Starting the Engine

Operation (Continued)

WARNING: The blade will rotate when the engine runs.

IMPORTANT: Before you start the engine, operate the engine stop lever several times. Make sure the engine stop cable moves freely.

Note: The engine design does not include a throttle control or an engine speed adjustment. The engine is set at the best speed for cutting grass, bagging grass, and for extended engine life.

1.Check the oil.

2.Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline. Make sure the gasoline is clean. Leaded gasoline will increase

deposits and shorten the life of the valves.

Note: Do not use gasohol or methanol. Do not use premium unleaded gasoline.

WARNING: Always use a safety gasoline container. Do not smoke when adding gasoline to the fuel tank. When inside an enclosure, do not add gasoline. Before you add gasoline, stop the engine and let the engine cool for several minutes.

3.Make sure the spark plug wire is connected to the spark plug.

4.Self-Propelled Models Only - Make sure the drive lever is in the disengaged position.

WARNING: To prevent an accident, make sure the drive lever is in the DISENGAGED position. When the drive lever is in the ENGAGED position, do not start the engine.

5.The primer button (A, Figure 13) is on the side of the engine. Push the primer button. Every time you push the primer button, wait two seconds. For the number of times required to push the primer button, see the engine manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: Do not use the primer button to start a warm engine.

Note: Models equipped with Ready Start TM engines do not feature a primer button. See the engine manufacturer’s instructions for further information.

Figure 13: The engine primer button

6.Stand behind the mower. Use one hand to hold the engine stop lever in the operating position (A, Figure 14). Use the other hand to hold the recoil-start grip (B).

7.Make sure the recoil-start rope is not obstructed or caught between the upper and lower handles. Rapidly pull the recoil-start grip. Slowly return the recoil-start grip.

8.If the engine does not start in 5 or 6 tries, see the “Problem and Repair” Instructions.

Figure 14: Starting the engine

Rules for Safe and Effective Operation

Refer to the ‘Operator Safety’ section of this manual for important rules concerning safe and effective mower operation.

Operation