10
Mulching Plug
Both the mulching baffle and the mulching plug are
used only for mulching purposes. Instead of collecting
the grass clippings in a grass catcher, your mower has
the option of recirculating the clippings back to the
lawn. This is called mulching.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the side of the engine.
It is used to regulate the engine speed.
WARNING: The throttle control cannot be
used to stop the engine. Do not adjust
throttle control with the engine running.
Drive Clutch Control
The drive clutch control lever is located on the upper
handle and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze lever
against the upper handle to engage the drive; release
drive clutch control to slow down or stop the mower.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the chute area on cutting deck. The
blade will be rotating whenever the engine
is running.
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. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
When starting the unit for the first time,
face the mower against a solid object such
as a wall, fence, etc. Start the unit and if it
shows any signs of motion while the drive
clutch control is still disengaged, shut the
engine off immediately.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
• Service the mower engine with gasoline and oil
following instructions in the engine manual. If your
mower was shipped with oil in the engine, fill up the
required amount of gasoline only. Always make
sure there is adequate oil in the engine before
starting the engine.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
Adjusting Cutting Height
• Your mower was shipped at the highest cutting
height. For best results in mowing, keep the cutting
height position high until it is determined which
height is best for your lawn.
• Refer to height adjustments section of this manual
on page 12 for instruction on how to adjust the
cutting height and the handle height.
Before Starting Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
• Check the drive clutch control for proper
adjustment. If the mower does not propel itself or
the drive wheels hesitate with the drive clutch
engaged, perform the drive clutch control
adjustment as instructed on page 12 of this manual.
Starting Engine
• Make sure that the drive clutch control is adjusted
so the drive belt is as loose as possible.
• Move throttle control lever all the way back to the
“rabbit” position.
• Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds
between each push. In cold weather around 55
o
F
or below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a
warm engine after a short shutdown.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches the start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the
rope rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid,
continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on
the starter handle, let the rope rewind slowly.
To Stop Engine and Blade
• Release the blade control handle to stop the engine
and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate
for a few seconds after engine is shut off.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.