SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.
NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and gasoline before starting the mower for the first time. Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary for subsequent starts.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
•Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
•Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine 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. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
Before Starting Mower
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
Recoil |
Starter |
Fuel Valve |
Choke Lever |
Figure 11
•Move the choke lever all the way backward into the choke position. Once the engine is warm, the lever will automatically revert to the RUN position. Refer to the engine manual for further details.
•Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches the start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
•Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
Make sure the fuel valve lever found on the left side of the engine is in the ON position. See Figure 11.
Stopping Engine
•Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.
•Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit for more detailed instructions.
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING: Never operate the mower unless the hooks on the grass catcher are seated in the slots on the handle bracket assemblies, and the rear discharge door rests firmly against the top of the grass catcher.
•Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine.
•For best results, do not cut wet grass. New grass or thick grass may require a narrower cut.
•For a healthy lawn, always cut off
10
