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Shift Lever
Use the shift lever to select
the forward speed at which
you wish to mow.
Do not use the throttle lever
to adjust your forward speed.
The throttle lever must
remain in the FAST position
for good mowing
performance.
The position of the shift lever
determines the maximum
ground speed when the drive
clutch lever is fully engaged.
For maximum mowing performance, use the lower speed range for
mowing and the higher speed range for transporting.
With the shift lever all the way back and the drive clutch lever
engaged, the mower will move slowly or not at all.
Starting the Engine
Before starting, the engine, always release the drive control lever so
that the mower will not move forward when you operate the starter.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position
(page
3).
2. Move the throttle lever to the
FAST position.
3. Start the engine using the
electric starter or the recoil
(manual) starter.
Electric start:
Turn the starter key switch to
the START position. Let the
key return to the RUN
position when the engine
starts.
The starter should not be
cranked for more than
5 seconds at a time. If the
engine fails to start, release
the switch and wait 10 seconds before operating the starter again.
If the battery does not have sufficient charge to start the engine,
possibly due to a long storage period, use the recoil starter to start
the engine for at least one mowing session. The battery should
have sufficient charge after one mowing session (approximately
1 hr). An optional plug-in charger is also available
Manual start:
Turn the engine switch to the RUN position. The engine switch
must be in the RUN position to start the engine with the recoil
starter.
Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, and then pull
briskly. Return the starter grip gently.
To ensure easy restarting and maximum performance from the
Auto Choke System, allow the engine to run for at least three
minutes after starting a cold engine before shutting down. This
minimum run time will be longer if the temperature is below 70 °F
(21 °C).
SLOW
FAST
FAST
THROTTLE
LEVER
THROTTLE
LEVER
OFF
KEY
SWITCH
(page
Stopping the Engine
1. Release the drive clutch and blade
control levers.
SHIFT
2. Move the throttle lever to the
LEVER
slowest position.
3. Turn the key switch to the OFF
position.
4. If your mower will not be used for
3 to 4 weeks, we recommend
FAST
running the engine's carburetor
out of fuel. You can do this by
leaving the fuel valve OFF,
restarting the engine and running it until it stops. See "AVOIDING
FUEL-RELATED PROBLEMS" on
your mower for a month or more.
5. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to "Cleaning" on
page
17.
Mowing Tips
When to Mow
Most grasses should be mowed when they have grown ½ to 1 in
(12 ~ 25 mm) above their recommended height. More frequent
mowing is required for mulching than for bagging. For best mulching
results, you may need to mow the lawn twice a week during the
growing season.
Cutting Height
Consult a local nursery or lawn and garden center for cutting height
recommendations and advice about specific types of grasses and
growing conditions in your area.
Most grass has stems and leaves. If you cut off the leaves, you'll scalp
the lawn. Let the grass recover between mowings. Your mower will
work better, and your lawn will look better.
Cutting grass that is too tall or mowing the lawn too quickly can clog
the mower deck with grass and may cause the engine to stall. If your
grass gets too tall, cut it once at the highest cutting height setting
using a slow ground speed, then mow again in 2 or 3 days. Don't take
RUN
off more than one third of the total grass height in any one mowing, or
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained
START
on
page
6.
Cutting Width
For an even lawn finish, overlap each mowing swath by a few inches.
If the grass is very tall or thick, use more overlap and a narrower
mowing swath.
Blade Speed
The blades must spin very fast to cut properly. If engine speed drops,
it could mean the engine is being overloaded by the blades trying to
cut too much grass. Mow a narrower swath, move the mower slower,
use the rear discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
22).
A sharp blade cuts cleanly. A dull blade tears the grass, leaving
shredded ends that turn brown. When your blades don't cut cleanly
anymore, have them sharpened or replaced.
Dry Grass
If the ground is too dry, mowing will stir up a lot of dust. Besides being
unpleasant to work in, too much dust will clog the air filter. If dust is a
problem, water your lawn the day before mowing. Mow when the
grass is dry to your touch, but the soil is still moist.
OFF
RUN
KEY
SWITCH
page 21
if you don't plan to use
9
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