4
CONTROL LOCATIONS 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 quickly shut off the lawn mower 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 blade(s) for wear. Replace as necessary (page 9).
• Check that the blade bolts are tight (page 10).
• Check that all nuts, bolts, screws are tightened.

Check the Engine:

• Check the air cleaner (page 11) and oil level (page 11).
• Check the fuel level (page 13). Starting with a full tank will help to
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 lawn area.

People and Pets

People and animals near the lawn 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.

Lawn Conditions

Check the condition of the grass. Adjust your lawn mower ground
speed and mowing swath accordingly.
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
(SDA & TDA) (P. 7) FLYWHEEL BRAKE
LEVER (P. 6)
THROTTLE LEVER (P. 6)
REAR
DISCHARGE
GUARD (HRR)
FUEL TANK CAP (P. 14)
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVERS (P. 5)
MUFFLER
OIL FILLER CAP
(P. 3)
CUTTING HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
LEVER (2) (P. 5)
GRASS
BAG
(HRR)
(P. 5)
HANDLEBAR
LOCKING
KNOB (2)
RECOIL
STARTER
GRIP (P. 6)
AIR CLEANER (P. 11)
SPARK PLUG
CAP
CARBURETOR
FUEL VALVE (P. 6)
MULCHING PLUG
(HRR) (P. 5)
To easily identify your model,
refer to the chart on PAGE 17
SIDE DISCHARGE
GUARD (HRS)(P. 5)
SHIFT
LEVER
(TDA) (P. 7)
��� 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.