9
Starting the Engine
The blades turn when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear
or mowed area where the blades can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (
2. Pull back on the blade control
lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
3. Start the engine using the
electric starter or the recoil
(manual) starter.
Electric start
:
Turn the starter key switch to
the START position. Let the key
return to the RUN position when
the engine starts.
The starter should not be
cranked for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to
start, release the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the
starter again.
If the battery does not have sufficient charge to start the engine,
possibly due to a long storage period, use the recoil starter to start
the engine for at least one mowing session. The battery should
have sufficient charge after one mowing session (approximately
1 hr). An optional plug-in charger is also available, see
for
the part number and ordering information.
Manual start:
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, and then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
To ensure easy restarting and maximum performance from the Auto
Choke System, allow the engine to run for at least three minutes after
starting a cold engine before stopping the engine. This minimum run
time will be longer if the temperature is below 70 °F (21 °C).
Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the
engine stops when the blade control lever is released.
Stopping the Engine
1. Release the blade
control lever to stop the
engine and blade
rotation.
2. When you finish
mowing, turn the fuel
valve OFF.
3. If your mower will not be
used for 3 to 4 weeks,
we recommend running
the engine’s carburetor
out of fuel. You can do
this by leaving the fuel
valve OFF, restarting
the engine and running it until it stops. See “AVOIDING
if you don’t plan to use
your mower for a month or more.
4. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to “Cleaning” on
Mowing Tips
When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown ½ to 1 in
(12 ~ 25 mm) above their recommended height. More frequent
mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best mulching
results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the
growing season.
Cutting Height
Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height
recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and
growing conditions in your area.
Most grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off the leaves, you’ll scalp
the lawn. Let the grass recover between mowings. Your mower will
work better, and your lawn will look better.
Cutting grass that is too tall or mowing the lawn too quickly can clog
the mower deck with grass and may cause the engine to stall. If your
grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting
using a slow ground speed, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don’t take
off more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing, or
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained
on
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches.
If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower
mowing swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. If engine speed drops,
it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blades trying to
cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower,
use the rear discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don’t cut cleanly
anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a
problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the
grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet
grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the
lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
When equipped with the grass bag, your mower can be used to pick
up fallen leaves for disposal. If using the mower to bag large amounts
of fallen leaves, and not for mowing, set the cutting height adjustment
levers so the front of the mower deck is one or two settings higher
than the rear.
If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don’t let the leaf
cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching
while grass still shows through the leaf cover. In places where fallen
leaves completely cover the grass, remove the leaves by raking, or
install a grass bag, so your mower can pick them up for disposal.
Collecting leaves while they are damp will help to control dust and
result in more effective mulching of the leaves. You can also shred
leaves using the Clip Director; see
for details.
START
RUN
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
