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13
OPERATION
MOWING TIPS
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in
the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
• The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming.
• Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that
has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the
machine. This will result in a more even distribution of
clippings and more uniform cutting.
• When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so
that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences,
driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the
opposite direction making left hand turns until finished
(See Fig. 9).
FIG. 9
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER
HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH.
CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
• 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 mower cutting height so that
the mower cuts off only the top one-third of the grass
blades (See Fig. 10). For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut on each pass and mow slowly.
• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require
that an area be mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow
north to south one week then change to east to west the
next week. This will help prevent matting and graining
of the lawn.
MAX 1/3
FIG. 10
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 6)
When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has
run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel
from the tank to the engine.
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set parking brake.
• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.
• Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
• Move throttle control to choke (
) position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
• Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to
“START” position and release key as soon as engine
starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than
fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start
after several attempts, move throttle control to fast
position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still
does not start, move the throttle control back to the
choke ( ) position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
• When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast
position.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)
• When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle
control in the choke ( ) position until the engine runs
roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This
may require an engine warm-up period from several
seconds to several minutes, depending on the tempera-
ture.
• The attachments can also be used during the engine
warm-up period.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO
ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to
reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip-
pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the
desired height.
• Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug
mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry
before mowing.
• Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing
to assure better mowing performance and proper dis-
charge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting
a low enough gear to give the mower cutting perfor-
mance as well as the quality of cut desired.
• When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the
attachment being used.
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.