5.Push the clutch/brake pedal completely for- ward.

6.Move the shift lever to one of the speed set- tings.

NOTE: When you mow in heavy grass or mow with a bagger, put the shift lever in the slowest speed.

7.Slowly release the clutch/brake pedal.

8.Move the throttle control to the FAST posi- tion. If you need to go faster or slower, stop the unit and move the shift lever to another speed setting.

9.Make sure the level of cut is still correct. After you mow a short distance, look at the area that was cut. If the mower housing does not cut level, see the instructions on “How To Level The Mower Housing” in the Mainten- ance section.

WARNING: For better control of the unit, select a safe speed.How To Operate On Hills

WARNING: Do not ride up or down slopes that are too steep to back straight up. Never ride the unit

across a slope.

1.Before you ride up or down a hill, move the shift lever to the slowest speed.

2.Do not stop or change speed settings on a hill. If you must stop, quickly push the clutch/ brake pedal forward and set the parking brake.

3.To start again, make sure the shift lever is in the slowest speed. Move the throttle control to the SLOW position. Slowly release the pedal.

4.If you must stop or start on a hill, always have enough space for the unit to roll when you release the brake and engage the clutch.

5.Be very careful when you change directions on a hill. When on a slope or in a turn on a hill, move the throttle control to the SLOW position to help prevent an accident.

Before Starting The EngineCheck the oil

NOTE: The engine was shipped from the factory filled with oil. Check the level of the oil and add oil if needed . See the engine manu- facturer’s instructions for the type of petrol and oil to use.

1.Make sure the unit is level.

NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil while the engine runs.

2.Check the oil. Follow the procedure in the engine manufacturer’s instructions.

3.If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the FULL mark on the dipstick. The quantity of oil needed from ADD to FULL is shown on the dipstick. Do not add too much oil.

Add Petrol

WARNING: Always use a safety petrol container. Do not smoke when adding petrol to the fuel tank.

Do not add petrol when you are inside an enclosure. Before you add petrol, stop the engine and let the engine cool for several minutes.

(Figure 14) Fill the fuel tank (1) to the FULL (2) position with regular unleaded petrol. Make sure the petrol is fresh and clean. Leaded petrol will increase deposits and shorten the life of the valves.

How To Start The Engine

WARNING: The electrical system has an operator presence system that includes a sensor switch for

the seat. These components tell the electrical system if the operator is sitting on the seat. This system will stop the engine when the operator leaves the seat. For your protection, always make sure this system operates correctly.

NOTE: The engine will not start unless you depress the clutch/brake pedal and move the blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE position.

1.Push the clutch/brake brake pedal complete- ly forward. Keep your foot on the pedal.

2.Move the shift lever to the neutral (N) posi- tion.

3.Make sure the blade rotation control is in the DISENGAGE position.

4.Move the throttle control completely forward to the CHOKE or FAST position. Some mo- dels have a separate choke knob. Pull the choke knob to the full CHOKE position.

5.Turn the ignition key to the START position.

NOTE: If the engine does not start after four or five tries, move the throttle control to the FAST position. Again try to start the engine. If the engine will not start, see the

TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART.

6.Slowly move the throttle control to the SLOW position.

7.To start a hot engine, move the throttle con- trol to a position between FAST and SLOW.

Mowing And Bagging Tips

1.For a lawn to look better, check the cutting level of the mower housing. See “How To Level The Mower Housing” in the Mainten- ance section.

2.For the mower housing to cut level, make sure the tyres have the correct amount of air pressure.

3.Every time you use the unit, check the blade. If the blade is bent or damaged, immediately replace the blade. Also, make sure the nut for the blade is tight.

4.Keep the blade(s) sharpened. Worn blades will cause the ends of the grass to turn brown.

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5.Do not cut or bag grass that is wet. Wet grass will not discharge correctly. Let the grass dry before cutting.

6.Use the left side of the mower housing to trim near an object.

7.Discharge the cut grass onto the mowed area. The result is a more even discharge of cut grass.

8.When you mow large areas, start by turning to the right so that the cut grass will dis- charge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the op- posite direction making left turns until fin- ished.

9.If the grass is very high, cut two times to de- crease the load on the engine. First cut with the mower housing in the highest position and then lower the mower housing for the second cut.

10.For better engine performance and an even discharge of the cut grass, always operate the engine with the throttle in FAST position.

11.When you use a bagger, operate the engine with the throttle in FAST position and the shift lever in first or second gear.

12.For better cutting performance and a quality cut, mow with the shift lever in one of the slower speeds.

13.After each use, clean the bottom and top of the mower housing for better performance. Also, a clean mower housing will help pre- vent a fire.

Mulching Tips

When you use a mulcher attachment, the grass is cut into very small pieces. These small pieces will quickly break down. Because the nutrients are returned to the soil, the lawn will need less fertilizer. To correctly mulch the grass, follow the steps below.

1.Set the throttle in the FAST position. Operate the mower at a slower ground speed. If ground speed is too fast, the grass will not have an even cut.

2.Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become brown.

3.Make sure the grass is dry. Wet grass is diffi- cult to cut.

4.Set the height of the mower housing so that only the top third of the grass is cut. If the grass is too high, set the height of the mower housing to the maximum height. Then, lower the mower housing for the second cut. Also, instead of using the full width of the mower housing, mulch at half the width.

5.Clean the bottom of the mower housing. Grass and other debris can keep the mower from working correctly.

6.If the grass grows fast, mulch more often.

7.If an area needs improvement, mulch a sec- ond time.

F-0 30609L

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