7
OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever

For best cut quality, always mow
with the throttle lever in the FAST
position. When the blades rotate
at the preset fast speed, they
create a strong fan action that lifts
and cuts grass more efficiently.
Do not try to increase the preset
engine speed; the blades could
fracture and come apart.

Blade Control Lever

To start blade rotation, make sure
the throttle lever is in the FAST
position.
1. Press the button on top of the
blade control lever.
2. Push the blade control lever
forward quickly and hold it
against the handlebar.
Continue to hold the blade control
lever against the handlebar to
maintain blade rotation.
Operate the blade control lever with a quick and complete motion, so
the blade control is always either fully engaged or stopped. This will
help prevent stalling the engine, and it will also extend the service life
of the blade control mechanism.
Always release the blade control lever before starting the engine to
prevent the blades from turning.

Drive Clutch Lever

With the engine running,
push the drive clutch lever
forward to propel the mower
forward.
Release the drive clutch
lever to stop the mower’s
forward movement.
You can control
self-propelled speed with the
drive clutch lever. The
mower will move gradually
faster as you push the drive clutch lever forward. If you push the lever
all the way forward to the handlebar, the mower will move at the
speed determined by the shift lever setting.
When moving and using the drive clutch lever to change
self-propelled speed, continue to fully hold the blade control lever
against the handlebar. This will help prevent damage to the blade
control mechanism. Use the shift lever to change the maximum speed
so you can hold the drive clutch lever comfortably against the
handlebar.
For self-propelled mowing, press the button on top of the blade control
lever, push the blade control lever forward, then push the drive clutch
lever forward. The drive clutch lever can be used to hold the blade
control lever against the handlebar.
Always release the drive clutch lever before starting the engine. If the
drive clutch is engaged, the mower will move forward when you
operate the starter.

Shift Lever

Use the shift lever to select the
forward speed at which you wish
to mow.
Do not use the throttle lever to
adjust your forward speed. The
throttle lever must remain in the
FAST position for good mowing
performance. Otherwise, cut
quality suffers.
The position of the shift lever
determines the maximum ground
speed when the drive clutch lever
is fully engaged.
If you wish to momentarily slow the mower during operation, partially
release the drive clutch lever, then resume your normal speed by
pushing the drive clutch lever forward again. It is not necessary to
move the shift lever for momentary speed reduction.
For maximum mowing performance, use the lower speed range for
mowing and the higher speed range for transporting.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Release the drive clutch
and blade control levers.
2. Move the throttle lever to
the STOP position to stop
the engine.
3. When the mower is not in
use, turn the fuel valve to
the OFF position.
FAST
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
BUTTON
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
THROTTLE
FAST
SLOW
SHIFT LEVER
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVE
R
STOP