the blade every two years.
A sharp blade decreases the workload on the engine and more evenly cuts grass. Frequently sharpen the blade for a better looking cut. Use the left side of the mower housing to trim near an object.
A grass bagger is a good accessory for your mower. For best performance and safety, make sure the grass bagger is approved for use with your mower. Follow the assembly and operation instructions included with the grass bagger. Some grass baggers require a special blade for best performance. Before you attach, check, or empty the grass bagger, always stop the engine. Before each use of the grass bagger, check for cracks, wear or deterioration. Before you use the grass bagger, replace a damaged part with a replacement part approved by the factory.
For you to have a good green lawn, follow the mowing procedures below. Do not cut the grass too short. If you cut the grass too short you can cause the grass to become yellow or make the lawn look brown. Use a lower height of cut in cool months when the grass is thicker. Raise the height of cut in hot dry periods. If you cut the grass with a blade that is not sharp or at a slow engine speed you can damage the grass. Move the throttle control to the FAST position when mowing and using the grass bagger. Also, use a slower ground speed when using the grass bag- ger.
If you change the direction or pattern of cut slightly every time you mow will make the grass grow stronger and thicker. Do not add oil or gas- oline to the mower while on the lawn. Spilled oil or gasoline can kill the grass. In high or thick grass, do not try to cut all the grass the first time. Raise the height of cut on the first cutting and lower the height for the next cutting. Another way is to cut only part of the width of the mower and decrease your ground speed (not the en- gine) to move more slowly so that the mower can discharge the grass as it moves forward.
Understand the controls and how they work. Learn the ground speed(s) of your mower. Check the stopping distance required at different travel speeds. Check the turning radius of the mower. The controls on your riding mower are different from an automobile. The throttle is op-
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erated by hand and holds the engine speed con- stant until it is changed. The location of the travel speed control is different from that of an automobile. Also, the brake and clutch systems are different. Remember the procedures to fol- low in an emergency. Remember, turning off the engine ignition switch will stop the blade and the drive mechanism. If the traction of the wheels is lost or does not feel safe, disengage all systems and stop the engine. Dismount from the mower. Push the unit to a safe place before you begin mowing again.
Your unit has an electrical system that includes an operator presence switch in the seat. The operator presence switch detects if the operator is sitting on the seat. The engine will stop if the operator leaves the seat when the blade en- gagement control is engaged. This operator presence switch is a safety device only. It must not regularly be used to stop the engine or the blade. There are other control systems on the mower for this purpose. Always keep the opera- tor presence switch and other safety devices and controls in place and operating for your pro- tection.
Remember, your mower is a tool that can be dangerous if it is not correctly used. Follow the instructions in this Instruction Book. Safe and careful use of the mower will give you many safe hours of problem free use.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
Before Mowing
DBe sure to dress correctly. Wear hard shoes, not sandals or tennis shoes.
DExamine the blade. A blade that is bent, cracked, or damaged must be replaced with a factory replacement blade.
DFill the fuel tank outside. Clean off spilled fuel.
DRead and follow the Owner’s Manual, the instructions with the engine, and the instruc- tions with any attachments. Owner’s Manual instructions are for your safety and the safety of others.
DExhaust fumes are dangerous. Start the en- gine outside.
DMake sure all safety devices are in place and working correctly.
DOperation of the mower is only for a person that has experience.
DWet grass can be dangerous. Let the grass dry.
DInstruct children and others to keep away from the work area.
DNever cut the grass without good light.
D
While Mowing
DWatch for fixed objects and avoid them. They can damage the mower or cause injury.
DA hot engine, muffler and transmission will cause a burn. Do not touch.
DInclines and slopes must be carefully mowed. See the “Guide” in the back of this book to check a slope.
DLack of daylight or good artificial light is cause to stop mowing.
DExamine the mower, the blade, and other parts for damage after hitting a foreign object or if the unit vibrates excessively.
DDo not make adjustments or repairs without stopping the engine (except for carburetor). Disconnect the spark plug wire.
DOn or near roads, watch out for traffic. Direct discharge away from roads.
DWhen mowing, avoid areas where traction is unsure. Before and while moving back- wards, look behind and down for small chil- dren.
DIn heavy grass, raise the cutting height. Cut slower. Stop the engine to remove clogged grass from the mower.
DNever remove any safety related parts.
DDo not pour gasoline into a engine that is hot or running.
After Mowing
DAlways let the mower cool before storing in an enclosed area.
DForeign material on the mower is dangerous. Clean off grass, leaves, grease and oil be- fore storing.
DTighten all loose nuts, bolts and screws be- fore you use the unit.
DEmpty and clean any grass catcher or other accessory.
DRemove the key or disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent unauthorized use.
DMake sure the mower is not kept near a source of ignition. Gas fumes can cause an explosion.
DOnly original parts or factory approved sub- stitutes can be used to service the mower.
DWhen storing the mower for an extended pe- riod, remove the fuel from the fuel tank.
DInstruct children to leave the mower alone. It is not a toy.
DNever keep gasoline near a source of igni- tion. Always use an approved container. Keep gasoline away from children.
DLubricate according to the Instruction Book. See “Lubrication”.
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