Stopping Engine - Yard Machines 540 Series Operator's Manual

Pull starter rope
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
• To prevent the unit from sliding, place your foot firmly against the tire.
• Move throttle control all the way forward. This step is not applicable in case of mowers with fixed throttle.
• Push primer three times. Wait about two seconds between each push. In cold weather around 55
below, prime five times. Do not prime to restart a warm engine after a short shutdown.
• Hold the control lever against the upper handle and pull starter rope out slowly until engine reaches the 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. Keeping a firm grip on the control lever, let the rope return to the starter
slowly.
• After the engine starts, move throttle control to desired engine speed.

Stopping Engine

• Release blade control handle to stop the engine and the blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Using Your Lawn Mower
• Do not operate the mower without the mulching cover or the discharge chute properly installed and tightly
secured.
• Be sure that the 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. Blade speed should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.
• 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 pulverize them. When cutting high weeds, discharge towards
cut portion, then recut at right angles to first direction.
• For a healthy lawn , always cut off one-third or less of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be trimmed
in fall as long as there is growth.
• This mower is designed to run at full throttle to give you the best cut and do the most effective job of bagging
the cut grass.
WARNING:
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug wire from spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage. 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 13
13
Hold control lever firmly
against upper handle
o
F or