8
4
Operating Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. See Figure 4-1. The blade control handle
must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release
the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handl e.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to
start the unit.
Mulching Plug(s) (optional)
The mulching plug(s) is used to close the s ide and rear
discharge chute openings when mulching or bagging
grass. Do not remove the hinged mulching plug at any
time, even when you are not mulching.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The height adjuster determines the cutting height of
the mower. The adjuster is located above the left rear
wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever out and
away from the mower and then move it forward or back
to select a new cutting height.
Choke Knob
Pull the choke knob to activate the choke on the engine.
Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is
warm or the air temperature is high.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Refer to the engine section in this manual for engin e
information.
1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the firs t time
out of the box.
2. Service the engine with gasol ine as instructed in the
engine section of this manual.
WARNING: Use extreme care
when handling gasoline. Gasoline
is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes
and other sources of ignition.
WARNING: The operation of
any lawn mower can result in
foreign objects being thrown
into the eyes, which can damage
your eyes severely. Always wear
safety glasses while operating
the mower, or while performing
any adjustments or repairs on it.
WARNING
Figure 4-1

Know Your Lawn Mower

Read, understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machine and
in this manual before
operating.
This blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Blade Control
Choke Knob
Recoil Starter
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Mulching Plug