9
Smart Drive Control
With the engine running
and the blades rotating,
slowly push the Smart
Drive control to propel the
mower forward.
Ground speed will increase
as more pressure is applied
to the Smart Drive control. After maximum ground speed is obtained,
applying additional pressure will not further increase ground speed.
Apply only enough pressure to achieve the desired speed.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage the drive when mowing
around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles
for better directional control.
Ground speed varies with terrain, grass height, slope, and grass bag
weight. Moving the Smart Drive control allows you to maintain the
desired ground speed under constantly changing mowing conditions.
Release the Smart Drive control to disengage (stop) the rear wheels.
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
Before starting, always release the Smart Drive control so that the
mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.
Start the engine carefully with feet well away from the blades.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position (
2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST
position.
3. With the blade control lever released,
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.
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
blade rotation.
2. Move the throttle lever to
the STOP position to
stop the engine.
3. When you finish
mowing, turn the fuel
valve OFF.
4. 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.
5. 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.
To prevent thumb fatigue, hold
the Smart Drive control as shown.
MULTI-POSITION
ADJUSTER
FAST
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
STOP
THROTTLE
LEVER
