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 performing
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. En-
gine 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 4-2
2
1
Starting Engine
WARNING: 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 ex-
haust 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.
1. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the
blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2.
2. 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.
Important: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap
back against the rope guide.
Stopping Engine
1. Release blade control handle to stop the engine and
the blade.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to
stop completely before perform-
ing any work on the mower or to
remove the grass catcher.
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, thor-
oughly 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.
