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8
OPERATION
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher blade
attachments on your mower. Such at-
tachments are hazardous, will damage
yourmowerandcouldvoidyourwarranty.
• 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 fi lled 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 fl ow
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 clip-
pings 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 biode-
grade 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.
NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to
the OFF position when operator presence control bar is
held down to handle.
FUEL VALVE LEVER
ON
( )
OFF
FIG. 9
ON
OFF
CHOKE LEVER
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 8)
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank fi ller neck. Do not over-
fi ll. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with
a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quan tities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open fl ame.
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separation
and for mation of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-
tem of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before stor age of 30
days or longer. Empty 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.
TO STOP ENGINE
• To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
Wait until blade and all moving parts have stopped and
turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to
restart the engine soon.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 9)
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. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON po sition.
2. Move choke lever to ON ( ) position.
3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the han dle
and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.
GASOLINE
FILLER CAP
OIL FILL CAP/
DIPSTICK
LOWER
MARK
UPPER
MARK
FIG. 8