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SECTION 7: OPERATION
WARNING:
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cutting deck. See Figure 2 in the Safety
Section.
WARNING:
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields. We recommend wide
vision safety mask for over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
NOTE:
For shipping purposes your mower is set with the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best results
raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See cutting height adjustment
section.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your mower. Read
instructions carefully.
WARNING:
Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool
for at least two minutes after running.
BEFORE STARTING
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the
rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
• Before each use, check for proper drive clutch operation by performing the following procedure before starting
the engine.
With the drive clutch control released, push mower forward. It should move freely. Pull mower backward. It should
move with only a small amount of resistance.
If the rear wheels tend to lock up, the clutch may not be releasing completely. Do not start the engine until
corrections have been made.
Check the control cable for severe bend, kinks or binding, or grass build-up around the belt. Correct and adjust as
required.
Refer to instructions under "Drive Clutch Control Adjustment" in the Adjustment Section for loosening the drive belt.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
WARNING:
When starting the unit for the first time, face the mower against a solid object such as a wall,
fence, etc. Start the unit, and if it shows any signs of motion with the drive clutch control disengaged, shut
the engine off immediately.
• Move the throttle control lever (if equipped) to the full throttle position (rabbit).
• If engine is equipped with a primer, prime engine as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your
unit. Normally, the primer requires three full pumps when the temperature is over 55°F and five pushes to the
primer when it is colder.
• Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull the rope out slowly until the engine reaches the start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly. See Figure 8.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly to the
rope guide. See Figure 8.
