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.

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the op- erator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating 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.

2

1

4 3

Figure 4-2: Steps to start mower.

4

Operating

Your Lawn

Mower

WARNING: Always keep hands and feet clear of equipment moving parts. Do not use a pres-

surized starting fluid. Vapors are flammable.

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

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

2.Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control and hold it against the upper handle.

3.Pull the starter grip lightly until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback and start engine. Repeat if necessary. See Figure 4-2 .

IMPORTANT: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage to the starter.

4.When engine warms up, push in the choke knob. See Figure 4-2.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark

plug, thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair damage before restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

1.Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control to propel mower. For best results, do not cut wet grass and never cut off more than one-third of the total length of the grass.

Using as Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher from the mower. The rear discharge door should be closed.

For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass.

New or thick grass may require a narrower cut. Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.

If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

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 operat- ing the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or

Stopping Engine

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

Using Your Lawn Mower

WARNING: Never operate your mower without either the rear door or the entire grass catcher

assembly firmly secured.

Be sure 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.

Using Grass Catcher

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.

1.Attach grass catcher following instructions in the Setup section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower till grass bag is full.

2.Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

3.Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to dispose of the grass clippings.

operating mower.

Never run engine in- doors or in enclosed, poorly venti-

lated 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.

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MTD 44M Starting Engine, Using as Mulcher, Stopping Engine, Using Your Lawn Mower, Using Grass Catcher, Operating mower