OPERATION

WARNING: Improper operation can lead to injury. Learn what the controls do and how they work. Thoroughly read and understand entire Operator Manual.

CAUTION: DO NOT operate mower unless side discharge deflector is installed. Thrown objects may cause damage or injury.

CAUTION: If clog or obstruction prevents grass flow, release engine/blade control and disconnect spark plug wire before attempting to clear away any clogs.

CONTROLS AND FEATURES

See Figure 16 for locations.

Operator Presence Control

CAUTION: Check function of Engine/Blade Control regularly. Improper function of control could cause injury.

RUN

OFF

RUN

OFF

The Operator Presence Control (OPC) lever must be held against the handlebar to start the engine and blade.

Releasing the OPC lever grounds engine spark and applies engine flywheel brake, stopping the engine and blade within 3 seconds. Check this feature frequently. If feature fails to operate, disconnect spark plug wire and adjust or have it repaired before using unit.

Recoil Starter Handle

When pulled, recoil starter handle will turn engine over.

Engine Throttle

Push throttle forward to increase engine speed. Pull throttle backward to decrease engine speed.

Wheel Drive Control

The lower, right-side lever must be manually held against the handlebar to engage wheel drive. Wheel drive will disengage when this lever is released. This lever allows for quick engagement and disengagement of wheel drive when maneuvering in tight areas or around obstacles.

NOTE: Engine must be running for wheel drive to propel unit.

Wheel drive speed is preset and cannot be

varied during mower operation. The drive speed may be changed by adjusting the variable speed (VS) pulley configuration. See Wheel Drive Speed Adjustment on page 24.

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