MTD 80 warranty Starting the Engine, Stopping the Engine, Using Your Lawn Mower, Operating Tips

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always

wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operat- ing mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated

areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

Note: Refer to Engine Manual for help with engine- related operations.

1.Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. See Figure 4-2. In temperature around 55°F or below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm engine.

2.Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control handle against upper handle.

3.Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. See Figure 4-2. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

Stopping the Engine

1.Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.

2.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground against the engine.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage,

and repair the damage before restarting and operat- ing the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

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Figure 4-2

Operating Tips

•For best results, do not cut wet grass.

•New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.

•For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass.

•Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.

•For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.

•Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.

•If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4 inches or less before mulching.

4

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine in- doors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odor- less and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.