Columbia 12ABW32G897, Operator'S Manual

Controls and Features

4

15

Rear Wheel/ Caster Wheels (If Equipped)

The rear wheel cutting height adjustment lever is located above 

the rear left wheel. The caster wheels adjust by moving the 

wheel bolts to the desired position. To adjust the cutting height, 

refer to Cutting Height Adjustment on page 12.

Mulch Plug

The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes. Instead of 

collecting the grass clippings in a grass catcher or using the 

side discharge chute, some mower models have the option 

of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn. This is called 

mulching.

Side Discharge Chute

Your mower is shipped as a mulcher. To discharge the grass 

clippings to the side, follow the instructions on page 12 in the 

Assembly & Set-Up section to attach the side discharge chute.

WARNING: 

Keep hands and feet away from the 

chute area on cutting deck. Refer to warning label 

on the unit.

Deck Wash

Your mower’s deck is equipped with a fast attach deck wash 

nozzle on its surface as part of its deck wash system. Use the 

deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s underside.

Electric Starter Push Key 

(If Equipped)

The electric starter push key is located on the right side of the 

upper handle. It is both a removable key and push button and is 

only provided on electric start models.

NOTE: 

Removing the Electric Starter Push Key will not turn the 

engine off.  It will only disable the “start” function of the unit.

ON/OFF Switch

The ON/OFF Switch is located on the electric starter housing and 

when pressed and held, will turn the engine OFF.

Recoil Starter

The recoil starter is located on the engine. Pull the recoil starter 

rope to start the unit.

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 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.

Refer to engine manual for help with the engine.

Electric Start

1. 

Insert plastic electric start push key into starter housing 

located on the right side of upper handle until it snaps in 

place. See Figure 4-2.

Figure 4-2

2. 

Push the electric starter push key to start the engine. 

NOTE: 

Electric starter is equipped with an internal 

circuit breaker. If unit fails to start when starter button 

is depressed, wait one minute for breaker to reset, then 

attempt to start again.

Recoil Start

3. 

Pull the recoil starter lightly until resistance is felt, then pull 

rapidly to overcome compression, prevent kickback, and 

start the engine. Repeat if necessary.

IMPORTANT: 

Do not allow the recoil starter to snap back 

against the rope guide. Return it gently to prevent damage 

to the starter.

Stopping Engine

1. 

Push and hold the ON/OFF switch until the mower engine 

stops. See Figure 4-3.

2. 

Remove electric start push key if mower is to be left 

unattended, stored, or serviced 

(Electric Start units only)

. 

To remove key, grasp the top of the key and pull it straight 

up and out. Keep key in a safe place out of the reach of 

children. 

WARNING: 

Wait for the blade to stop completely 

before performing any work on the mower or to 

remove the grass catcher.