Operation

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other than the operator is standing near the lawn mower while starting engine or operating mower. Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from any moving parts on engine and lawn mower.

Refer to engine manual for help with the engine.

1.Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle. See Figure 5-1

2.Recoil Start: Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. See Figure 5-1. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.

Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

Electric Start (If Equipped): Turn ignition key to the right to start the engine. Release the key after the engine starts.

Stopping Engine

1.Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.

WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury to the operator and others.

1.Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control against the upper handle to propel mower.

WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower, or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.

5

2

1

2

Figure 5-1

Using as Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and allow the rear discharge door to close the rear opening of mower. For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

Using Grass Catcher

You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating the mower.

1.Attach grass catcher following instructions in the “Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate mower till grass bag is full.

2.Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

3.Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and repair damage before restarting and operating. Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an indication of damage. The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.

14