Initial Adjustments, To Start the Mower

INITIAL ADJUSTMENTS

1.Disconnect the spark plug wire.

2.Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.

3.Check the tension of the deck drive belts:

a.Remove the deck cover shield and engage the blade clutch.

b.Make sure the belts clear the belt guides by 1/8" to 1/4".

c.The tension of the deck drive belts should be adjusted so that a ten-pound pull between two pulleys deflects each belt about 1/2" (See Figure 19 page 19). Do not overtighten these belts. The blade clutch should engage with only moderate force.

d.Replace the deck cover shield and disengage the blade clutch.

4.The tension of the transmission drive belt should be adjusted so that a five-pound pull between the engine traction drive pulley and the transmission drive pulley deflects the belt about 3/16". (See Figure 20 page 20)

5.The two drive wheel belts are self-adjusting.

6.The steering control rods on each side of the handle assembly should initially be adjusted so that there is about a 1/4" to 3/8” space between the rod and the bottom of the slot in the neutral latch lever with the latch in the drive position (See Figure 6.) To make this adjustment, remove the large hairpin from the swivel joint at the bottom of each steering control rod and thread the swivel joint up or down the rod as needed.

1/4” to 3/8”

Figure 6

7.The brake rods (above each drive wheel) should be adjusted so that when the steering/brake levers are squeezed and the mower is pulled backward, the brakes lock the drive wheels. The machine should roll freely when the neutral latch lever is in the neutral lock position. To adjust the brake rods, remove the large hairpin from the swivel joint at the top of each brake rod and thread the swivel joint up or down the rod as

needed.

Hair Pin

Figure 7

8.Adjusting the cutting height: The mower is shipped with the cutting height set at 3 inches ±1/ 4 inch depending on the air pressure in the tires. To change the cutting height, blade spacers and/ or caster spacers must be moved according to the cutting height adjustment table. (Figure 24 and 25, page 22)

9.Lubricate all fittings listed in the maintenance section.

TO START THE MOWER

IMPORTANT: First time operators should refer to the procedure stated on page 5.

WARNING: Never run the engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless gas.

1.Make certain you thoroughly understand all of the safety precautions before you attempt to operate this machine.

2.Move the mower outdoors to a “test area” where you can operate the mower for about half an hour without being disturbed.

3.Shift the transmision to neutral (N) position.

4.Disengage the blade clutch.

5.Place the neutral latch levers in the neutral lock position.

6.Connect the spark plug wire.

7.Open the fuel shutoff valve.

8.Move the throttle lever to a mid range position and pull the “Choke” all the way out.

9.Put the key in the ignition switch and turn the switch on.

10.To start engine using recoil starter:

a.Stand on left side (as viewed from behind handlebars) of machine. Be sure your feet are safely away from the underside of the mower deck and all mower controls are released. Stabilize mower by placing foot