MAINTENANCE
20
F-030401L
5. Make sure the blade is balanced. Use a
screwdriver and hold the blade parallel to
the ground as shown. A blade that is bal-
anced will stay parallel to the ground. If the
blade is not balanced, the heavy end will
rotate toward the ground. Sharpen the
heavy end until the blade is balanced.
6. A new blade will cut better than a badly
worn blade. Every two years replace the
old blade with a factory replacement
blade.
CHECK THE LEVEL OF CUT
Test the unit in a small area. If the height of cut
is not level or if the cut grass is not discharged,
the cause can be: (1) the blade is bent or dam-
aged, (2) the blade is not sharp, (3) a worn
blade, (4) or a broken blade adapter. Before
you use the unit, correct the problem.
FOLDING HANDLE STORAGE
CAUTION: Be careful when you fold or
raise the handle. Do not damage the
cables. A cable that is bent will not work
correctly. Before you use the unit, replace a
bent or damaged cable.

How To Fold The Handle

1. Loosen the knobs that hold the upper part
of the handle to the lower part of the han-
dle. As you fold the handle, make sure the
cables are not around the loose fasteners
and do not become damaged. Rotate the
upper part of the handle toward the back
of the unit (Figure 15) .
2. Loosen the knobs on the lower handle
(Figure 16). Push in on the ends of the
lower handle. Move the ends of the lower
handle past the locking tabs.
3. Rotate the handle forward over the en-
gine. Make sure the cables are not dam-
aged.
Push in on
lower handle.
Figure 15
Locking
Tabs
Lower Handle
Knob
Figure 16

How To Raise The Handle

1. Pull the handle back until the ends of the
lower handle lock into position.
2. Lift the upper part of the handle into the op-
erator’s position. Tighten the fasteners
that hold the handle.
HOW TO PREPARE THE MOWERFOR STORAGE
WARNING: Do not remove gaso-
line while inside a building, near
a fire, or while you smoke.
Gasoline fumes can cause an
explosion or a fire.
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Let the engine run until it is out of gasoline.
3. Drain the oil from the warm engine. Fill the
engine crankcase with new oil.
4. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder.
Pour one ounce of oil into the cylinder.
Slowly pull the recoil-start grip so that the
oil will protect the cylinder. Install a new
spark plug in the cylinder.
5. Clean the dirt and debris from the cylinder
cooling fins and the engine housing.
6. Clean the bottom of the mower housing.
7. Completely clean the mower to protect the
paint.
8. Put the unit in a building that has good ven-
tilation.