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11
BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
1. Pre-Operation Checklist
With the spark plug wire disconnected
from the spark plug, perform the follow-
ing checks and services before each use:
1. Review Section 1: “Safety” and Section
3, “Features and Controls” in this man-
ual. Read the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual provided with the unit.
2. Check unit for loose or missing hard-
ware. Tighten or replace as needed.
3. With the unit on level ground, check
the engine oil level according to the
instructions in the Engine Owner’s
Manual. The oil level should be at the
FULL mark on the dipstick or up to the
top of the oil fill hole on engines with-
out a dipstick.
4. Check all levers for freedom of move-
ment. Readjust or repair as needed
before starting engine.
5. Check that all guards and shields are
in place and properly secured.
6. Inspect the area to mowed and re-
move any debris which could be
picked up and thrown by the mower
blades.
7. Check that the mulcher cover is prop-
erly installed in the discharge opening
(see instructions in this Section).
Remove the mulcher cover to use the
side-discharge mowing feature.
8. On electric start models, check that
all wiring connections are clean and
tight.
9. Check the air pressure in the rear
tires (15-20 PSI). Keep tires inflated
equally.
10. Remove the fuel cap and check the
level of gasoline according to the in-
structions in the Engine Owner’s
Manual. Clean around fuel fill area
before removing fuel cap. Do not
check fuel level or add fuel while in-
doors or if engine is running or hot.
Allow engine to cool for three (3)
minutes. Fill the tank with fresh,
clean unleaded gasoline with a mini-
mum octane rating of 77. Leave 1/2"
of space for fuel expansion. Do not
mix oil with gasoline. Do not use
gasoline which contains Methanol.
See the Engine Owner’s Manual for
instructions and precautions regard-
ing the use of gasolines that are
blended with alcohols or ethers
(called oxygenated or reformulated
gasolines). Securely replace caps on
fuel tank and fuel container.
11. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug
after completing above checklist.
2. Set Mower Cutting Height
1. Release all controls before adjusting
the cutting height.
2. Adjust the cutting height from 1 to 4
inches by rotating the Cutting Height
Control lever (Figure 3-4) either clock-
wise to raise the height or counterclock-
wise to lower the height. Note that ac-
tual cutting heights will vary according
to grass and soil conditions. A decal and
pointer on the right side of the mower
deck indicates the height setting.
3. In heavy or tall grass, it is usually
better to make the first cut at a higher
setting and then make a second cut at
the desired height. In rough terrain, a
higher setting is recommended as it will
minimize the chances of the blade strik-
ing the ground or hidden obstructions.
Before operating mower, be sure to
read all safety, controls and operating
instructions in this Manual and on
decals located on machine.
Severe personal injury or property
damage could result if this instruction
is not followed.
WARNING
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND
ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE. To help
prevent severe personal injury or prop-
erty damage:
• Follow gasoline safety rules in
Section 1: “Safety” of this Manual and
in the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual.
• Never remove the gasoline fill cap or
add fuel when indoors or when engine
is running or still hot. Allow engine to
cool at least three (3) minutes before
refueling.
• Keep smoking materials, sparks or
flames far away from fuel tank and fuel
container.
• Store gasoline in an approved fuel
container and in a well-ventilated area.
Store it safely out of the reach of chil-
dren. Do not store gasoline where va-
pors can reach an open spark or flame
or where ignition sources are present
(such as hot water or space heaters,
furnaces, clothes dryers, stoves, elec-
tric motors, etc.).
• Fill tank to 1/2" below bottom of filler
neck to allow for fuel expansion. Wipe
up spilled gasoline immediately and
move mower away from gasoline fumes
before starting engine. Securely re-
place caps on fuel tank and fuel
container.
DANGER
To avoid personal injury, do not adjust
cutting height while wheels or blades
are turning. Release all handlebar
controls and wait for all motion to stop
before adjusting cutting height.
CAUTION
Operation
4
Section