OPERATION

OPERATING TIPS

1.Check the blade rotation control for correct adjustment. For the blade(s) to disengage correctly, the adjustment must be cor- rect.

2.Before you use the unit, check the oil in the engine and add oil if necessary.

3.If the engine will not start, first make sure the wire is attached to the spark plug.

4.Make sure all the belts are inside all the belt guides. See the in- structions on how to remove and install the motion drive and mower drive belts.

5.Before you make an inspection, adjustment (except for the car- buretor) or repair, make sure the wire from the spark plug is dis- connected.

6.For longer life of the battery on electric start models, charge the battery every three months.

7.Use the shift lever to change the ground speed, not the throttle control.

8.Belt noise can occur when the blade or clutch is engaged. This noise is normal and does not affect the operation of the unit.

MOWING AND BAGGING TIPS

1.For a lawn to look better, check the cutting level of the mower housing. See “How To Level The Mower Housing” in the Main- tenance section.

2.For the mower housing to cut level, make sure the tires have the correct amount of air pressure and use slow ground speeds when turning.

3.Every time you use the unit, check the blade. If the blade is bent or damaged, immediately replace the blade. Also, make sure the nut for the blade is tight.

4.Keep the blade(s) sharpened. Worn blades will cause the ends of the grass to turn brown.

5.Do not cut or bag grass that is wet. Wet grass will not discharge correctly. Let the grass dry before cutting.

6.Use the left side of the mower housing to trim near an object.

7.Discharge the cut grass onto the mowed area. The result is a more even discharge of cut grass.

8.When you mow large areas, start by turning to the right so that the cut grass will discharge away from shrubs, fences, drive- ways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direc- tion making left turns until finished (Figure 14).

9.Use a mowing pattern that eliminates reverse travel as much as possible.

10.If the grass is very high, cut two times to decrease the load on the engine. First cut with the mower housing in the highest posi- tion and then lower the mower housing for the second cut.

11.For better engine performance and an even discharge of the cut grass, always operate the engine with the throttle in FAST position.

12.When you use a bagger, operate the engine with the throttle in FAST position and the shift lever in first or second gear.

13.For better cutting performance and a quality cut, mow with the shift lever in one of the slower speeds.

14.After each use, clean the bottom and top of the mower housing for better performance. Also, a clean mower housing will help prevent a fire.

Figure 14

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Murray 309007x8B manual Operating Tips, Mowing and Bagging Tips