MTD 080 Series Operator's Manual page 8

SECTION 4: OPERATING Y OUR LAWNMOWER
Knowyour lawn mower
Now that you have set up your lawn mower for
operation, get aquainted with its controls and
features. These are described below and
illustrated in Figure 6. This knowledge will allow
you to use your new equipment to its fullest
potential.
BladeControlHandle
The blade control handle is attached to the upper
handle of the mower. Depress the blade control
handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop
engine and blade.
WARNING: This blade control
_i mechanism is a safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its operations.
CuttingHeight AdjustmentLevers
One adjustment lever is located on each wheel
and is used to adjust the cutting height. All four
levers have to be at the same relative position to
ensure uniform cut.
RecoilStarter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil
starter rope to start the unit.
MulchingBaffle
Blade Control Handle
Starter
"'_ "_9 _ Starter Rope
Lever
/mOil Fill
f
Height Adj.
Lever
Gas Ca
MaUlffi;ing__
Figure 6
The mulching baffle is used to recirculate grass clippings back to the lawn. Attach it as instructed on page 7 of this
manual.
ChuteDeflector/DischargeChute
This chute discharges grass clippings beside each cutting lap. In tall grass, use this chute first to cut, and then use
the mulching baffle to mulch.
Gag& 0il Fill-Up
• Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow engine manual for this. See Figure 6 above for location of oil fill.
• Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the engine manual. See Figure 6 above for location of gas cap.
_ WARNING:
Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors
_are Never fuel the machine indoors while the is hot
explosive. or engine or running. Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and other sources of ignition.
BeforeStarting
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire (inside the
rubber boot) is fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
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.