Read this operator’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustration in Figure 10 with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual for future reference.
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.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release blade control handle to stop engine and blade.
WARNING: This blade control mechanism is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
These levers are located on each wheel and are used to adjust the cutting height. These levers have to be at the same relative position to ensure uniform cut.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to start the unit.
Grass Catcher
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed from the mower and emptied before any further mowing.
Mulching Plug
Instead of collecting grass clippings in a grass catcher, this mower has the option of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called mulching. Remove the grass catcher and the
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all instructions and warnings on the machine and in this manual before operating.
NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and gasoline before starting the mower for the first time. Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary for subsequent starts.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
•Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
•Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine manual.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
Before Starting Mower
•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.
Starting Engine
•Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. In cold weather around 55o F or below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.
•Standing behind the mower, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches the 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. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.
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