Blade Control Handle
WARNING: The blade control mechanism is a safety device. Never attempt to bypass it.
WARNING: The blade will be rotating whenever the engine is running. Keep your hands and feet away from a rotataing blade.
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle of the mower. The blade control handle must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Throttle Control Lever (If equipped)
The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the upper handle. It is used to regulate engine speed.
Please note that if the mower is not equipped with this lever, the engine has a constant speed throttle, which is already set at full throttle for best performance.
WARNING: The throttle control cannot be used to stop the engine.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle and is used to start the engine.
Height Adjustment Lever
The height adjustment lever is located on each wheel and adjusts the cutting height. All four levers have to be put at the same level for uniform cutting height.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label on the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
•Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the engine manual packed with your mower. Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running.
Before Starting
•Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If the mower is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark plug wire, ensure that the metal cap at the end of the spark plug wire inside the rubber boot is fastened securely over the spark plug’s metal tip.
To Start Engine and Engage Blade
•If the engine is equipped with a fuel valve lever, move it to the ON position. See Figure 15 .
| OFF |
ON | Primer |
|
Fuel Valve Lever
Figure 15
•Move the throttle control/choke lever, if equipped, forward all the way into the choke position. Warn engine may not require choking. In that case, move the throttle into the FAST (rabbit) position only
•If engine is equipped with a primer, prime engine as instructed in the engine manual.
•Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
•Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
•Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly to the rope guide.
•After engine starts, move throttle control lever (if so equipped) to desired engine speed. Your mower is designed to operate at full throttle. Engines with fixed throttles operate at full throttle too.
To Stop Engine and Blade
•Move throttle control lever, if equipped, to the SLOW (turtle) position.
•Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the cutting blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine has been shut off.
•Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.
NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best results, raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See cutting height adjustment section on page 12.
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