Section 8: Operation - Yard-Man 247.371060 Owner's Manual

SECTION 8: OPERATION
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on the cutting deck. See safety labels on page 4.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields. We recommend wide vision
safety mask for over spectacles or standard safety glasses.
NOTE: For best results raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn.
See Cutting Height Adjustment section.
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual. Read instructions
carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been
_ allowed to cool for at least two minutes after running.
Before Starting
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If equipped with a rubber boot, 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.
To Start Engine and Engage Blade
• Move the throttle control on the engine to the FAST (rabbit) position.
• Prime engine as instructed in the engine manual.
• Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
Make certain drive clutch control handle (self-propelled models only) is released.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope
will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it
slowly to the rope guide.
NOTE: ff you encounter any problems, refer to the Trouble Shooting Guide for helpful information.
To
Stop Engine
And Blade
• Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
Do not touch the blade in any way while it is still rotating.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent accidental starting while
equipment is unattended.
Using Your Rotary Mower
• Be sure that lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage lawn mower
or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the mower in any direction and cause
serious personal injury to the operator and others.
• For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the mower,
preventing proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall. New grass,
thick grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut. Speed of the mower should be adjusted to the
condition of the lawn.
• When using the side-discharge mower, the best mowing pattern is one that allows the clippings to
discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn. This permits recutting of the clippings to further
9