Briggs & Stratton 500 Series Maintenance Manual page 21

Engine Model: Briggs & Stratton
D: The engine pull cord may snatch back when pulled if the machine is not on a
flat and firm surface, or the blade and/or its mounting boss are damaged or
fitted insecurely.
.
1. Ensure the machine is situated on a firm level surface (path, patio or
short grass). Check the underside of the machine is clear from old
lawn debris. If you have to tilt the mower, do this backwards only.
First remove the grass catcher, remove the HT lead (spark plug cap),
then lift the front wheels until the handles reach the ground at the
rear.
2. If attempting to start the mower on the lawn, the grass beneath the
cutter can slow its rotation, and even prevent the free rotation of the
cutter, causing a "snatch back". If the engine is cold, select a firm
surface for starting the mower. If the engine is warm, always pull the
mower back onto a pre-mown area where the grass is already short
to prevent unnecessary jamming.
E: To check the blade, pull the cap off the sparkplug (for safety) and
remove the grass catcher from the rear of the mower. Tilt the mower
BACKWARDS so that the handle touches the ground.
.
The cutter bar is retained by a central bolt.
1.
This should be tight (the thread is the normal
anti-clockwise turn to tighten).
To either side of the central bolt there are two
2.
silver lugs protruding through the cutter bar.
If these are missing, it indicates that the
machine has come into contact with more
than normal grass and has damaged the
cutter mount (boss). This will have to be
replaced. This type of repair would not
normally be covered by warranty.
It is wise to mark the blade before removing it
so that the blade can be replaced the correct
way up.
Page 21 of 32 B&S Classic, 450 and 500 Series Selfhelp
Classic,
450 and 500 Series
Guide 2011, Issue 1.0