Operating Your Lawn Mower - MTD 44M Operator's Manual

4
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
The blade control is a
safety device. Never
attempt to bypass its
operations.
Use extreme care
when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is
extremely flammable
and the vapors are
explosive. Never fuel
the machine indoors
or while the engine
is hot or running.
Extinguish cigarettes,
cigars, pipes and
other sources of
ignition.
Keep hands and feet
away from the chute
area on cutting deck.
Refer to warning
label on the unit.
Drive
Control
Recoil Starter
Figure 4-1: The main components on the mower.
Now that you have set up your lawn mower, it's important to become acquainted with its controls and features.
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper handle of
the mower. Depress and squeeze it against the upper
handle to operate the unit. Release it to stop engine and
blade.
WARNING: This blade control mechanism is
a safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
Drive Control
The drive control is located on the underside of the
upper handle and is used to engage the drive. Squeeze
it against the upper handle to engage the drive; release
it to slow down or stop mower from propelling.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
One adjustment lever is located at each wheel and is
used to adjust the cutting height. All four levers must be
moved to the same position to ensure a uniform cut.
Know Your Lawn Mower
Blade Control
Choke Control
Oil Fill
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper handle.
Stand behind the unit and pull the recoil starter rope to
start the unit.
Choke Control
The choke control is located on the left side of the handle
and when activated, closes the choke plate on the
carburetor and aids in starting the engine.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
1. Add oil provided before starting unit for the first time
2. Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine
indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extin-
guish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
8
Cutting
Gasoline Fill
Height
Adjustment
Lever (one at
each wheel)
out of the box. Follow engine operation section for
this. See Figure 4-1 above for location of the oil fill.
engine operation section. See Figure 4-1 above for
location of gas fill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling
gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable