To Stop the Engine, Engaging the Blades

Section 4: Operation

4.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. Place one foot on top of tire.

B. Grasp starter rope handle (Figure 3-

7) and pull slowly until rope pulls slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope with a rapid, full arm stroke. Let rope return slowly. If engine fails to start after three pulls, repeat instructions start- ing with Step 2 (try setting throttle at fast setting).

C.When engine starts, operate in fast throttle setting (move throttle from choke setting to fast setting).

5.To start engine using electric starter:

A. Stand behind the handlebars and re- lease all mower controls.

B. Turn ignition key (F, Figure 4-2) fully clockwise to crank engine. To avoid damage to starter motor, do not crank engine for longer than five sec- onds at a time. Also, allow 15 sec- onds between each start attempt. If engine fails to start after three at- tempts, repeat instructions starting with Step 2 (try setting throttle at fast setting).

C. When engine starts, release key and it will return to the run (middle) posi- tion.

D. Operate engine at fast throttle setting (move throttle from choke setting to fast setting).

NOTE: If the electric start system is not functioning, the engine can be started with the recoil starter. To do so, first put the ignition key in the run (middle) posi- tion. Then follow Steps 1-4 above. Leave the key in the run position during engine operation.

To Stop the Engine

1.Release all mower controls to stop wheels or mower blade.

2.Move throttle control down to slow (turtle) position. (Whenever possible, gradually reduce engine speed before stopping engine.)

3.Move Throttle Control all the way down to stop position (Non-electric Start Models Only) or turn ignition key (elec- tric start models) fully counterclockwise to stop position.

4.On electric start models, remove the ignition key before leaving the mower unattended.

DANGER

To avoid injury from rotating blades, keep face, hands and feet clear of mower blades at all times.

ENGAGING THE BLADES

To Engage the Blades

1.Start engine as described in “To Start the Engine” instructions. Put engine throttle in fast speed setting.

2.Press and hold Operator Presence Control (A, Figure 4-2) against handle- bar grip.

3.Slowly push Blade Drive Control (B, Figure 4-2) fully forward until it stays in the engaged position. The blades are now rotating.

To Stop the Blades

To stop the blades, release the Operator Presence Control.

TO ENGAGE THE WHEELS

CAUTION

•To avoid damaging the transmission, do not shift gears while in motion.

•To avoid damaging the wheel brake mechanism, do not engage the Wheel Drive Control without first engaging the Operator Presence Control.

1.Start engine as described in “To Start the Engine” instructions.

2.FOR FORWARD TRAVEL:

A. Press and hold Operator Presence Control (A, Figure 4-2) against han- dlebar grip.

B. Put the Gear Select Lever (C, Figure 4-2) into one of the numbered set- tings (1 - Slow, 2 and 3 - Medium, 4 - Fast). When first practicing with

the mower, put lever in No. 1 setting. Select forward speeds according to mowing conditions and terrain. Use slower speeds on rough terrain or when grass is heavy or thick. The forward speed can be increased on smooth terrain or if the grass cover is light. Allow the wheels to stop completely before shifting from one forward speed into another.

C. To start the wheels, slowly squeeze

WARNING

Before engaging the Wheel Drive Lever for the very first time, check that the neutral (N) position on the Gear Select Lever is properly adjusted. See “Neutral Adjustment” in Section 5: Maintenance for the procedure to follow.

Failure to follow this instruction could result in personal injury or property damage.

the Wheel Drive Control (D, Figure 4- 2). The harder you squeeze, the faster the wheels will turn. To avoid sudden acceleration, slowly squeeze the lever.

D. TO STOP THE WHEELS:

•To stop drive power to the wheels, release the Wheel Drive Control. The wheels will gradually slow to a stop.

•To quickly stop the wheels, release both the Wheel Drive Control and the Operator Presence Control.

3.FOR REVERSE TRAVEL:

A. Stop the mower blades and wheels by

WARNING

To avoid injury or property damage:

•Look behind the mower before and during reverse operation.

•Stop the mower blades before operat- ing in reverse.

releasing the Operator Presence Control (A, Figure 4-2).

B. Press and hold Operator Presence Control against handlebar grip.