Columbia 12ABW32G897, Operator'S Manual

17

S

ection

 4 — c

ontrolS

and

 F

eatureS

• 

For best results, it is recommended that the first two laps 

be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. 

After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the 

discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will 

give a better appearance to the lawn.

• 

Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds or 

extremely tall grass. Your mower is designed to mow 

lawns, NOT clear brush.

• 

Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.

WARNING! 

After striking a foreign object, stop the 

engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground 

against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the mower 

for any damage. Repair the damage before starting 

and operating the mower.

Using as Mulcher

For mulching grass, remove the side discharge chute or the 

grass catcher and allow the rear discharge door to close the 

rear opening of mower. Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section.

For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has 

been allowed to grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not 

recommended. Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.

Using Grass Catcher

Use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are operating 

the mower.

IMPORTANT: 

To effectively bag the grass, you will need to install 

the high lift blades that were packed separately in the box. See 

Blade Care on page 20 of the Service section and follow the 

procedure for removing and reinstalling the blades.
1. 

Attach grass catcher following instructions in the 

Assembly & Setup section on page 10. Grass clippings will 

automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate 

mower until grass bag is full.

2. 

Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. 

Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.

3. 

Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from 

the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass 

clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.

WARNING: 

If you strike a foreign object, stop the 

engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, 

thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and 

repair damage before restarting and operating. 

Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an 

indication of damage. The unit should be promptly 

inspected and repaired.

Operating on Slopes

Refer to the Slope Gauge on page 8 to help determine slopes 

where you may operate the mower safely.

WARNING! 

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in 

excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 

feet every 10 feet). The mower could overturn and 

cause serious injury.

• 

Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.

• 

Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on 

slopes.

• 

Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps 

which can cause you to slip or trip. Tall grass can hide 

obstacles.

• 

Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause 

serious personal injury. If you feel you are losing your 

balance, release the blade control handle immediately and 

the blade will stop rotating within three seconds.

• 

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you 

could lose your footing or balance.

• 

Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on 

the slope gauge.

• 

Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause 

slipping.