SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER
FOR MULCHING -
1.Rear mulcher plug installed.
2.Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1.Rear mulcher plug removed.
2.Grass catcher installed.
3.Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1.Rear mulcher plug installed.
2.Discharge deflector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mow- er without mulcher plug, clipping deflector or approved grass catcher in place. Never attempt to operate the lawn mower with the rear door removed or propped open.
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.
1.Be sure lawnmower is level.
2.Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3.You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4.Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank fi ller neck. Do not overfi ll. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur- chase fuel in quantities that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. 
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or metha- nol) 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. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
Engine oil cap
Gasoline filler cap
Primer 
TO STOP ENGINE
•To stop engine, release operator pres- ence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
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.To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually necessary when starting an engine which has already run for a few minutes.
2.Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat priming steps.
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