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3. Test Blade-Brake-Clutch
Control System
The mower is equipped with a blade-
brake-clutch which is designed to stop
the mower blades within three (3)
seconds after release of the Operator
Presence Control or the Blade Drive
Control. Never tamper with, or attempt
to defeat the purpose of this safety
device.
The control system is a mechanical
device which is subject to wear.
Therefore, test the operation of the
blade-brake-clutch control system before
each use of the mower. Refer to "Blade
Brake Control Test" at the end of this
Section.
4. Select Mulching or Side-
Discharge Mowing
You can use the mower either as a
mulching mower or as a side-discharge
mower. To use the mulching feature, in-
sert the mulcher cover as described
below. Remove the mulcher cover to
side-discharge grass clippings. The
mulcher cover is designed to keep the
discharge chute raised up while mowing.
When the cover is removed, the dis-
charge chute will lower itself for side-
discharge mowing.
To install or remove mulcher cover:
1. Stop the engine and wait for all parts
to stop moving. Disconnect the spark
plug wire from the spark plug. Remove
the ignition key on electric start models.
2. To install the cover, insert the right-
side tab of the cover into the front sup-
port bracket (A, Figure 4-1). Insert the
cover into the discharge opening, mak-
ing sure that the slot (B) in the left side
of the cover is completely engaged in the
rear edge of the deck opening.
3. To remove the cover, slide the cover
to the right (front of mower) to disen-
gage the slot (B) from the mower deck
and then pry the left-side of the cover
out and off.
MOVING THE MOWER WITHOUT
ENGINE POWER
The mower can be manually pushed
or pulled by putting the Gear Select
Lever (C, Figure 4-2) in N (neutral) and
pressing and holding the Operator
Presence Control (A, Figure 4-2) down
against the handlebar grip.
To stop the wheels at anytime,
release the Operator Presence Control.
STARTING AND STOPPING
THE ENGINE
To Start the Engine
1. Move mower to a level area.
2. Release all controls on mower to pre-
vent wheels or mower blades from rotat-
ing when engine starts.
3. Move Engine Throttle Control (E,
Figure 4-2) fully upward to choke setting
to start a cold engine or to fast (rabbit)
setting to start a warm engine.
Section 4: Operation
Before installing or removing mulching
cover, stop engine, wait for parts to
stop moving, and disconnect spark plug
wire. Remove ignition key on electric
start models.
WARNING
To avoid injury:
• Keep hands and feet clear of mower
blades or other rotating parts.
• Look behind you to be sure there are
no obstacles before pulling recoil
starter rope.
WARNING
Figure 4-1: Mulcher cover
B
A
Figure 4-2: Mower Controls
A – Operator
Presence Control
B – Blade Drive
Control
C – Gear Select Lever
D – Wheel Drive Control
E – Engine Throttle
Control
F – Ignition/Starter
Do not operate the engine in an
enclosed area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, a deadly
gas that is odorless, colorless and
tasteless. Always run engine outdoors
and make sure there is adequate
ventilation.
DANGER