SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting deck. The blade will be rotating whenever the engine is running.
Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting the engine or operating the mower.
Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
•Service the mower engine with gasoline and oil following instructions in the engine manual. If your mower was shipped with oil in the engine, fill up the required amount of gasoline only. Always make sure there is adequate oil in the engine before starting the engine. Fill up as necessary.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running.
Adjusting Cutting Height
•Your mower was shipped at the highest cutting height. For best results in mowing, keep the cutting height position high until it is determined which height is best for your lawn.
•Refer to height adjustments section of this manual on page 10 for instruction on how to adjust the cutting height and the handle height.
Before Starting
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
To Start Engine and Engage Blade
•Prime engine as instructed in the engine manual.
•Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
•Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly to the rope guide. If you encounter any problems, refer to the Trouble Shooting Guide for helpful information.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit for more detailed instructions.
Stopping Engine and Blade
•Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off. Do not touch the blade in any way while it is still rotating.
•Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
Using Your Rotary Mower
•Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.
•For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut. Speed of the mower should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
•For a healthier lawn, always cut off
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.
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