NOTE: The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
TO STOP ENGINE
•Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
•Disconnect the spark plug wire as instructed in the separate engine manual to prevent ac- cidental starting while equipment is unattended.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign ob- ject, stop the engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and op- erating the mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.
USING YOUR MULCHER (Optional)
Mulching mowers use a specially designed blade to chop the grass clippings extra fine and then blow them back down into the lawn. The small clippings decompose quickly becoming a natural fertilizer that re- turns much of the needed nutrients to the soil. Continuous mulching means continuous free natural fertilization, no messy clippings to worry about ever again and the end result for you is a much greener healthier lawn.
WARNING: Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10". Do not at- tempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Debris may build up on the mower deck or con- tact the engine exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
FOR THE BEST RESULTS WHEN
MULCHING:
•Clear lawn of debris. Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire or other for- eign objects which could damage the lawnmower. Such objects could be acciden- tally thrown out by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others as well as dam- age to property and surrounding objects.
•Do not cut wet grass. For effective mulch- ing do not cut wet grass because it tends to
stick to the underside of the deck preventing
proper mulching of the grass clippings.
•Cut no more than 1/3 the length of the grass. The recommended cut for mulching is 1/3 the length of the grass. Ground speed will need to be adjusted so the clippings can be dispersed evenly into the lawn. For espe- cially heavy cutting in thick grass it may be necessary to use one of the slowest speeds in order to get a clean well mulched cut. When mulching long grass you may have to cut the lawn in two passes, lowering the blade another 1/3 of the length for the sec- ond cut and perhaps cutting in a different pattern than was used the first time. Over- lapping the cut a little on each pass will also help to clean up any stray clippings left on the lawn. The mower should always be oper- ated at full throttle to get the best cut and allow it to do the most effective job of mulch- ing.
•Clean underside of deck. Be certain to clean the underside of the cutting deck after each use to avoid a
•Mulching Leaves. The mulching of leaves can also be beneficial to your lawn. When mulching leaves make sure they are dry and are not laying too thick on the lawn. Do not wait for all the leaves to be off the trees be- fore you mulch.
•It is recommended keeping driveways and sidewalks on the operators right while mov- ing. Continue mowing using this pattern, having the left side of your lawnmower next to the uncut grass. Mulching with the cutting area of the mower on the lawn avoids grass clippings in undesirable areas.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause dam- age to electric components, spindles, pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
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