8
TO START ENGINE
NOTE:
Due to protective coatings on the
engine, a small amount of smoke may be
present during the initial use of the prod-
uct and should be considered normal.
1. To start a cold engine, push primer three
(3) times before trying to start. Use a fi rm
push. This step is not usually necessary
when starting an engine which has al-
ready run for a few minutes.
2. Hold operator presence control bar
down to the han dle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back.
NOTE
: In cooler weather it may be necessary
to repeat priming steps. In warmer weather
over priming may cause fl ooding and engine
will not start. If you do fl ood engine, wait a
few minutes before attempting to start and
do not repeat priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION:
Do not use de-thatcher
blade attachments on your mower. Such
attachments are hazardous, will damage
your mower and could void your warranty.
• Under certain conditions, such as very
tall grass, it may be necessary to raise
the height of cut to reduce pushing effort
and to keep from over load ing the en gine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings.
It may also be necessary to reduce
ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping pre vi ous ly
cut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and most cut-
ting conditions, the engine speed should
be set in the FAST position.
• For side discharge lawn mowers, cutting in
a counter-clockwise di rec tion, starting at
the outside of the area to be cut, spreads
grass clip pings more evenly and puts less
load on the engine. To keep clip pings off
of walkways, fl ower beds, etc., make the
fi rst cuts in a clock wise direction.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can be-
come fi lled with dirt and dust with use
and catchers will collect less grass. To
prevent this, regularly hose catcher off
with water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear
and clean of grass clippings and chaff.
This will help engine air fl ow and extend
engine life.
Check for Loose Fasteners
Clean / Inspect Grass Catcher *
Check Tires
Check Drive Wheels ***
Clean Lawn Mower ****
Clean under Drive Cover ***
Check Drive Belt / Pulleys ***
Check / Sharpen / Replace Blade
Lubrication
Clean and Recharge Battery **
Check Engine Oil level
Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter
Inspect Muffler
Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Empty fuel system or add Stabilizer
BEFORE
EACH
USE
AFTER
EACH
USE
EVERY
10
HOURS
EVERY
25 HOURS
OR SEASON
EVERY
100
HOURS
BEFORE
STORAGE
1
- Change more often if operating under a heavy load or in high outdoor temperatures.
2
- Service more often if operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
3
- Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
4
- Charge 48 hours at end of season.
5
- And after each 5 hours of use.
(if so equipped)
Electric-Start mowers
Power-Propelled mowers
Use a scraper
to clean under deck
*
**
***
****
MAINTENANCE