OPC

Handlebar Lever

Recoil Starter

Handle

Throttle

Wheel Drive

Control Lever

Figure 16

FILLING THE FUEL TANK

To add fuel to fuel tank:

1.Put unit in open or well-ventilated area.

2.Stop engine and allow to cool.

3.Clean fuel cap and surrounding area.

4.Remove cap.

IMPORTANT: See engine manual for correct type and grade of fuel.

5.DO NOT OVERFILL. Fill fuel tank to below bottom of filler neck to allow for fuel expansion. See SPECIFICATIONS on page 36.

6.Replace fuel cap and tighten.

7.ALWAYS clean any spilled fuel.

STARTING AND SHUT OFF

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

See Figure 15 for all Controls and Features.

NOTE: Start engine on a level surface that is free of debris. It is recommended that the engine is started over a non-grassy area, or over grass that has been cut short.

Starting

3.Place throttle control in the high-speed position (all the way forward).

4.With operator presence control lever held against the handlebar, grasp starter handle and pull rope slowly until it pulls harder. This is the compression stroke.

5.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.

6.Repeat step 4 and step 5 until engine starts. (If engine does not start, see TROUBLESHOOTING on page 34.)

Shut Off

1.Release wheel drive control, if so equipped. Allow unit to stop completely.

2.Release operator presence control.

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 inside of mower deck, avoid operating over bare ground with only patches of grass.

EMERGENCY STOPPING

To stop the mower in an emergency:

1.Release the engine/blade (OPC) control.

2.Release the wheel drive control .

3.Allow all moving parts to stop before leaving operator’s position.

1.Check each item in the Before Each Use section of the MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE on page 19.

2.Ensure the wheel drive controls, if so equipped, are disengaged.

NOTE: The engine is equipped with the ReadyStart® System that features a temperature-controlled automatic choke. It does not have a manual choke or a primer.

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