OPERATION
WARNING: Read, understand, and
follow all instructions and warnings
on the machine and in this manual
before operating.
Keep hands and feet away from the dis-
charge area on and from under the cutting
deck.
The operation of any lawn mower can result
in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Al-
ways wear safety glasses or eye shields.
NOTE:
For best results raise the cut-
ting position until it is determined
which height is best for your lawn. See
Cutting Height Adjustment section.
BEFORE STARTING
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual
packed in your mower. Read instructions
carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank in-
doors, with engine running or until
the engine has been allowed to cool
for at least two minutes after run-
ning.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
•
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit
is equipped with a rubber boot over the end
of the spark plug wire, make certain the metal
loop on the end of the spark plug wire (inside
the rubber boot) is fastened securely over the
metal tip on the spark plug. See Figure 17.
First Time Starting Engine
Use recoil starter rope to start engine for the
very first time. The mower is shipped with
the safety key in the locked and de-ener-
gized mode, follow instructions as follows.
1. Place lawn mower on a level surface out-
doors.
2. Remove clear plastic packaging under fuel
cap.
3. Open shut off valve (if equipped) 1/4 turn.
4. Turn safety key 1/4 turn clockwise
to RUN position.
5. If your unit is equipped with a
primer, prime engine as in-
structed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
6. While standing in the operating
position, depress the starter con-
trol button fully with the thumb of
your right hand.
7. Using your left hand, pull the con-
trol handle all the way toward the
upper handle.
8. Release the button.
9. Grasp the recoil rope starter
handle with your right hand
and slowly pull towards you
until you feel a slight resis-
tance, then pull firmly until
your arm is fully extended.
10. If engine does not start by the second
pull, repeat steps 5, 6, 7,8 and 9.
Second Time Starting Engine
NOTE:
Follow these instructions if the
self starter is already in the energized
mode.
WARNING: NEVER assume starter
is in the de-energized mode, even if
the key is in the locked position
and/or removed from the engine.
ALWAYS de-energize starter prior to
performing any maintenance or ser-
vice to the engine and/or mower.
Follow instructions on the engine
and/or machine to de-energize
starter.
1. Check oil and fuel level and add if neces-
sary.
2. Open shut off valve (if equipped)
1/4 turn.
3. Turn safety key 1/4 turn clockwise
to RUN position.
4. Firmly push primer bulb 3 times
(For a cold engine only!).
5. While standing at upper handle,
depress and hold the starter
control button with the thumb of
your right hand.
6. Using your left hand, pull the
blade control handle all the way
toward the upper handle. Starter
will de-energize and engine will
start.
(NOTE:
If engine does not start, re-
lease the blade control handle and
13
Figure 17
Metal
Loop
on Spark
Plug
Wire
Rubber Boot