10
5
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. See Figure 9. The blade control handle
must be depressed in order to operate the unit. Release
the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Drive Control Lever
Squeezing the drive control lever engages the drive
system. Releasing the clutch control disengages the
drive system. Release the clutch control to slow down
when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or stopping.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the drive control housing
on the upper handle. See Figure 9. This lever is used to
select the forward speed of the mower. When changing
your speed selection, release the drive clutch control.
Mulching Plug
The mulching plug is used to close the side discharge
chute opening when mulching or bagging grass. Do
not remove the hinged mulching plug at any time, even
when you are not mulching.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to
start the unit.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Rear Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
The height adjuster determines the cutting height of the
mower. The adjuster is located above the left rear wheel.
Casters
(optional)
The front wheel cutting height is determined by the
selection of one of six positions in each caster assembly.
See Figure 9.
To adjust, remove the wing nut from the axle bolt. Slide
the axle bolt and spring washer from the assembly and
select a cutting height. With the spring washer on the
axle bolt reinsert in the square hole desired, through the
wheel assembly and secure with the wing nut previously
removed.
IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the same
relative position.
NOTE: For rough or uneven lawns, move the height
adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help stop
scalping.
Caster Lock
(optional)
WARNING: When operating mower on
hills, front wheels should be locked in the
straight ahead position.
The casters can be locked in a straight ahead position
or can be left to swivel freely. Lift and place the lock pins
WARNING
Figure 9
Height Adjustment Lever
Caster
Locking Pin
Grass
Catcher
Side Deflector
Mulch Plug
* Casters are
optional equipment
Axle Bolt and
Spring Washer
Blade Control
Recoil
Starter
Drive Control
Shift Lever
Read, understand,
and follow all instruc-
tions and warnings
on the machine and
in this manual before
operating.
This blade control
mechanism is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive.
Never
fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Summary of Contents for 978
Page 20: ...20 NOTES ...
