Other, Handle See Figs, Fuel System, Engine OIL

STORAGE

HANDLE (See Figs. 23 and 24)

You can fold your lawn mower handle for storage.

NOTE: The upper handle has an “anti-fold” bracket located on the left side of the handle. This bracket prevents the upper handle from folding forward, which helps protect control cable(s) from damage.

1.Loosen the two (2) handle knobs on sides of the upper handle and allow handle to fold down to the rear.

2.Remove the two (2) handle knobs and carriage bolts on sides of the lower handle and pivot entire handle assembly forward and allow it to rest on mower.

3.Reinstall knobs and carriage bolts to lower handle or handle brackets for safe keeping.

•When setting up your handle from the storage posi- tion, you must manually lock lower handle into mowing position.

IMPORTANT: WHEN FOLDING THE HANDLE FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORTATION, BE SURE TO FOLD THE HANDLE AS SHOWN OR YOU MAY DAMAGE THE CONTROL CABLES.

OPERATOR PRESENCE

CONTROL BAR

FOLD

UPPER HANDLEFORWARD

FOR

STORAGE

LOWER

HANDLE

FOLD

BACKWARD

MOWING

POSITION

FIG. 23

KNOB

BOLT

HANDLE

BRACKET

ENGINE

FUEL SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: IT IS IMPORTANTTO PREVENT GUM DEPOSITS FROM FORMING IN ESSENTIAL FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR, FUEL FILTER, FUEL HOSE, OR TANK DURING STORAGE. ALSO, ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHANOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMATION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE. ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE.

•Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and letting it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty.

•Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

•Use fresh fuel next season.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative in mini- mizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow the mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not empty the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.

ENGINE OIL

Drain oil (with engine warm) and replace with clean en- gine oil. (See “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual).

CYLINDER

1.Remove spark plug.

2.Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder.

3.Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil.

4.Replace with new spark plug.

OTHER

•Do not store gasoline from one season to another.

•Replace your gasoline can if your can starts to rust. Rust and/or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems.

•If possible, store your unit indoors and cover it to give protection from dust and dirt.

•Cover your unit with a suitable protective cover that does not retain moisture. Do not use plastic. Plastic cannot breathe, which allows condensation to form and will cause your unit to rust.

IMPORTANT: NEVER COVER MOWER WHILE ENGINE AND EXHAUST AREAS ARE STILL WARM.

CAUTION: Never store the lawn mower with gasoline in the tank inside a build- ing where fumes may reach an open ﬂame or spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.

FIG. 24