SECTION 6: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting deck. The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields.
NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best results raise the cutting height to a higher position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn.
Gas And Oil Fill-up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual. Read all instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill the fuel tank indoors, with the engine running, or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running.
Starting the Engine
•Prime the engine as instructed in the separate engine manual.
•Stand behind the unit, squeeze and hold the blade control handle against the upper handle as shown in Figure 9.
•Grasp the recoil starter handle and pull the rope out slowly until the engine reaches the start of the compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
•Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on the starter handle. Return it slowly to the rope guide.
Blade Control Handle
Recoil Starter
Handle
Stopping the Engine And Blade
•Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.
For the best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut.
For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove and ground the spark plug wire, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.
Mulching Grass Clippings
If your mower is equipped with a mulching kit, follow these tips for effective mulching:
•Do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing proper mulching of grass clippings.
•New or thick grass may require a narrower cut.
•The ground speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
•If mowing has been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4", mow twice to reduce the grass height to
Figure 9
10