11
Preparing the Engine
ENGINE DOES NOT CONTAIN OIL OR GASOLINE
Using the bottle of oil supplied in the carton, fill the engine
with the proper amount of oil. See the engine manufacturer’s
instructions for the type of gasoline and oil to use. Before
you use the unit, read the information on safety, operation,
maintenance, and storage.
WARNING: Follow the engine manufacturer’s
instructions for the type of gasoline and oil to
use. Always use a safety gasoline container.
Do not smoke when adding gasoline to the
engine. When inside an enclosure, do not
fill with gasoline. Before you add gasoline,
stop the engine. Let the engine cool for
several minutes.
Note: The operation of a new engine will sometimes result in
a slight amount of smoke. This smoke is caused by paint or
oil on or around the muffler. This is normal and only
expected during initial operation.
IMPORTANT:
This unit is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and must not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered
and unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a
spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrester is used, it must be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law
(Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on
federal lands. See an Authorized Service Center for a spark
arrester for the muffler.
Note: Actual sustained engine power will likely be lower due
to operating limitations and environmental factors.
Final Preparation
Before you use the mower, check the assembly of the
wheels, the handle, and the controls. Make sure all the
fasteners are tight. Make sure the throttle control (if
equipped) and the engine stop lever work correctly.
If the mower is equipped with height adjusters, make sure
the height adjusters function properly. Before starting the
engine, make sure each height adjuster is set at the desired
height. See “Adjusting The Height Of Cut” in the Maintenance
sections.
Assembly
Mulching Tips
Mulching finely cuts the grass so that the grass can be easily
recycled. Because the nutrients are returned to the soil, the
lawn will need less fertilizer. To correctly mulch the lawn,
follow the tips below.
The grass must be dry. If the grass is wet, it will be
difficult to cut and cause heavy clumps of grass.
The grass must not be too tall. The maximum height to
effectively cut is 4 1/2 inches. Set the height adjusters
so that only the top third of the grass is cut.
If the grass is more than 4 1/2 inches high, two
mowings will be necessary. For the first mowing, set the
height adjusters in the highest position. Then, lower the
height adjusters for the second mowing.
Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not
sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become brown.
Clean the underside of the mower housing. Grass and
other debris can keep the mower from working
correctly.
If the quality of cut is marginal, try the following:
Set the height adjusters at a higher cutting height.
Cut the grass more frequently.
Operate the mower at a slower ground speed.
Overlap the cutting swaths instead of cutting a full
swath with each pass.
Mow across the marginal areas a second time.
en
Not
for
Reproduction
