If the Mower Blade Engagement Control is in the
“Off” (down) position, it is not necessary to hold the
Operator Presence Bale. The Wheel Drive Control Bale
should be released (in neutral). Vigorously pull engine
start handle until engine starts. After engine starts and
stabilizes, move the Engine Throttle Control Lever back to
the FAST position. If the engine is warm, there is no need
to use the choke.
Stopping the Engine:
Turn off the mower deck and
stop blade rotation by pushing DOWN on the Mower
Blade Engagement Control. Move the Engine Throttle
Control Lever back to the SLOW position. Release the
Operator Presence Bale and turn the key in the Ignition
Switch counter-clockwise to the OFF position. Remove
the key.
Emergency Stopping:
In an emergency, immediately
release all machine controls and carefully back away from
the mower.
Operating the Wheel Drive:
The travel speed and
direction (forward and reverse) of your mower is
controlled by the Wheel Drive Control Bale. Your mower is
also equipped with an automotive-style differential to
make it exceptionally easy to steer and turn. The Wheel
Drive Control Bale automatically returns to Neutral
whenever it is released.
To move the machine FORWARD, rest your fingers of
both hands on the stationary Cross Bar and hook your
thumbs behind the Wheel
Drive Control Bale. (Fig. 10)
Gently press the bale forward
and the mower will begin to
move forward. Moving the bale
further forward will increase
the forward travel speed of the
mower. When the Wheel Drive
Control Bale is brought even
with the stationary Cross Bar,
the mower will travel at its
maximum forward speed.
To move the machine IN
REVERSE, firmly place one
hand on the stationary Cross
Bar to steer and stabilize the
mower. Using your other hand,
gently pull back on the Wheel
Drive Control Bale. Moving the bale further backward will
increase the reverse travel speed of the mower.
Release the Wheel Drive Control Bale to return to Neutral.
Engaging the Mower Blades:
After confirming that the
area to mow is free of hazards and bystanders, move the
Engine Throttle Control to FAST, pull the Operator Pres-
ence Bale back to its engaged position and pull UP on the
Mower Blade Engagement Control. (Fig. 11) If the mower
blades are engaged, the Operator Presence Bale must be
held continuously in the engaged position. If the Operator
Presence Bale is released while the mower blades are
engaged, the engine will stop running.
BigMo™ Owner’s Manual Page 5
Fig. 10
Stopping the Mower Blades:
In an emergency, the mower
blades may be stopped by
releasing the Operator Pres-
ence Bale. Under normal con-
ditions, push DOWN on the
Mower Blade Engagement
Control and release the Oper-
ator Presence Bale. The en-
gine will continue to run.
Adjusting the Height of Cut:
Your Sarlo mower offers sev-
en cutting heights ranging
from 1.5 to 4.5-inches, in half-
inch increments. The height of
cut can be changed quickly
and easily without the need for
tools. The mower utilizes
adjusters at both the front and rear of the machine to
ensure a flat and level cut. All adjusters should be
placed in the same position.
CAUTION! BEFORE ADJUSTING HEIGHT OF
CUT, TURN OFF ENGINE AND REMOVE KEY!
To adjust the FRONT height of
cut, remove the circle cotter
retaining rings from the tops of
both Caster Fork shafts along
with any loose spacers and set
aside. With the front of the
mower deck lifted and secure-
ly supported with the wheels
off the ground, slide the Caster
Fork and Wheel assemblies
downward until they disen-
gage the support bearings in
the frame. (Fig. 12)
If the forks have not been
serviced, lightly lubricating the
shafts may help with this pro-
cess. Determine your desired
cutting height, bearing in mind
that the more spacers placed on the
underside
of the
fork raises the cutting position. For example:
Spacers Bottom
Cutting Height
0
1.5”
1
2.0”
2
2.5”
3
3.0”
4
3.5”
5
4.0”
6
4.5”
To adjust the REAR height of cut, locate the two black
knobs (one on each side of the rear of the machine)
near the base of the handlebar support. Remove the
knobs and any washers and set aside. (Fig. 13) Hold up
lightly on the rear height of cut lift bar, and remove the
carriage bolts from the adjusters on both sides of the
machine.
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
