Operating The Walk Behind Mower; General; Checks Before Starting; Starting The Engine - Snapper SFH13320KW Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual

GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY
Before first time operation:
• Be sure to read all information in the Safety and
Operation sections before attempting to operate this
machine.
• Become familiar with all of the controls and how to
stop the unit.
• Drive in an open area without mowing to become
accustomed to the unit.

CHECKS BEFORE STARTING

• Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick.
See the engine Operator's Manual for instructions
and oil recommendations.
• Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in
place and tight.
• Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. Refer to engine
manual for fuel recommendations.
• Make sure fuel shut off valve is in the ON position.
WARNING
Before leaving the operator's position for any
reason, disengage the PTO, stop the engine and
remove the key.
To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine and mower
free of grass, leaves and excess grease. Do not
stop or park machine over dry leaves, grass or
combustible materials.
Gasoline is highly flammable and must be
handled with care. Never fill the tank when the
engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not
allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area.
Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.
WARNING
If you do not understand how a specific control
functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the
FEATURES & CONTROLS section, do so now.
Do NOT attempt to operate the machine without
first becoming familiar with the location and
function of ALL controls.
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the Walk Behind Mower

STARTING THE ENGINE

• Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
• Set the engine throttle control to FAST throttle posi-
tion. Then fully close the choke by pulling the knob
OUT fully.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
• Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to
RUN.
• Grasp recoil handle and pull cord briskly. (You may
have to pull several times before engine starts. If
engine fails to start within a reasonable number of
attempts, discontinue and check engine manual for
further instructions.)
NOTE: Be sure recoil cord retracts fully into recoil unit.
A slack recoil cord can cause serious personal injury
and/or damage to unit.
• After the engine starts, gradually open the choke
(push knob down fully).
Warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute
before engaging the PTO lever/switch or driving the
mower.
After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the unit
at FULL THROTTLE when mowing.
In the event of an emergency the engine can be
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to
STOP. Use this method only in emergency situations.
For normal engine shut down follow the procedure given
in STOPPING THE MOWER.

DRIVING THE MOWER

• Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
• Start the engine (see STARTING THE ENGINE).
• Set the throttle control to FULL.
• Grasp the operator presence / parking brake handles
and the handle bar grips at the same time to deacti-
vate engine kill system and disengage the parking
brake.
• With your thumbs, pressing the ground speed control
levers forward will move the mower forward. Pulling
them back will move the mower backwards. The far-
ther the levers are pushed or pulled will result in a
faster ground speed.
• To slow the mower, gently release your thumb pres-
sure on the ground speed control levers.
9
Operating