MTD Series 54M Lawn Mower User Manual


 
9
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects
being thrown into
the eyes, which can
damage your eyes
severely. Always wear
safety glasses while
operating the mower,
or while performing
any adjustments or
repairs on it.
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. En-
gine 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.
Figure 4-2
WARNING: The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign objects
being thrown into the eyes, which can
damage your eyes severely. Always
wear safety glasses while operating
the mower, or while performing any
adjustments or repairs on it.
Starting Engine
WARNING: Be sure no one other than
the operator is standing near the lawn
mower while starting engine or operat-
ing mower. Never run engine indoors
or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monox-
ide, an odorless and deadly gas. Keep
hands, feet, hair and loose clothing
away from any moving parts on engine
and lawn mower.
1. Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the
upper handle, Figure 4-2.
Note: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the
engine is warm or the air temperature is high.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the
blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2.
3. Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly
until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine
and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide.
Important: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap
back against the rope guide.
4. As the engine warms, slowly push in the choke knob.
See Figure 4-2.
Stopping Engine
1. Release blade control handle to stop the engine and
the blade.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop
completely before performing any work
on the mower or to remove the grass
catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING: Never operate your
mower without either the rear
door or the entire grass catcher
assembly firmly secured.
Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other
objects which could damage the lawn mower or the
engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury
to the operator and others.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and
operating the mower. Extensive
vibration of the mower during
operation is an indication
of damage. The unit should
be promptly inspected and
repaired.
Operating Tips
1. For best results and effective mulching, do not cut
wet grass.
2. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a
narrower cut.
3. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-
third of the total length of the grass.
4. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there
is growth.
5. Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.
6. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4
inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using
the grass catcher to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4
inches or less before mulching.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to
stop completely before doing
any work on the mower or to
remove the grass catcher.
NOTE: To operate your unit using the grass catcher,
mulcher or optional side discharge refer to page 7.