Before Starting; To Start Engine And Engage Blade; Stopping Engine; Using Your Lawn Mower - MTD 20 Operator's Manual

Before Starting

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed in your mower. Read
instructions carefully.
WARNING:
Never fill fuel tank indoors, with engine running or until the engine has been allowed to cool
for at least two minutes after running.
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the spark plug wire,
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. See Figure 2.
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.

To Start Engine and Engage Blade

• If your unit is equipped with a primer, prime
engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual packed with your unit.
• Standing behind the unit, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper
handle as shown in Figure 12.
• Grasp the recoil 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 bolt.
NOTE: The blade control handle must be
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release
the blade control handle to stop the engine and
blade.
WARNING:
THIS CONTROL MECHANISM IS A SAFETY DEVICE. NEVER ATTEMPT TO BYPASS
ITS OPERATION.

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.

Using Your Lawn Mower

Be sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or other objects which could damage the lawn mower
IMPORTANT:
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, thoroughly
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.
Starter
Handle
10
Blade Control
Handle
Figure 12