16OPERATION
INTENDED USE: This unit is mainly designed for cutting grass. Some overgrown weeds, and taller grass may also be cut. Be sure to inspect work area and machine before operating. Make sure that all operators of this equipment are trained in general machine use and safety.
Like all mechanical tools, reasonable care must be used when operating machine. Do not operate unit
in areas where bystanders may be present.
Do not operate if excessive vibration occurs. 
If excessive vibration occurs, shut engine off immediately and check for damaged or worn blade, loose blade jam nut, loose engine or lodged foreign objects. Note: See maintenance section for proper blade jam nut
torque specifications.
16.1STARTING
PUT OIL IN ENGINE THEN CHECK
THE LEVEL BEFORE STARTING.
ENGINE: See engine manufacturer’s instructions for type and amount of oil and gasoline used.
Engine must be level when checking and filling oil and gasoline.
ENGINE SPEED: Controlled by throttle lever on the control console plate.
FUEL VALVE: Move fuel valve to "ON" position (when provided on engine).
CHOKE: Operated with the throttle control by moving the throttle control to the full start position.
THROTTLE: Move remote throttle control to fast position. Pull starting rope to start engine.
ELECTRIC START: Choke the engine if necessary. Pull up then push forward on the toggle switch until engine starts, then release switch to run.
1.Select desired cutting height before starting engine.
2.Place mower on a sidewalk or driveway where the mower blade is in an unloaded condition. If it must be started on the lawn, move mower over previously cut grass.
3.Be sure drive lever or blade lever are not engaged.
4.Choke if necessary.
5.Pull back on starter rope slowly until resistance is felt. Then pull cord rapidly to start. Repeat if necessary.
16.2CUTTING OPERATION
CAUTION: Stop Blade when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads and under all conditions where thrown objects might be a hazard.
CLEARING A CLOGGED CUTTING DECK: Turn engine off and wait for blade to stop completely. Disconnect spark plug wire.
Wearing durable gloves, remove clog. Danger, the clog may contain sharp materials. Reconnect spark plug wire.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when operating the blade. Inspect the work area for foreign objects that could cause damage to the unit or injure the operator if struck by the blade. Never operate the blade with bystanders in the work area.
GENERAL OPERATION: To engage the blade, depress the operator’s left hand control lever against operator’s handle. The blade is disengaged by releasing this lever.(See Fig. 1.1) To engage the wheel drive, lift the operator’s right hand control lever against operator’s handle. The drive is disengaged by releasing this lever.(See Fig. 1.2) Ground speed can be varied by shifting gears as described on page 8. To begin cutting, engage the blade lever, allow the blade to spin up to speed, and engage the wheel drive to begin moving forward into the material to be cut.
NOTE: Do not engage blade during transport between work sites. The blade should remain disengaged at all times when work is not being performed.
The best performance is achieved when cutting in dry conditions. If the deck becomes choked with grass or debris during operation, back unit off of debris allowing machine to clear itself and continue cutting, or shut the unit off and clear the clog by hand (See above). A drop in engine RPM or a noticeable change in engine sound is usually a good indicator of a clogged discharge or other interference.
Under most conditions cutting should be done in second or third gear. Fourth gear should be reserved for conditions where grass is thinned out or not as tall. The quality of the cut produced is directly related to the unit's ground speed during cutting. If the quality of the cut
is not satisfactory (i.e. material left standing) you should shift into a lower gear during cutting. For improved control in confined areas, this machine can be pushed forward or backward by releasing the drive lever located at the bottom of the operator's
Part No. 520141 | Page 7 of 20 | Form No. F061604A |