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9
OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL (See Fig. 9)
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in the engine. Engine
holds 20 oz. of oil. For type and grade of oil to use, see
“ENGINE” in the Maintenance section of this manual.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is
clean.
2. Remove engine oil cap and fill to the full line on the
dipstick. Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
NOTE: Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate
reading. To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap, then
remove it to read the dipstick.
3. Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil if needed. Fill
to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each
season. You may need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 9)
NOTE: Before filling fuel tank, remove and discard the debris
plug that is inside the tank.
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage
of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and
let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for
additional information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
FIG. 9
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small
amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of the
product and should be considered normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer three (3) times before
trying to start. Use a firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine which has already
run for a few minutes.
2. Move throttle control lever to FAST position.
3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be necessary to repeat
priming steps. In warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine will not start. If you do flood engine, wait
a few minutes before attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
• Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it may
be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be
necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut by
overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the FAST position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with dirt
and dust with use and catchers will collect less grass.
To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with water and
let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow
and extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER
HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. SEE
“CLEANING” IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS
MANUAL.
• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clippings
many times and reduce them in size so that as they fall
onto the lawn they will disperse into the grass and not be
noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biodegrade
quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always mulch
with your highest engine (blade) speed as this will
provide the best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends
to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action.
The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon.
At this time the grass has dried and the newly cut area
will not be exposed to the direct sun.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height so
that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third of the
grass blades (See Fig. 10). If the lawn is overgrown it
will be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For extremely
ENGINE
OIL CAP
GASOLINE
FILLER CAP
(DISCARD
DEBRIS
PLUG
INSIDE)
PRIMER