9
Avoid Obstacles
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by
the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious
personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent
potential injury from thrown objects is to release the blade control
lever to stop the blades before reaching areas with gravel, loose
stones, or landscaping material.
Be careful when mowing over obstacles that stick up above the
surface of the lawn such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, raised
tree roots, etc.
If the blade hits something, or if the mower starts to vibrate, stop the
engine immediately, disconnect the spark plug cap, and check for
damage (page 12). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
The
LIMITED WARRANTY
(page 23) does not cover parts damaged
by accidental impact collision.
Operating the Controls
Throttle Lever
For best cut quality, always mow with the throttle lever in the FAST
position. When the blades rotate at the preset fast speed, it creates a
strong fan action that lifts and cuts grass more efficiently.
Do not try to increase the preset engine speed; the blades could
fracture and come apart.
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must
be pushed forward against
the handlebar to start and run
the engine. The blades start
to rotate when the lever is
pulled back against the
handlebar and the recoil
starter grip is pulled.
Continue to hold the lever
fully against the handlebar.
This will keep the engine and
blades rotating smoothly and
prevent premature wear to
the flywheel brake system.
Release the blade control
lever to stop the engine and stop blade rotation whenever you need to
leave the mower.
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 (page 3).
2. Move the throttle lever to the
proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE
:
Move the throttle lever to the
CHOKE position.
WARM ENGINE
:
Move the throttle lever to the
FAST position.
3. Push forward on the blade
control lever and hold it
against the handlebar.
4. Pull the starter grip lightly until
you feel resistance, and then
pull briskly. Return the starter
grip gently.
If the CHOKE position was
used during starting, move
the throttle lever away from
the CHOKE position as soon
as the engine warms up
enough to run smoothly
without use of the choke. Set
the throttle lever at FAST to
mow or at SLOW to idle.
Continue to hold the blade
control lever against the
handlebar; the engine stops
when the blade control lever is released.
Stopping the Engine
1. Move the throttle lever to the SLOW position.
2. Release the blade control
lever to stop the engine.
3. When the mower is not in use,
turn the fuel valve to the OFF
position.
4. Clean your mower after each
mowing; refer to “Cleaning” on
page 16.
WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and
pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous
projectiles.
Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
Inspect the blades regularly (see page 12), and do not
operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
HANDLEBAR
FAST
CHOKE
BLADE
CONTROL
LEVER
STARTER
GRIP
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
