5
BEFORE OPERATION
Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will
significantly reduce your risk of injury.
Read and understand this manual. Know what the controls do and
how to operate them.
Familiarize yourself with the lawn mower and its operation before you
begin using it. Know how to shut off the lawn mower quickly in case of
an emergency.

IS YOUR LAWN MOWER READY TO GO?

For your safety, and to maximize the service life of your lawn mower,
it is very important to take a few moments before you operate the lawn
mower to check its condition. Be sure to take care of any problem you
find or have your servicing dealer correct it before you operate the
lawn mower.
Before beginning your pre-operation checks, be sure the lawn mower
is on a level surface.

Check the General Condition of the Lawn Mower:

• Look around and underneath the lawn mower for signs of oil or
gasoline leaks.
• Look for signs of damage.
• Check each control for proper operation.
• Check the blades for wear. Replace as necessary (page 9).
• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 10).
• Check that all nuts, bolts, and screws are tightened.

Check the Engine:

• Check the air cleaner (page 11) and oil level (page 11).
• Check the fuel level (page 14). Starting with a full tank will help
eliminate or reduce operating interruptions for refueling.

CHECK YOUR MOWING AREA

For your safety and the safety of others, always inspect the area
before operating the lawn mower.

Objects

Anything that can be picked up by the blades and thrown is a potential
hazard to you and others. Look for things like stones, sticks, nails, and
wire, and remove them from the work area.

People and Pets

People and animals near the work area can move into your lawn
mower’s path or into a position where they could be struck by thrown
objects. Clear the area of pets and people, especially children. Their
safety is your responsibility.

Work Area

Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground
speed and mowing swath accordingly.

GET THE MOWER READY

Mulching Plug

The mulching plug helps to curve the inside of the mower deck for
more efficient mulching.
Install and remove the mulching plug by raising the discharge guard
as shown. The mulching plug only fits one way. Remove the mulching
plug when using a grass bag.

Grass Bag

A lawn mower works like a vacuum cleaner; it blows air through the
bag, which traps the grass clippings. Always empty the grass bag
before it becomes filled to the limit of its capacity. Bagging
performance will diminish after the bag becomes about 90% filled.
Also, the bag is easier to empty when it is not packed full.

Inspection

During normal use, the grass bag material is subject to deterioration
and wear.
NOTICE
Frequently inspect the grass bag for tears, holes, and excessive wear.
Check for necessary replacement. Make sure the new bag meets the
original specifications.
Grass bag replacement is explained on page 10.

Installation

1. Raise the discharge
guard and hook the
grass bag onto the
mower deck as
shown.
2. Release the
discharge guard to
secure the grass bag.

Removal

1. Raise the discharge
guard, grasp the
grass bag handle,
and remove the grass bag.
2. Release the discharge guard.
3. When the grass bag is clear of the discharge guard, you can lift it
through the handlebar opening, or you can remove it to the rear of
the mower below the handlebar.
B WARNING
Improperly maintaining this lawn mower or failing to correct a
problem before operation could cause a malfunction in which
you could be seriously injured.
Always perform a pre-operation inspection before each
operation and correct any problem.
SLOT
TAB
GRASS BAG
LID
DISCHARGE GUARD