MTD 260 Series    , Operation, Starting Engine, Stopping Engine, Using Your Lawn Mower

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operat- ing mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

1.Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the upper handle, Figure 4-2.

NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the engine is warm or the air temperature is high.

2.Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2.

3.Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back against the rope guide.

4.As the engine warms, slowly push in the choke knob. See Figure 4-2.

Stopping Engine

1.Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.

2.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and ground against the engine.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower or the engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.









Figure 4-2

Operating Tips

1.To engage the drive, squeeze the drive control handle towards the upper handle. Release the drive control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn, or stopping.

2.For best results do not cut wet grass.

3.New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a narrower cut.

4.For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass.

5.Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.

6.If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4 inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4 inches or less before mulching.

NOTE: To operate your unit using the grass catcher, mulcher or optional side discharge refer to page 7.

4

Operation

WARNING

The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before re- starting and operating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.