OPERATION
GASOLINE
FILLER
CAP
ENGINE
OIL CAP
FIG. 9
4.Pour oil slowly. Do not overfill. Wait one minute to allow oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it to check oil level.
IMPORTANT:
•Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
•Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 9)
•Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over- fill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids dur- ing storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
•To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke system. No priming or choking is required before starting.
•To start engine, hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back. | 8 |
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use
•Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
•For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.
•Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.
•Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF
•The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip- pings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biode- grade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
•Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
•For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top
MAX 1/3
FIG. 10
•Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
•Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow