Bolens 18M Operating Your Lawn Mower, Starting Engine, Stopping Engine, Using Your Lawn Mower

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating 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.

1.Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the upper handle, Figure 4-2.

Note: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

2.Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2.

3.Grasp the 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.

Important: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back against the rope guide.

4.As the engine warms, slowly push in the choke knob. See Figure 4-2.

Stopping 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.

WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.

Using Your Lawn Mower

WARNING: Never operate your mower without either the rear door or the entire grass catcher assembly firmly secured.

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.

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Figure 4-2

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 operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication

of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

Operating Tips

1.For best results and effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.

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

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

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

5.Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.

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

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before doing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher.

NOTE: To operate your unit using the grass catcher, mulcher or optional side discharge refer to page 6.

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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 indoors or

in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. En- gine 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.