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WARNING
A worn, cracked, or damaged blade can break, and
pieces of the damaged blade can become dangerous
projectiles.
A blade thrown from the mower could seriously hurt or
kill someone.
Inspect the blade regularly (see
operate the mower with a worn or damaged blade.
The DISTRIBUTOR'S LIMITED WARRANTY
cover parts damaged by accidental impact collision.
Operating the Controls
Blade Control Lever
The blade control lever must
be pulled back against the
handlebar to start and run the
engine. The blade starts to
rotate when the lever is pulled
back against the handlebar
and the recoil starter grip is
pulled.
Continue to hold the lever fully
against the handlebar. This will
keep the engine and blade
rotating smoothly and prevent
premature wear to the flywheel
brake system.
Release the blade control lever to stop the engine and stop blade
rotation whenever you need to leave the mower.
Starting the Engine
The blade turns when you start the engine. Start the engine in a clear
or mowed area where the blade can turn freely.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON position
2. Pull back on the blade control lever and hold it against the
handlebar.
3. Pull the starter grip lightly until you feel resistance, 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).
Continue to hold the blade control lever against the handlebar; the
engine stops when the blade control lever is released.
Stopping the Engine
1. Release the blade control lever to stop the engine.
2. If your mower will not be used for 3 to 4 weeks, we recommend
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
page 17
if you don't plan to use your mower for a month or more.
3. Clean your mower after each mowing; refer to "Cleaning" on
page
13.
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 side discharge. For best
page
10), and do not
(page
19) does not
BLADE CONTROL
LEVER
(page
3).
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
off more than one third of total grass height in any one mowing, or
brown patches may develop. Cutting height adjustment is explained
on
page
4.
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,
install the discharge chute, or raise the cutting height.
Blade Sharpness
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.
Wet Grass
Wet grass is slippery and can make you lose your footing. Also, wet
grass clippings will clog the mower deck and collect in clumps on the
lawn. Always wait for wet grass to dry before mowing.
Fallen Leaves
If you want to mulch fallen leaves into your lawn, don't let the leaf
cover get too deep before you begin. For best results, start mulching
while grass still shows through the leaf cover.
Clogged Mower Deck
Before clearing a clogged mower deck, stop the engine and turn the
fuel valve to the OFF position. With the spark plug cap disconnected,
tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.
Clear a clogged deck with a stick, not your hands.
7
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