4
Operating your Mower
Starting the Engine
Fill the fuel tank with clean unleaded fuel and check the oil level on the dipstick before attempting
to start the engine. Open the fuel tap under the fuel tank by pushing it backward as shown on the
pictorial diagram on the top of the air cleaner cover.
Ensure the blade drive is disengaged and then open the throttle to full choke if the engine is cold.
If starting a warm engine full choke will not be necessary. Pull briskly on the starter rope and once
the engine starts throttle back to mid- revs than back to idle and allow the engine to warm up for a
few minutes.
Engaging and disengaging the Blade
To engage the blade drive belt, shift the lever at the centre rear of the mower (just below the
engine) to the right and down into the locked on position with your foot.
Use low to mid engine revs to engage and disengage. Never engage/disengage at full revs; belt
damage will occur and belt life will be shortened considerably.
Easing the drive in gently will help belt life and provide a smooth take-up for the blade drive.
To disengage, bring the engine revs back to low, then flick the lever up with your foot and push it
gently to the left to bring the blade to a complete stop.
Operator Presence Park Brake
The unit is equipped with an Operator Presence Park Brake which uses a locking pawl on both the
rear wheels. Note! It is not intended as a service brake to slow the unit down.
This brake is operated by the lever on top of the right-hand handle.
To release the brake and achieve neutral, press the operator presence handle all the way down
with the palm of your hand as you take hold of the handle bars.
Self-Propelled Forward Drive
The unit is independent rear wheel drive meaning the rear wheels can be powered independently
to aid steering and hillside traction.
To engage the drive, squeeze the levers up under the handles. To make a turn, release the side
you wish to turn towards, and the other wheel will steer the unit round.
To back up or simply push the mower without self-propel, just actuate the operator presence lever
only and the unit will free-wheel both directions.
Cutting Height Adjustment
The MKIII Contractor uses a single lever height adjustment for all four wheels. The most forward
position is the highest cutting position, the most rearward position is the lowest position. The
height of cut ranges from 1” to 4” in ½” increments. The adjusting lever is located at the left hand
rear of the machine, beside the fuel tank.
To adjust the height, pull the lever away from the body of the machine to disengage the locking pin
then while holding it out slide the lever forward or rear to the desired height and lock the handle
back into one of the available hole positions.
