11
ENGLISH
You can control mower speed with the drive clutch control [1]. The
mower will move gradually faster as you push the lever forward. If you
push the lever all the way up to the handlebar, the mower will move at
the speed determined by the shift lever setting.
Shift Lever
Use the shift lever [1] to select
the forward speed at which you
wish to mow.
Do not use the throttle lever [2]
to adjust your forward speed.
The throttle lever must remain
in the fast position for good
mowing performance.
Otherwise, cut quality suffers.
Use the lower speed range for
mulching and catching, the
higher speed range for
transporting.
With the shift lever all the way back and the drive clutch control
engaged, the mower will move slowly or not at all.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Release the drive clutch control and cutting-means control lever.
2. HYE type: Move the throttle lever
[1] to the STOP (
) position to
stop the engine.
HZE type: Move the throttle lever
to the STOP position and then turn
the key switch [2] to the OFF (
)
position.
3. When the mower is not in use, turn
the fuel valve [3] to the OFF
position.
4. If your equipment will not be used
for 3 to 4 weeks, we recommend
running the engine’s carburetor
out of fuel. You can do this by
leaving the fuel valve OFF,
restarting the engine and running it
out of fuel. See “Storage” on
page 18 for periods of inactivity that exceed 4 weeks.
SAFE MOWING PRACTICES
For your safety, keep all four wheels on the ground, and be careful to
avoid losing your footing and your control of the mower. Keep a firm
grip on the handlebar, and walk, never run, with the mower. Be very
careful when mowing uneven or rough ground.
If stuck, do not kick or shove the mower with your foot. Use the
handlebar to control the mower.
Stability
Mow across slopes, not up and
down. Avoid steep slopes (more
than 20°), and be careful when
changing direction. Mowing on a
slope when the grass is damp or
wet could cause you to slip, fall,
and lose control of the mower.
Obstacles
Use the side of the mower to cut
close to large obstacles, such as
fences or walls.
Release the drive clutch control to disengage the drive when mowing
around trees and other obstacles. Push the mower around obstacles
for better directional control. Be careful when mowing over obstacles
embedded in the lawn, such as sprinkler heads, paving, edging, etc.
Avoid anything that sticks up above the surface of the lawn.
If the cutting means hits something, or if the mower starts to vibrate,
stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Striking objects
may damage the cutting means, bend the crankshaft, and/or break
the mower deck or other components. Vibration usually indicates
serious trouble.
The warranty does not cover parts damaged by accident or collision.
Gravel and Loose Objects
Gravel, loose stones, and landscaping material can be picked up by
the mower and thrown many feet with enough force to cause serious
personal injury and/or property damage. The best way to prevent
potential injury from thrown objects is to release the cutting-means
control lever to stop the cutting means before reaching areas with
gravel, loose stones, or landscaping material.
[1]
[2]
[1]
OFF
[2]
OFF
[3]
DANGER
The cutting means are sharp and spin at high speed.
If you come in contact with a spinning cutting means, it
will cut you severely and can amputate fingers and
toes.
• Wear protective footwear.
• Keep your hands and feet away from the mower
deck while the engine is running.
• Stop the engine before performing any adjustment,
inspection, or maintenance.
WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged cutting means can
break, and pieces of the damaged cutting means can
become dangerous projectiles.
Thrown objects can cause serious injury.
Inspect the cutting means regularly, and do not operate
the mower with a worn or damaged cutting means.
