10
Starting Engine
•
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug.
•
Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
•
Your lawn mower may be equipped with a constant
speed throttle, which is set at full throttle for best
performance.
•
Stand behind the mower and squeeze the blade
control handle against the upper handle.
•
Grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out slowly
until engine reaches the start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the
rope rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid,
continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on
the starter handle, let the rope return to the starter
slowly.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure that 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.
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends
to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing
proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause
you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass
may require a narrower cut.
For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third
of the total length of the grass. Your lawn should be cut
in the fall as long as there is growth. This mower is
designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the
best cut and do the most effective job of mowing or
mulching.
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.
Mulching
For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing
proper mulching of grass clippings. New or thick grass
may require a narrower cut. The ground speed should
be adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has
been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow
in excess of 4”, mulching is not recommended. Mow
using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3
1/4” maximum before mulching.
Towards Better Mower Performance
1.
Read this manual in its entirety before you start
the lawn mower. Instructions given here have
been designed for maintaining safety while
getting the best performance from your mower.
Follow the instructions closely.
2.
Pour fresh, clean gasoline into the mower’s gas
tank until the tank is full. Do not use gasoline
that is more than 30 days old.
3.
Always use a fuel stabilizer. It will double the life
of the gasoline used.
4.
Make sure to connect the mower’s spark plug
wire before trying to start the engine.
5.
Add engine oil to the oil fill on the mower engine.
Check the dipstick and add more if necessary.
Remember that the oil level has to touch the fill
line.
6.
Locate the primer decal near the primer bulb on
the engine, and read its instruction. Using your
thumb, press the primer bulb slowly as many
times as the decal advises.
7.
Hold control handle down and pull rope firmly to
start the engine.
8.
Set cutting height adjustment lever to middle
setting and mow a single pass on your lawn;
then adjust to desired height for a closer cut.
9.
When bagging the grass clippings, remove
mulch plug/cover and store.
10. To mulch insert the mulch plug/cover on the
mower.
11. In heavy growing season, it may be necessary
to mow lawn twice weekly. Clumps of grass
clippings left behind on the lawn usually means
that the grass is too high to mulch.
12. Before storing the lawn mower for the winter,
use stabilizer-treated fuel and run the tank dry.
13. Thirty days before start of the new season,
check the air filter, spark plug and blade on the
lawn mower, and replace if needed.
For more details about proper lawn care, visit our website at www.mtdproducts.com/machines/tips