8
If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the
handlebar to control the mower.
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 (
). Striking objects may damage the blades, bend the
crankshaft, and/or break the mower deck or other components.
Vibration usually indicates serious trouble.
The
DISTRIBUTOR’S LIMITED WARRANTY
(
) does not
cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.
Operating the Controls
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must be
pulled back 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 electric starter is operated or
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.
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
The blades turn when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear
or mowed area where the blades can turn freely.
NOTICE
Before starting the mower, make sure
the starter rope is
not
routed below the
right handlebar support tab as shown.
The rope will quickly be damaged
during starting.
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 70°F (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
1. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
2. When you finish mowing, turn the fuel valve OFF.
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
), and do not operate
the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
BLADE CONTROL LEVER
SMART
DRIVE
CONTROL
ADJUST
POSITION
BLADE
CONTROL
2
SMART DRIVE CONTROL
To prevent thumb fatigue, hold
the Smart Drive control as shown.
MULTI-POSITIO
N ADJUSTER
SUPPORT
TAB
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
