OPERATION
TO STOP ENGINE
•To stop engine, move throttle control lever to STOP position. Wait until blade and all moving parts have stopped and turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to restart the engine soon.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 14)
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the product and should be considered normal.
1.Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.
2.To start a cold engine, move handle mounted throttle/ choke control lever to CHOKE position.
3.Pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
4.Slowly move throttle control lever to FAST position after engine starts.
•To start a warm engine, move throttle control lever to FAST position, then follow steps above.
NOTE: Allow a cold engine to warm up for one minute before starting the blade. See “BLADE CONTROL” in this section of this manual.
OFF
ON
FUEL
VALVE
LEVER
FIG. 14
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use
•Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn mower over the area a second time.
•For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
•For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions, the engine speed should be set in the fast position.
•Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using.
•Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow and extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER HOUSING FREE OF
•The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip- pings many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
•Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action. The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
•For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top
MAX 1/3
FIG. 15
by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
•Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require that an area be mulched a second time to completely hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
•Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow north to south one week then east to west the next week.
10This will help prevent matting and graining of the lawn.