Repeat for other side.

Testing Safety Systems

MIF

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death. Move the vehicle to an outside area before running the engine. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation. · Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area. · Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

Use the following checkout procedure to check for normal operation of machine.

If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, do not operate machine. See your John Deere dealer for service.

Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders away.

Testing Blade/Engine Control Lever

1. Start engine.

2. Release blade/engine control lever.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Do not look under mower or put hands under mower to view blade rotation. Listen for blade to stop.

3. Listen for blade and engine to stop.

Starting Engine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death. Run engine only in a ventilated area. If engine is run in an enclosed area, open doors to bring in outside air.

MX1568

1. Prime engine by pressing primer bulb (A):

· Cold Engine - 3 times

· Warm Engine - if engine does not start on first or second pull, press primer bulb 1 or 2 times

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! When engine is running, blade is turning. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from blade.

MX7480

2. Hold blade control lever (B) against handle.

3. Pull starter handle (C) until you feel resistance. Then pull fast and steady.

4. Return handle slowly when engine starts.

Stopping Engine

Release handle and levers:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If blade does not stop within 3 seconds after you release blade stop lever, see your John Deere dealer.

M73293a

· Mower will stop.

· Blade will stop.

· Engine will stop.

Selecting a Travel Speed

NOTE: It is normal for rear wheels to make a clicking noise when mower is manually pushed.

Travel speeds:

· 1st Gear: 3.1 km/h (1.9 mph)

· 2nd Gear: 3.9 km/h (2.4 mph)

· 3rd Gear: 5.0 km/h (3.1 mph)

To change travel speeds:

NOTE: Mower travel speed can be changed when the traction clutch lever is engaged and the mower is moving forward.

MX7485

· Raise or lower speed control lever (A) to engage desired gear.

Operating the Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! When engine is running, blade is turning. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from blade.

MX7480

1. Hold blade control lever (A) against handle and start engine.

· Engine and blade will stop if blade control lever is released.

2. Select a travel speed.

MX7480

3. To begin mowing, pull and hold traction clutch lever (B) against handle while continuing to hold blade control lever against handle.

4. To stop forward motion or turn the machine, release lever (B).

5. Release both levers to stop forward motion, as well as the blade and engine.

Using Side Discharge Chute

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate mower unless grass bag assembly, side discharge chute or mulch guard is in place.

1. Stop engine.

MX7486

2. Remove mulch guard knob (A) from threaded stud.

MX7487

3. Lift and hold spring loaded mulch guard (B) up.

4. Install side discharge chute (C) under mulch guard spring and mounting bracket (D) and lower onto threaded stud.

5. Lower mulch guard.

6. Install and tighten knob (A) on threaded stud.

Installing Grass Bag

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate mower unless mulch guard, side discharge chute or grass bag and bagging chute are in place. Bagging chute must be removed and mulch guard secured in place when grass bag is not being used.

MX8449

1. Remove mulch guard knob (A).

2. Lift and hold spring loaded mulch guard (B) up.

3. Install bagging chute:

MX8450

a. Slide bagging chute (C) into position under the mulch guard mounting bracket (D).

MX8451

b. Lower bagging chute over stud. Install and tighten knob (E).

MX8452

4. Open spring loaded bagging chute safety door (F).

5. Hang grass bag over bagging chute lip (G).

MX8453

6. Hang upper grass bag (H) on mower handle (I).

Removing and Emptying Grass Bag

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate mower unless mulch guard, side discharge chute or grass bag and bagging chute are in place. Bagging chute must be removed and mulch guard secured in place when grass bag is not being used.

NOTE: Bag may wear and deteriorate. Check condition of bag often. Use a John Deere bag or equivalent to comply with safety specifications.

1. Release blade control lever to stop engine.

MX8453

2. Grasp handle (A) and handle (B) from left side of mower. Lift bag off mower.

3. Lower front of bag and raise rear of bag. Shake bag to empty contents.

MX8451

4. Remove knob (C) and bagging chute (D).

MX8 449

5. Install and tighten mulch guard knob (E).