9
Adjusting the Smart Drive Control
The Smart Drive control can be
adjusted up or down into any one
of five positions for operator
comfort.
Do not attempt to adjust the
position of the Smart Drive
control while the mower is in
motion.
Slide the multi-position adjuster to the left to unlock the control, move
the Smart Drive control up or down into the most comfortable position,
and then release the multi-position adjuster and allow it to engage.
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.
Start the engine carefully with feet
well away from the blades.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (
2. Pull back on the blade control lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
3. 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 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
Turn the fuel off at the conclusion of mowing and reduce the throttle
setting during engine run-out.
1. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
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 the engine stops. See “AVOIDING FUEL-RELATED
PROBLEMS” on
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 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, adjust the front cutting height
adjustment lever 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.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the
fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected,
tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.
Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.
MULTI-POSITION
ADJUSTER
BLADE
CONTROL
LEVER
