GB - 16
EMERGENCY STOPPING
To stop the mower in an emergency:
1. Release the engine/blade control.
2. Release the wheel drive control (self-
propelled models).
3. Allow all moving parts to stop before
leaving operator’s position.
STARTING AND SHUT OFF
See Figure 6 for all Controls and Features.
NOTE: Start engine on a level surface that is
free of debris.

Manual Start

1. Check each item in the Before Each Use
section of the MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE on page 17.
2. Open fuel shutoff valve (911154).
3. For engines with a primer, push primer
bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine.
NOTE: It is unnecessary to prime or choke a
warm engine.
4. For engines with a throttle, place throttle
control in the choke position. Once the
engine has started, place throttle in the
high speed detent.
5. With engine/blade control held against
the handlebar, grasp starter handle and
pull rope slowly until it pulls harder. This
is the compression stroke. Let rope
rewind slowly.
6. Pull rope with rapid continuous full arm
stroke to start engine. Allow rope to
rewind slowly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT let starter handle
snap against bracket.
7. Repeat steps 4 and 6 until engine starts.
(If engine does not start, see
TROUBLESHOOTING on page23.)

Electric Start (911154)

Recoil may also be used to start the engine
(see Manual Start on page16).
IMPORTANT: DO NOT start engine while the
charger is connected to wiring harness.
1. Check each item in the Before Each Use
section of the MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULE on page 17.
2. For engines with a primer, push primer
bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine.
NOTE: It is unnecessary to prime or choke a
warm engine.
3. With engine/blade control held against
the handlebar, turn the key to “Start”
position to crank engine and release key
when engine starts.
IMPORTANT: Do not run starter continuously
for more than fifteen seconds. If the engine
does not start after several attempts, refer to
TROUBLESHOOTING on page23.

Shut Off

1. Release wheel drive control and allow
unit to stop completely (self-propelled
models).
2. Release engine/blade control.
3. Turn key to off position and then remove
key (electric start models).

Mowing Tips

Cut grass when it is dry.
Keep mower blades sharp.
Do not set cutting height too low. For tall
grass, mow twice.
Do not mow too fast.
Mow with engine at full throttle. Discharge
clippings into areas already cut.
Vary cutting pattern with each mowing.
NOTE: To prevent dirt and grass from
collecting on mower pan, avoid operating
over bare ground with only patches of grass.

Mulching Tips

For best mulching performance, cut no more
than 1 inch (2.54 cm) of grass per cutting.
WARNING: Improper operation
can lead to injury. Learn what the
controls do and how they work.
Thoroughly read and understand
entire Operator Manual.
Figure 12
1
1. Mulch Plug 2. Rear Door
2