8
The operation of any lawn
mower can result in foreign
objects thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe
eye damage. Always wear
safety glasses or eye shields while operat-
ing your lawn mower or performing any
ad just ments or repairs. We recommend
a standard safety glasses or wide vision
safety mask worn over spectacles.
HOW TO USE YOUR LAWN MOWER
ENGINE SPEED
The engine speed was set at the factory for
optimum performance. It is not adjustable.
ENGINE ZONE CONTROL
CAUTION:
Federal regulations re quire
an engine control to be installed on this
lawn mower in order to minimize the
risk of blade contact injury. Do not un der
any circumstances attempt to de feat the
func tion of the operator con trol. The blade
turns when the engine is running.
• Your lawn mower is equipped with an
operator pres ence control bar which
requires the operator to be positioned
behind the lawn mower handle to start
and operate the lawn mower.
TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT
Raise wheels for low cut and lower wheels
for high cut, adjust cutting height to suit
your requirements. Me di um position is
best for most lawns.
• To change cutting height, squeeze ad-
juster lever to
ward wheel. Move wheel
up or down to suit your re quire ments. Be
sure all wheels are in the same setting.
NOTE:
Adjuster is properly positioned when
plate tab inserts into hole in lever. Also, 9-
position adjusters (if so equipped) allow lever
to be positioned between the plate tabs.
LEVER BACKWARD TO LOWER
MOWER
LEVER
FORWARD TO RAISE MOWER
Plate
tab
Lever
CAUTION
: Do not run your lawn mower
with out discharge guard, approved grass
catcher or mulcher plate in place.
Hooks
Housing
opening
Mulcher plate
Hinge rod
Tab
Discharge
guard
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
ADD OIL
Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in
the engine. For type and grade of oil to
use, see “EN GINE” in the Maintenance
section of this manual.
CAUTION:
DO NOT overfi ll engine with
oil, or it will smoke heavily from the muffl er
on startup.
1. Be sure lawnmower is level.
2. Remove oil dipstick from oil fi ll spout.
3. You receive a container of oil with the
unit. Slowly pour the entire container
down the oil fi ll spout into the engine.
NOTE:
Initial oil fi ll requires only 18 oz.
due to residual oil in engine from the
manufacturers 100% quality testing. When
changing oil you may need 20 oz.
4. Insert and tighten dipstick.
IMPORTANT:
• Check oil level before each use. Add oil
if needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
• Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may
need to change the oil more often
under dusty, dirty conditions. See “TO
CHANGE ENGINE OIL” in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank fi ller neck.
Do not overfi ll. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87
octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Pur-
chase fuel in quan ti ties that can be used
within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION:
Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open fl ame.
TO CONVERT MOWER
Your mower is shipped ready to be used as a
mulcher. To convert to bagging or discharging:
• Lift discharge guard and remove
mulcher plate.
• Mower can now be used for side discharge
or optional grass catcher can be attached.
• To return to mulching operation, sim ply
reinstall mulcher plate as shown.