6
OPERATION

MOWING PRECAUTIONS

Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN
MOWER SAFETY (page 2). Even if you have operated other mowers,
take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice
in a safe area until you build up your skills. For your safety, avoid
starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a
garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide
gas, which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or
death.

STARTING THE ENGINE

The blade(s) turn when you pull the starter grip. It is easiest to start
the engine in a clear or mowed area where the blade(s) can turn
freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position.
2. Move the throttle lever to the proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position.
WARM ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.
3. SDA, TDA: Release the
drive clutch lever to prevent
the mower from moving
forward when you operate
the starter.
4. Pull back on the flywheel
brake lever and hold it
against the handlebar.
5. Pull the starter grip lightly
until you feel resistance,
then pull briskly. Return
the starter grip gently.
Keep your hands and feet
away from the mower
deck at all times when
starting and running the
engine.
Continue to hold the
flywheel brake lever
against the handlebar; the
engine will stop if you
release the lever.
6. If the CHOKE position was used during starting, move the throttle
lever away from the CHOKE position as soon as the engine warms
up enough to run smoothly without using the choke. Set the throttle
lever at FAST to mow or at SLOW to idle.

OPERATING THE CONTROLS FOR MOWING

Throttle Lever

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

Flywheel Brake Lever

The lever must be pulled back
against the handlebar to start
and run the engine. The blade(s)
start to rotate when the lever is
pulled back against the
handlebar and the recoil starter
grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever
against the handlebar to keep
the engine running and the
blade(s) rotating.
Release the lever to stop the
engine and stop blade rotation.
ON
FUEL VALVE
CHOKE
FAST
DRIVE CLUTCH LEVER
(SDA, TDA)
FLYWHEEL
BRAKE LEVER
STARTER
GRIP
FAST THROTTLE LEVER
FLYWHEEL BRAKE LEVER