Operating Instructions; Before Starting - Makita PLM4120 Original Instruction Manual

2. Push the mulching wedge into the deck. Lock the
mulching wedge with the button into the opening on
the deck. (Fig. 18, Fig. 19)
3. Lower the rear cover again.
TWO: Mowing with the grass catcher
1. For mowing with the grass catcher, remove the
mulching wedge and mount the grass catcher.
2. Removing the mulching wedge.
- Lift rear cover and remove the mulching wedge.
WARNING: Only with a stopped motor and
standstill cutter.

8. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

8-1 BEFORE STARTING

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed in your mower. Read
instructions carefully.
WARNING: Petrol is highly flammable.
Store fuel in containers specifically designed for this
purpose.
Refuel outdoors only, before starting the engine and do
not smoke while refueling or handling fuel.
Never remove the cap of the fuel tank or add petrol while
the engine is running or when the engine is hot.
If petrol is spilled, do not attempt to start the engine but
move the machine away from the area of spillage and
avoid creating any source of ignition until petrol vapors
have dissipated.
Replace all fuel tanks and container caps securely.
Before tipping the lawn mower to maintain the blade or
drain oil, remove fuel from tank.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with
engine running or until the engine has been allowed to
cool for at least 15 minutes after running.
8-2 TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE
BLADE
1. The unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of
the spark plug, 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.
2. Press the primer bulb 3-5 times before starting the
engine. (Fig. 20)
3. When starting cool engine, turn throttle choke lever to
" " position. When starting warm engine and
Operating, turn throttle choke lever to "
(Fig. 21)
4. Standing behind the unit, grasp the stop control
handle and hold it against the upper handle as shown
in Fig. 22.
5. Grasp the starter handle as shown Fig. 22 and pull it
up rapidly. Return it slowly to the rope guide bolt after
engine starts. Release the stop control handle to stop
the engine and blade.
8-3 OPERATION PROCEDURES
During operation, tightly hold the stop control handle with
both hands.
handle is released, the engine will stop and thus stopping
the lawn mower from operating.
8-4 TO STOP ENGINE
few seconds after the engine is shut off.
1. Release the stop control handle to stop the engine
and blade.
2. Disconnect and ground the spark plug wire as
instructed in the separate engine manual to prevent
accidental starting while equipment is unattended.
8-5 FOR THE BEST RESULTS WHEN
MOWING
Clear lawn of debris. Be sure that the lawn is clear of
stones, sticks, wire or other foreign objects which could be
accidentally thrown out by the mower in any direction and
cause serious personal injury to the operator and others
as well as damage to property and surrounding objects.
Do not cut wet grass. For effective mowing do not cut wet
grass because it tends to stick to the underside of the
deck preventing proper mowing of the grass clippings. Cut
no more than 1/3 the length of the grass.
The recommended cut for mowing is 1/3 the length of the
grass. Ground speed will need to be adjusted so the
clippings can be dispersed evenly into the lawn. For
especially heavy cutting in thick grass it may be
necessary to use one of the slowest speeds in order to get
a clean well mowed cut. When mowing long grass you
may have to cut the lawn in two passes, lowering the
blade another 1/3 of the length for the second cut and
perhaps cutting in a different pattern than was used the
first time.
" position.
Overlapping the cut a little on each pass will also help to
clean up any stray clippings left on the lawn. The mower
should always be operated at full throttle to get the best
cut and allow it to do the most effective job of mowing.
Clean underside of deck.
Be certain to clean the underside of the cutting deck after
each use to avoid a build-up of grass, which would
prevent proper mulching.
Mowing leaves: The mowing of leaves can also be
beneficial to your lawn. When mowing leaves make sure
Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from the
blade.
Do not tilt the lawn mower when starting the
engine. Start the mower on a level surface, free
of high grass or obstacles.
Keep hands and feet away from the rotating
parts. Do not start the engine when standing in
front of the discharge opening.
Note: During operation, when the stop control
CAUTION: The blade continues to rotate for a
11