11
Operation
Starting the Engine
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs.
IMPORTANT: Before you start the engine, operate the engine
stop lever several times. Make sure the engine stop cable
moves freely.
Note: The engine design does not include a throttle control
or an engine speed adjustment. The engine is set at the best
speed for cutting grass, bagging grass, and for extended
engine life.
1. Check the oil.
2. Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline. Make
sure the gasoline is clean. Leaded gasoline will increase
deposits and shorten the life of the valves.
Note: Do not use gasohol or methanol. Do not use premium
unleaded gasoline.
WARNING: Always use a safety gasoline
container. Do not smoke when adding gasoline
to the fuel tank. When inside an enclosure, do
not add gasoline. Before you add gasoline,
stop the engine and let the engine cool for
several minutes.
3. Make sure the spark plug wire is connected to the spark
plug.
4.
Self-Propelled Models Only
- Make sure the drive lever
is in the disengaged position.
WARNING: To prevent an accident, make sure
the drive lever is in the DISENGAGED position.
When the drive lever is in the ENGAGED
position, do not start the engine.
5. The primer button (A, Figure 13) is on the side of the
engine. Push the primer button. Every time you push the
primer button, wait two seconds. For the number of
times required to push the primer button, see the engine
manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: Do not use the primer button to start a warm engine.
Note: Models equipped with Ready Start TM engines do not
feature a primer button. See the engine manufacturer’s
instructions for further information.
6. Stand behind the mower. Use one hand to hold the
engine stop lever in the operating position (A, Figure
14). Use the other hand to hold the recoil-start grip (B).
7. Make sure the recoil-start rope is not obstructed or
caught between the upper and lower handles. Rapidly
pull the recoil-start grip. Slowly return the recoil-start
grip.
8. If the engine does not start in 5 or 6 tries, see the
“Problem and Repair” Instructions.
Rules for Safe and Effective Operation
Refer to the ‘Operator Safety’ section of this manual for
important rules concerning safe and effective mower
operation.
Figure 13: The engine primer button
Figure 14: Starting the engine
A
B
A
Operation (Continued)