7
OPERATION

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

ADD OIL (See Fig. 9)

Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type
and grade of oil to use, see “EN GINE” in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfi ll engine with
oil, or it will smoke on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fi ll spout.
3. Engine holds 20 ounces of oil. For type and grade of
oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section
of this manual.
4. Pour oil slowly. Do not overfi ll. Wait one minute to allow
oil to settle. Insert and tighten dipstick, then remove it
to check oil level.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each
season. You may need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO CHANGE EN-
GINE OIL” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
SIDE DIS CHARG ING (See Fig. 7)
• Mulcher plug must be installed into rear discharge
open ing of mower.
• Open mulcher door and install dis charge defl ector
under door as shown.
• Mower is now ready for discharging operation.
• To convert to mulching or bagging operation, dis charge
defl ector must be removed and mulcher door closed.
SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER
WHEN CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER:
FOR MULCHING -
1. Mulcher plug installed.
2. Mulcher door closed.
FOR REAR BAGGING -
1. Mulcher plug removed.
2. Grass catcher installed.
3. Mulcher door closed.
FOR SIDE DISCHARGING -
1. Mulcher plug installed.
2. Discharge defl ector installed.
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower
with out mulcher plug or ap proved grass
catch er in place. Never at tempt to op-
er ate the lawn mow er with the rear door
re moved or propped open.

TO EMPTY GRASS CATCHER (See Fig. 8)

1. Lift up on grass catcher using the frame han dle.
2. Remove grass catcher with clippings from under lawn
mower han dle.
3. Empty clippings from bag.
NOTE: Do not drag the bag when emptying; it will cause
unnecessary wear.
FIG. 8
FRAME
HANDLE
OPEN MULCHER DOOR
DISCHARGE DEFLECTOR
FIG. 7