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. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is
equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the
spark plug wire, make certain the metal loop on the
end of the spark plug wire (inside the rubber boot)
is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark
plug.
Starting Engine
Refer to the separate engine manual packed with
your unit.
To Start Engine
1. If your unit is equipped with a primer, prime engine as
instructed in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit.
2. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle as shown
in Figure 4-2.
3.
Electric Start (If Equipped):
Turn ignition key to the
right to start the engine. See Figure 4-1. Release the
key after the engine starts.
Recoil Start:
Grasp recoil starter handle and pull
rope out with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. See
Figure 4-2. Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle,
let the rope rewind slowly. Repeat until engine cranks.
Let the rope rewind each time slowly.
4. Holding these two handles together firmly, grasp
recoil starter handle and pull rope out with a rapid,
continuous, full arm stroke. See Figure 4-2. Keeping
a firm grip on the starter handle let the rope rewind
slowly. Repeat until engine cranks. Let the rope
rewind each time slowly.
To Stop Engine
1. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine
and blade.
2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire as
instructed in the separate engine manual to prevent
accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop
completely before doing any work
on the mower or to remove the grass
catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
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 ob-
ject, stop the engine. Remove wire from
the spark plug, thoroughly 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.
1. Once the engine is running, squeeze the drive control
against the upper handle to propel mower.
2. To change speed, move speed control to the desired
speed.
NOTE:
When selecting a drive speed, use the first speed
until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation
of the mower.
Using as Mulcher
For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher, insert
rear mulch plug, and remove side discharge chute from
the mower. 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
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while
you are operating the mower.
1. Attach grass catcher following instructions in the
“Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Oper-
ate mower till 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 3. the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the
grass clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.
