10
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
NOTE:
For shipping purposes, your mower wheels
are set in low cutting height position. Refer to
instructions for cutting height adjustment on page 11.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
•
Service engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the engine manual. Follow instructions carefully.
WARNING:
Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive.
Never fuel machine indoors or while the
engine is hot or running. Extinguish
cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of
ignition.
Before Starting
•
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Ensure that
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.
WARNING:
Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
To Start Engine and Engage Blade
WARNING:
Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing away from any moving
parts on engine and lawn mower.
•
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 starter handle. Return it slowly
to the rope guide.
To Stop Engine and Blade
•
Release the blade control handle to stop the engine
and blade.
WARNING:
The blade will continue to rotate
for three seconds after the blade control lever
is released.
•
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.
Using Your 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, and
could cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick
grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut.
•
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 season as long as
there is growth.
WARNING:
Extensive vibration of the
mower during operation is an indication of
damage. If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage before
restarting the mower.
Using the Mulcher
•
For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass
because it tends to stick to the underside of the
deck, preventing proper mulching of grass
clippings. New or thick grass may require a
narrower cut. The ground speed should be
adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has
been delayed and the grass has been allowed to
grow in excess of 4", mulching is not
recommended. Mow using the grass bag (if so
equipped) to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4"
maximum before mulching.
