The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign objects thrown into the
eyes, which can result in severe eye damage. Always
wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your lawn mower or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recom- mend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
Engine speed was set at the factory for optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION: Federal regulations require an engine control to be installed on this lawn mower in order to minimize the risk of blade contact injury. Do not under any circumstances attempt to defeat the function of the operator control. The blade turns when the engine is running.
•Your lawn mower is equipped with an operator presence control bar which requires the operator to be positioned behind the lawn mower handle to start and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit your requirements. Medium position is best for most lawns.
•To change cutting height, squeeze adjuster lever toward wheel. Move wheel up or down to suit your requirements. Be sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE: Adjuster is properly positioned when plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9- position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER | Lever |
MOWER |
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Plate tab
CAUTION: Do not run your lawn mower without discharge guard, approved grass catcher or mulcher plate in place.
Hinge rod
Discharge guard
Housing opening
Hooks
Mulcher plate
Tab
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. For type and grade of oil to use, see “ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
CAUTION: DO NOT overfill engine with oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffler on startup.
1.Be sure lawnmower is level.
2.Remove oil dipstick from oil fill spout.
3.You receive a container of oil with the unit. Slowly pour the entire container down the oil fill spout into the engine.
NOTE: Initial oil fill requires only 18 oz. due to residual oil in engine from the manufacturers 100% quality testing. When changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4.Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need to change the oil more often under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Mainte- nance section of this manual.
LEVER | Gasoline | |
filler cap | ||
FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER |
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TO CONVERT MOWER |
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Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a |
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mulcher. To convert to bagging/discharging: |
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• Lift discharge guard and remove |
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mulcher plate. |
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• Mower can now be used for side discharge |
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or optional grass catcher can be attached. | Primer | |
• To return to mulching operation, simply | ||
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reinstall mulcher plate as shown. | 7 |
Engine oil cap
