follow steps 5, 6, 7,8 and 9 in the “First
Time Starting Engine” instructions.)
NOTE:
If any problems are encoun-
tered, refer to the Trouble Shooting
Guide for helpful information.
To Stop Engine And Blade
1. Release safety blade control handle (the
start control button will automatically re-
turn to the off/up position), engine and
blade will stop within a few seconds.
NOTE:
Engine may stop with a
ratcheting sound. This sound is the self
starter being reactivated/energized for
the next start.
2. Turn safety key 1/4 turn counterclockwise
to LOCK position. Remove key and store
in a safe place.
3. Disconnect and ground the spark plug
wire as instructed in the separate engine
manual to prevent accidental starting
while equipment is unattended.
WARNING: The blade will continue
to rotate for three seconds after the
blade control lever is released.
To De-Energize Self Starter
•
Remove spark plug wire from spark plug.
•
Turn safety key to RUN position (1/4 turn
clockwise).
•
While standing in the operating position, de-
press the starter control button fully with the
thumb of your right hand.
•
Using your left hand, pull the control handle
all the way toward the upper handle.
•
Release button.
NOTE:
Engine will crank over upon ac-
tuating equipment starting controls, but
will not start if spark plug wire was re-
moved from spark plug as described
above. Once engine has stopped
cranking, self starter is de-energized.
WARNING: Self Starting System: If
these instructions are not followed,
amputation or severe laceration can
result.
•
ALWAYS disconnect spark plug, de-energize
starter, lock and remove safety key BEFORE
performing ANY service to the engine or
mower.
•
DO NOT attempt any maintenance or repairs
to the self starter.
•
NEVER assume starter is de-energize, even
if key is in LOCK AND REMOVE position
and/or removed from engine.
•
BEFORE removing grass or other debris
from under mower deck; BEFORE changing
oil, air filter or spark plug; BEFORE remov-
ing blade for servicing; BEFORE performing
any other service to engine or mower; BE-
FORE transporting mower-ALWAYS
DE-ENERGIZE SELF STARTER.
•
ALWAYS lock and remove safety key and
store in a safe place until next use. The
safety key is designed and intended to be
removed from engine when not in use. Re-
moving key will prevent unsupervised or
unexpected starting of mower by children or
unsuspecting adults. The safety key must be
in the locked position before it can be re-
moved.
FOR THE BEST RESULTS WHEN MULCHING:
•
Clear lawn of debris.
Be sure that the lawn is
clear of stones, sticks, wire or other foreign ob-
jects which could damage the lawnmower.
Such objects could be accidentally thrown out
by the mower in any direction and cause seri-
ous personal injury to the operator and others
as well as damage to property and surrounding
objects.
•
Do not cut wet grass
. For effective mulching
do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to
the underside of the deck preventing proper
mulching of the grass clippings.
•
Cut no more than 1/3 the length of the grass.
The recommended cut for mulching is 1/3 the
length of the grass. Ground speed will need to
be adjusted so the clippings can be dispersed
evenly into the lawn. For especially heavy cut-
ting in thick grass it may be necessary to use
one of the slowest speeds in order to get a
clean well mulched cut. When mulching long
grass you may have to cut the lawn in two
passes, lowering the blade another 1/3 of the
length for the second cut and perhaps cutting in
a different pattern than was used the first time.
Overlapping the cut a little on each pass will
also help to clean up any stray clippings left on
the lawn. The mower should always be oper-
ated at full throttle to get the best cut and allow
it to do the most effective job of mulching.
•
Clean underside of deck.
Be certain to clean
the underside of the cutting deck after each use
to avoid a build-up of grass, which would pre-
vent proper mulching.
•
Mulching Leaves.
The mulching of leaves can
also be beneficial to your lawn. When mulching
leaves make sure they are dry and are not lay-
ing too thick on the lawn. Do not wait for all the
leaves to be off the trees before you mulch.
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