WARNING: Do not remove the bat- tery pack from the handle panel for any reason other than replacement. When replacing the battery pack, refer to instructions in Maintenance section.
NEUTRAL TEST FOR ALL MODELS:
•Before each use, check for proper drive clutch operation by performing the following before starting the engine:
Blade Control Handle
Drive
Clutch 
Six Speed
Shift Lever
With the drive clutch control released, push mower forward. It should move freely.
If it does not and the rear wheels tend to lock up, the clutch may not be releasing completely. Do not start the engine until cor- rections have been made. Check the control cable for severe bend, kinks and binding, or grass
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
WARNING: When starting the unit for the first time, place mower in first speed (slow) position. Face the mower against a solid object such as a wall, fence, etc. Start the unit, and if it shows any signs of motion with the drive clutch control disen- gaged, shut the engine off immedi- ately. Make certain the drive clutch control is adjusted so the drive belt is as loose as possible. Refer to the Adjustment Section.
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark plug wire, make certain the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug. See Figure 8.
Metal |
|
Loop |
|
on Spark |
|
Plug Wire | Rubber Boot |
|
Figure 8
•If your unit is equipped with a primer, prime engine as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
•If your unit is equipped with a two speed control on the engine refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
Recoil Start
Handle
Figure 9-RECOIL START MODEL SHOWN
•Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle as shown in Figure 9.
ELECTRIC START MODELS ONLY:
•Turn the ignition key to the right to start the engine. Release the key after engine starts. See Figure 4.
NOTE: The engine on your unit is provided with an auxiliary recoil starter system. To start the engine using the auxiliary start system, pro- ceed as follows for recoil start models:
RECOIL START MODELS ONLY:
•Grasp the recoil starter handle as shown and pull slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide bolt. See Figure 9.
•To engage the drive, squeeze the drive clutch control handle (see Figure 9) towards the up- per handle. Release the drive clutch control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.
•The six speed shift lever is located on the drive clutch control housing on the upper handle. See Figure 9. This lever is used to se- lect the operating speed of the mower. Release the drive clutch control when chang- ing speeds.
WARNING: THIS CONTROL MECHA- NISM IS A SAFETY DEVICE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO BYPASS ITS OPERA- TIONS.
The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
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