Operation
Pull the handle rearward and to the right to latch the cutting deck into the raised transport position (Figure 5).
Pre-Start
Fill fuel tank on level ground. For best results use only clean, fresh regular grade unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher.
Important: Never use methanol, gasoline containing methanol, gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol, premium gasoline, or white gas because the fuel system could be damaged.
Do Not add oil to gasoline.
Do Not overfill fuel tank. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the filler neck. The empty space in the tank allows gasoline to expand. Overfilling may result in fuel leakage or damage to the engine or emission system.
Make sure you understand the controls, their locations, their functions, and their safety requirements.
Refer to the Maintenance section and perform all the necessary inspection and maintenance steps.
Operating Instructions
Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Rotate the valve and align with the fuel line to open.
Starting the Engine
1.Leave the LH motion control lever in neutral and the RH lever in the PTO disengage position (see Figure 4).
2.Pull the parking brake lever rearward to engage the parking brake.
3.Push in (down) on the PTO switch to the “disengage” position.
4.Place the throttle midway between the “SLOW” and “FAST” positions.
5.On a cold engine, push the choke lever forward into the “ON” position.
On a warm engine, leave the choke in the “OFF” position.
6.Turn ignition switch to the “START” position. Release the switch as soon as the engine starts.
Important: Do Not crank the engine continuously for more than ten seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, allow a 60 second
7.If the choke is in the “ON” position, gradually return choke to the “OFF” position as the engine warms up.
PTO Engagement
DANGER
The rotating blades under the mower deck are dangerous. Blade contact can cause serious injury or kill you.
Do Not put hands or feet under the mower or mower deck when the blades are engaged.
DANGER
An uncovered discharge opening will allow objects to be thrown in an operator’s or bystander’s direction. Also, contact with the blade could occur. Thrown objects or blade contact can cause serious injury or death.
Never operate the mower with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered unless there is a grass collection system or mulch kit in place and working properly.
The PTO switch engages the cutting blades. Be sure all persons are clear of mower deck and discharge area before engaging the PTO.
1.Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.
2.Release the parking brake.
3.Move the right side motion control lever to the center, operate position.
4.Continue holding the right side motion control lever in the center, operate position and pull up on the blade control switch (PTO) and release.
The clutch should engage and the mower blades begin rotating.
5.Place the throttle in the “FAST” position to begin mowing.
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