Using the Discharge Tunnel

Operation

Note: If the blade does not stop within 3 seconds after releasing the blade control bail, contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

2.Close the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped with, when the machine will not be in use for a few days, when transporting, or when the unit is parked inside a building.

Using the Self-Propel Drive (Self-Propelled Units Only)

The lawn mower has three ground speeds: 1 is slow, 2 is medium, and 3 is fast.

1.Start the engine.

2.Using the ground speed control, select the desired ground speed.

3.Squeeze the drive bail against the handle (see Figure 4).

Note: Do Not shift speeds while squeezing the ground speed control against the handle. This can damage the transmission. Release the ground speed control before changing speeds.

Note: You can vary the ground speed by increasing or decreasing the distance between the ground speed control and the handle. Lower the control bar to decrease the ground speed when you are making a turn or if the lawn mower is moving too fast for you. If you lower the control bar too far the lawn mower stops self-propelling. Squeeze the ground speed control closer to the handle to increase the ground speed. When you hold the ground speed control tight against the handle, the lawn mower self-propels at the maximum ground speed. Move the ground speed control to the Neutral position when you use the lawn mower for trimming or whenever you leave the lawn mower.

Operating the Blade Control Lever (Blade Brake Clutch Units Only)

1.Start the engine.

2.Squeeze the blade control bail against the handle (Figure 4).

3.Move the blade control lever to the full forward Latch position. Blades should engage.

4.Release the blade control bail to disengage the blades.

Note: The blade control lever will release rapidly when the blade control bail is released. To avoid minor injury, keep hands clear of the blade control lever when the blade control bail is released.

1.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2.Insert the plug. (Refer to Installing the Discharge Plug section).

3.To remove the plug, move the discharge door handle rearward and lift up the spring clip on the bottom of the plug. When the plug is unlocked, pull it out of the discharge tunnel.

Note: When grass is thick and lush, clippings may collect on and around the discharge tunnel plug. This may make removing the plug difficult. Clean the plug thoroughly after each use.

Checking the Blade Brake Clutch (Blade Brake Clutch Units Only)

Check the Blade Brake Clutch (BBC) system before each use to ensure that it is operating properly.

Normal Test:

1.Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2.Move the lawn mower onto a paved surface in a non-windy area.

3.Set all four wheels in to the 2 1/2 inches (6.4 cm) cutting height (see Figure 13).

4.Set the ground speed selector to the N (Neutral) position.

5.Take a half sheet of newspaper and crumple it into ball small enough to go under the deck (about 3 inches or 7.6 cm in diameter) as shown in Figure 12.