OPERATION
ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURES
NOTICE: There are two locations on this engine that
require oil, both the crankcase and the transmission
(gearbox). Running the engine or gearbox with a
low oil level can cause engine damage. Refer to the
engine manual for complete engine information and
recommendations.
Engine Oil Level Check
1. BEFORE CHECKING ENGINE:
• make certain the engine is level
• the engine switch is in the OFF position
• the sod cutter blade is NOT engaged
• the drive wheels are disengaged.
2. Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it
into the filler neck. Check the oil level shown on the
dipstick.
4. If the oil level is low, fill to the edge of the oil filler
hole with the recommended oil. SAE 10W-30 is
recommended for general use. Refer to engine
oil recommendations in engine manual for other
viscosities and information.
5. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.
Transmission Oil Level Check
1. Check the transmission oil level with the engine
stopped and in a level position.
2. Remove the filler cap/dipstick and wipe it clean.
3. Insert and remove the dipstick without screwing it
into the filler hole. Check the oil level shown on the
dipstick.
4. If the oil level is low, add oil to reach the upper limit
mark on the dipstick. Use the same oil that is rec-
ommended for the engine, SAE 10W-30.
5. Screw in the filler cap/dipstick securely.
Starting Engine
1. Turn fuel cock to the “open” position.
2. Turn choke on (closed).
3. Turn ignition switch to “on”.
4. Pull recoil starter rope until engine starts.
5. After engine is warm, turn off choke (open).
6. Allow engine to run one minute before cutting sod.
7. Check engine rpm setting before operating. DO
NOT exceed 3600 rpm.
Stopping Engine
1. Release finger throttle control.
2. Turn off ignition switch.
OPERATING THE SOD CUTTER
Preparation
1. Police lawn area for obstacles and debris (i.e.
sprinklers, hoses, toys, etc.). Remove all items.
2. Make sure underground sprinkler heads and other
hidden obstacles are marked to prevent damage.
3. Mark other areas where sod cutting will be a prob-
lem or too risky (i.e. mud, tree roots, steep hills).
Operating
Refer to Controls Page Illustration
1. Start the engine. CAUTION: To avoid injury, do
not place your feet or other body parts under the
blade while starting the engine.
2. Select the correct cutting depth desired up to 2 1/2
inches. Loosen the knob
J
from the depth gauge
plate, located under the Height Adjustment Bar,
located under height adjustment bar, and put it to
the correct height setting. Tighten the knob.
3. Push the Wheel Drive Handle
F
and the Cutter
Blade Handle
E
to the “ON” position toward the
engine.
4. Raise the main handle upward so the front nose of
the sod cutter rests on the ground.
5. Loosen the Height Adjustment Nut
G
and lower
the Height Adjustment Bar
H
to rest on the depth
gauge. Tighten the Height Adjustment Nut
G
se-
curely so it will not loosen with the vibration of the
machine.
6. From the operator’s position lower the handle until
the cutting blade rests on the ground. You are now
ready to cut sod.
7. Pull the throttle
D
to the desired operating speed
by pulling the finger throttle control toward you.
Maximum engine rpm is recommended for smooth
operation.
8. After cutting a short distance, stop machine by
letting the finger throttle control go back to its
original position. Check thickness of cut and adjust
if necessary.
9. At the end of each cutting pass, lift up on the
handle bar to clear the cutting blade from the
sod. Retard the throttle control and turn machine
around into the position for the next cut.
10. When finished cutting sod, reverse steps 6
through 3, leaving the wheel drive handle in the
“ON” position for transportation.
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