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GB - 13
STARTING AND SHUT OFF
See Figures 1, 4 and 6 for all Controls and
Features.
NOTE: Start engine on a hard level surface
that is free of debris.
Manual Start
1. Check each item in Before Each Use in
the Maintenance Schedule.
2. For engines with a primer, push primer
bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine.
3. For engines with a choke, place throttle
control in the choke position. Once the
engine has started, place throttle in the
high speed detent.
4. With engine/blade control held against
the handlebar, grasp starter handle and
pull rope out slowly until it pulls harder.
This is the compression stroke. Let
rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope with
rapid continuous full arm stroke to start
engine. Allow rope to rewind slowly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT let starter handle snap
against engine.
5. Repeat until engine starts. (If engine
does not start, refer to
Troubleshooting.)
Electric Start
1. Check each item in Before Each Use in
the Maintenance Schedule.
2. For engines with a primer, push primer
bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine.
3. For engines with a choke, place throttle
control in the choke position. Once the
engine has started, place throttle in the
high speed position.
4. With engine/blade control held against
the handlebar, turn the key to “Start”
position to crank engine and release
key when engine starts.
NOTE: It is not necessary to prime or choke a
warm engine.
If starter will not cycle because of grass
buildup under deck, rotate blade with recoil
starter to clear blockage.
Recoil may be used to start the engine (See
Manual Start).
Shut Off
1. On self-propelled models, release
wheel drive control and allow unit to
come to a complete stop.
2. Release engine/blade control, and
allow engine to cool.
Mowing Tips
The following tips will help you to mow safely,
achieve maximum performance from your
mower and maintain the appearance of your
lawn.
When bagging, be sure to release Engine/
Blade Control to stop engine and blade before
attempting to remove and empty grass bag.
Empty bag before it becomes overloaded and
clogs mower.
Restarting engine will be easier if mower is
allowed to completely discharge clippings
before stopping engine.
NOTE: Be sure to empty grass bag and clean
mower pan after each use. DO NOT allow
grass clumps or a coating of grass and debris
to collect inside of grass bag or mower pan.
NOTE: Avoid operating over bare ground with
only patches of grass. This causes dirt and
grass to collect under pan surface and in grass
bag.
Prevent debris buildup and allow proper air
circulation. Remove grass bag from mower,
wash bag with hose and allow to dry.
Mulching Tips
For best mulching performance, set mower
height to 3 inches. If grass is very tall, do not
cut more than 1 inch of grass per cutting.
Cut grass only when dry, not when it is wet
from dew, rain, or watering. Wet grass tends to
pack inside the mower pan. If cut grass does
not disperse evenly, it is probably because too
much grass is being removed per cutting, the
grass is too wet, or the travel speed is too fast.
CAUTION: ALWAYS remove key
(electric start models) when not in
use to prevent accidental starting or
unauthorized use.
CAUTION: On swivel wheel models,
when mowing on slopes it is
recommended that the linchpin be
positioned through the swivel lock
hole. If wheels are in the swivel
position and control handles are
released the mower may “free roll”
downhill. Never mow on steep
slopes.
CAUTION: If clog or obstruction
prevents grass flow, release Engine/
Blade Control and disconnect spark
plug wire before attempting to clear
away any clogs.