Starting Engine; Stopping Engine - Cub Cadet 18M Operator's Manual

Starting Engine

WARNING: Be sure no one other
than the operator is standing near
the lawn mower while starting
engine or operating mower. Never
run engine indoors or in enclosed,
poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monox-
ide, an odorless and deadly gas.
Keep hands, feet, hair and loose
clothing away from any moving
parts on engine and lawn mower.
1. Pull out the choke knob located on the left side of the
upper handle, Figure 4-2.
NOTE: Use of the choke may not be necessary if the
engine is warm or the air temperature is high.
2. Standing behind the mower, squeeze and hold the
blade control against upper handle, Figure 4-2.
3. Grasp the starter handle as shown and pull slowly
until resistance is felt, then pull rapidly to start engine
and avoid kickback. Return it slowly to the rope
guide.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the recoil starter to snap
back against the rope guide.
4. As the engine warms, slowly push in the choke knob.
See Figure 4-2.

Stopping Engine

1. Release blade control handle to stop the engine and
the blade.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and
ground against the engine.
WARNING: Wait for the blade to
stop completely before perform-
ing any work on the mower or to
remove the grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other
objects which could damage the lawn mower or the
engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by the
mower in any direction and cause serious personal injury
to the operator and others.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug, thor-
oughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating
the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is
an indication of damage. The unit
should be promptly inspected
and repaired.
Figure 4-2
Operating Tips
1. To engage the drive, squeeze the drive control handle
towards the upper handle. Release the drive control
to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a
turn, or stopping.
2. For best results do not cut wet grass.
3. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass may require a
narrower cut.
4. For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third
of the total length of the grass.
5. Your lawn should be cut in the fall as long as there
is growth.
6. If the grass has been allowed to grow in excess of 4
inches, mulching is not recommended. Mow using
the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3-1/4
inches or less before mulching.
General Recommendations
1. Always observe safety rules when performing
any maintenance.
2. The warranty on this lawn mower does not cover
items that have been subjected to operator abuse
or negligence. To receive full value from warranty,
operator must maintain the lawn mower as
instructed here.
3. Changing of engine-governed speed will void
engine warranty.
4. All adjustments should be checked at least once each
season.
5. Periodically check all fasteners and make sure these
are tight.
NOTE: To operate your unit using the grass catcher,
mulcher or optional side discharge refer to page 7.

4
Operating
Your Lawn
Mower
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.
Be sure no one other
than the operator is
standing near the lawn
mower while starting
engine or operating
mower. Never run
engine indoors or
in enclosed, poorly
ventilated areas. En-
gine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly
gas. Keep hands, feet,
hair and loose clothing
away from any moving
parts on engine and
lawn mower.