4
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
The operation of any
lawn mower can result
in foreign objects being
thrown into the eyes,
which can damage your
eyes severely. Always
wear safety glasses
while operating the
mower, or while perform-
ing any adjustments or
repairs on it.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run engine
indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated areas.
Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and lawn
mower.
Figure 4-3
4. Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly
until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine
and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide.
Briggs & Stratton/MTD OHV Engine:
1. Prime or choke engine as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your unit.
2. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle as shown
in Figure 4-3.
3. Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly
until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine
and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope guide.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop
completely before performing any
work on the mower or to remove the
grass catcher.
To Stop Engine
1. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine
and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off.
2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire as
instructed in the separate engine manual to prevent
accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING: Never operate your
mower without either the rear door
or the entire grass catcher assembly
firmly secured.
Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other
objects which could damage the lawn mower or the
engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury
to the operator and others.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the mower for any damage,
and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the mower.
Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation is an indication
of damage. The unit should be
promptly inspected and repaired.
Operating Tips
1. For best results and effective mulching, do not cut wet
grass.
2. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a
narrower cut.
3. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-
third of the total length of the grass.
4. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there
is growth.
5. Adjust ground speed according to condition of lawn.
6. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4
inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using
the grass catcher to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4
inches or less before mulching.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to
stop completely before doing any
work on the mower or to remove
the grass catcher.
NOTE:
To operate your unit using the grass catcher,
mulcher or optional side discharge refer to page 7.
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/&&
Figure 4-2
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