DeWalt X554 Lawn Mower Manual

The DeWalt X554 is a powerful 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower featuring a 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 3-in-1 mulching/bagging/side-discharge capability, single-lever height adjustment (1.5-4 inches), 2-gallon fuel tank, rear-wheel drive with variable speed control, electric start with backup recoil, durable steel deck, washout port for easy cleaning, and a 3-year limited warranty. Below are key sections for safety, features, assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Assembly Instructions 3. Safety Precautions 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Operation 6. Cutting Height Adjustment 7. Maintenance Schedule 8. Storage Guidelines 9. Warranty Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 190cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 21-inch steel cutting deck, Rear bagger with 2.5-bushel capacity, Single-lever height adjustment, Variable speed drive system, Electric start with key.

Feature	Description
Engine	190cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle OHV engine
Cutting Width	21 inches
Cutting Options	3-in-1 (Mulch, Bag, Side Discharge)
Drive System	Rear-wheel self-propelled with variable speed
Start System	Electric start with backup recoil
Height Adjustment	Single lever, 6 positions (1.5-4 inches)
Fuel Tank	2-gallon capacity
Deck Material	Powder-coated steel
Washout Port	For easy deck cleaning
Warranty	3-year limited

Assembly Instructions

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assembly requires basic tools (included).

Attach handle: Align lower handle sections with deck brackets, secure with bolts and wing nuts.
Install upper handle: Connect to lower handle, tighten knobs.
Attach grass bag: Slide bag frame onto rear deck hooks, secure with retaining clip.
Install battery: For electric start models, connect red (+) then black (-) terminals.
Add oil and fuel: Fill engine with SAE 30 oil (check dipstick). Add fresh unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum).

WARNING! Never add fuel while engine is hot or running. Ensure all fasteners are tight before operation.

Safety Precautions

Always follow safety rules to prevent injury or property damage.

Read manual thoroughly before operation.
Clear mowing area of stones, toys, and other objects.
Wear sturdy shoes, long pants, and eye protection.
Never mow wet grass or in poor visibility.
Keep hands and feet away from rotating blades.
Turn off engine and remove key before unclogging or adjusting.
Use extreme caution when mowing on slopes.
Never allow children to operate mower.

DANGER! Rotating blades can cause severe injury. Always disconnect spark plug wire before performing any maintenance.

Specifications

Model: DeWalt X554
Engine: 190cc Briggs & Stratton 4-cycle
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Cutting Height: 1.5 to 4 inches (6 positions)
Drive: Rear-wheel self-propelled, variable speed (0-3.5 mph)
Start System: Electric (12V battery) with recoil backup
Fuel Capacity: 2 gallons
Oil Capacity: 20 oz (SAE 30)
Bag Capacity: 2.5 bushels
Deck Material: 14-gauge steel
Weight: 85 lbs (without bag)
Warranty: 3-year limited

Controls and Operation

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Control Panel: Electric start key switch, Drive control lever, Blade engagement lever, Height adjustment lever, Fuel cap, Oil fill.

Starting Procedure: 1. Check oil and fuel levels. 2. Move drive control to neutral. 3. Pull blade engagement lever to OFF. 4. For electric start: Insert key, turn to START. For recoil: Pull starter cord firmly. 5. Allow engine to warm up 30 seconds.

Operating: To engage self-propelled drive, squeeze drive control lever against handle. Release to stop. To engage cutting blade, pull blade engagement lever against handle. Always mow at full throttle for best cut.

Cutting Height Adjustment

Adjust all four wheels simultaneously with single lever.

Stop engine and wait for blades to stop completely.
Locate height adjustment lever on right side of deck.
Move lever to desired position (1=lowest, 6=highest).
Test mower on flat surface to ensure even cut.

Tip: For first mow of season, set to highest position. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade length at one time.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Interval	Task
Before each use	Check oil level, inspect blade for damage, clear deck of debris
Every 25 hours	Change oil (first change after 5 hours), check air filter
Every 50 hours	Replace air filter, check spark plug
Every 100 hours	Replace spark plug, clean fuel system
Seasonally	Sharpen or replace blade, check tire pressure, lubricate wheels

Blade Sharpening: Disconnect spark plug. Remove blade bolt (clockwise to loosen). Sharpen at original angle (40°). Balance blade before reinstalling.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage prevents fuel system issues and corrosion.

Run engine to burn remaining fuel in carburetor, or add fuel stabilizer.
Change oil at end of season.
Clean underside of deck thoroughly using washout port.
Remove battery (if electric start) and store in cool, dry place.
Store in clean, dry location, covered with breathable fabric.

CAUTION! Never store mower with fuel in tank indoors or near open flame. Gasoline can deteriorate and damage fuel system.

Warranty Information

DeWalt X554 comes with 3-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty does not cover normal wear, misuse, improper maintenance, or commercial use. Proof of purchase required. For warranty service, contact authorized DeWalt service center or call 1-800-433-9258. Register your product online at www.dewalt.com/register.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Empty fuel tank, stale fuel, spark plug disconnected	Add fresh gasoline, check spark plug connection, ensure blade control is engaged
Engine runs poorly	Dirty air filter, old gasoline, clogged fuel line	Replace air filter, drain old fuel, clean fuel system
Uneven cutting	Dull blade, uneven tire pressure, deck clogged	Sharpen/replace blade, inflate tires to 12 PSI, clean deck
Mower won't self-propel	Drive belt loose or broken, drive control cable adjustment	Check drive belt tension, adjust control cable
Excessive vibration	Loose blade, bent blade, unbalanced blade	Tighten blade bolt (40 ft-lbs), replace bent blade
Grass not discharging	Wet grass, deck clogged, engine speed too low	Mow when grass is dry, clean deck, operate at full throttle

Service: For technical support, call 1-800-433-9258 or visit www.dewalt.com. Always use genuine DeWalt replacement parts.