Exmark M217b, M217bsp, M217B Starting and Stopping, Using Discharge Tunnel Plug, Using Grass Bag

grass must be cut, use highest height-of-cut setting for first mowing. Then recut the grass at a more normal setting. If too long of grass is cut, mower may plug and cause engine to stall.

2.SHARP BLADEÐBegin each cutting season with a sharp blade. Periodically file down nicks.

Starting and Stopping

1.CONTROLSÐThrottle control, control bar, and fingertip starter are on upper handle (Fig. 9).

Note: The engine requires a warm-up period of one minute to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

2.Push spark plug wire onto spark plug (Fig. 10).

3.Push primer three (3) times (Fig. 10). Wait about two (2) seconds between each push.

Note: Do not use primer to start a warm engine after a short shutdown. However, cool weather may require priming to be repeated.

4.STARTINGÐMove ground speed control to NEUTRAL (Fig. 11) and throttle to FAST. Lift the control bar (Fig. 9) to handle and hold. Pull fingertip starter (Fig. 9) out until positive engagement results; then pull vigorously to start the engine. When engine starts, regulate throttle as desired (Fig. 9). Allow the engine to warm-up. During warm-up, the equipment can be operated.

5.STOPPINGÐTo stop engine, release control bar and wait for all moving parts to stop. Pull wire off spark plug if mower will be unattended or not used.

Using Discharge Tunnel Plug

1.Make sure engine is off. Open the discharge door by pulling forward on the handle and moving it rearwards (Fig. 6). Hold the discharge door handle to prevent the spring±loaded door from closing while inserting the plug.

2.Since the plug is slightly wider than the discharge tunnel opening, you must rotate the plug clockwise slightly while inserting it (Fig. 6). Make sure the arrow on the plug decal is pointing upwards.

3.Push the plug all the way in until the spring clip on the bottom of the plug clicks into place, locking the plug securely into the discharge tunnel (Fig. 7). Release the discharge door handle to lock the top of the plug.

4.To remove the plug, move the discharge door handle rearwards while at the same time lift up the spring clip on the bottom of the plug. When the plug is unlocked, pull it out of the discharge tunnel.

Note: When grass is thick and lush, clippings may collect on and around the discharge tunnel plug. This may make plug removal difficult. Clean plug thoroughly after each use. Refer to CLEANING MOWER section.

Using Grass Bag

Occasionally you may wish to use the grass bag for bagging extra long grass, lush grass or leaves.

1.Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.

2.Ensure chute door handle is fully forward and pin is engaged in catch (Fig. 12).

3.INSTALLING BAGÐSlide hole in bag frame onto retaining post on discharge tunnel (Fig. 12). Set rear of bag frame onto support rod.

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