Yard Machines 580 Series Lawn Mower User Manual


 
14
Before Starting
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If your unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark
plug wire, 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.
To Start Engine and Engage Blade
If engine is equipped with a throttle control lever, move the lever all the way forward to the FAST (rabbit)
position. Your mower is designed to operate at full throttle. Engines with fixed throttles operate at full throttle
too.
If engine is equipped with a primer, prime engine as instructed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit.
Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches 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. Keep a firm grip on recoil starter. Return it slowly to the
rope guide. See Figure 13.
Figure 13
To Stop Engine and Blade
If engine is equipped with throttle control lever on the handle, move the lever to the SLOW (turtle)
position.
Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING:The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine has been shut off.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent accidental starting while
equipment is unattended.
NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best
results, raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn.
Using Rotary Mower
WARNING: Never operate your unit without either the rear deflector or entire grass catcher assembly
in place.
Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. Such objects could be accidentally thrown by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing
proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or wet
grass may require a narrower cut. Blade speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third of the total length of the grass at any one cutting. Lawn
should be cut in the fall as long as there is growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the best cut and do the most effective
job of bagging the cut grass.
Pull starter rope
firmly against upper handle
Hold blade control handle