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.

Follow the set of instructions pertaining to your unit. Refer to engine manual for help with the engine.

Briggs & Stratton Engine:

1.Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle. See Fig. 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.

Honda Engine:

1.Place the fuel valve lever found on the left side of the engine into the ON (OPEN) position. See Fig. 5-2.

2.Move the choke lever all the way backward into the choke position.

3.Standing behind the mower, squeeze the blade control against upper handle. The choke will now begin to slowly return to the off choke position after activating the blade control. Therefore, quickly move onto step four below.

4.Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. See Fig. 5-2. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope rewind each time slowly.

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.

5

1

2

2

Figure 5-1

3

OFF

ON

1 4

2

Figure 5-2

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