Controls; Operation - MTD Yard Machines 12A-463E500 Owner's Manual

Hinged Mulching Plug
Side
Chute
Deflector
Figure 12

CONTROLS

BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
WARNING: This control mechanism
is a safety device. Never attempt to
bypass its operations.
The blade control handle is located on the up-
per handle of the mower. See Figure 13. The
blade control handle must be depressed in or-
der to operate the unit. Release the blade
control handle to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade will be rotating
whenever the engine is running.
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the
handle. See Figure 13. Stand behind the unit
in the operating position to start the unit.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
Squeezing the drive clutch control engages
the drive system. Releasing the clutch control
disengages the drive system. Release the
clutch control to slow down when negotiating
an obstacle, making a turn or stopping.
Recoil
Starter
Handle
Figure 13
•
Blade Control
Handle
Drive Clutch
Control
11

OPERATION

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual
packed with your mower. Read instructions
carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank in-
doors, with engine running or until
the engine has been allowed to cool
for at least two minutes after run-
ning.
BEFORE STARTING
Before each use, check for proper drive
clutch operation by performing the following
before starting the engine:
With the drive clutch control released, push
mower forward. It should move freely.
If it does not and the rear wheels tend to
lock up, the clutch may not be releasing
completely. Do not start the engine until cor-
rections have been made. Check the control
cable for severe bend, kinks and binding, or
grass build-up in the pulley groove. Refer to
the Adjustment section.
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
Metal
Loop
on Spark
Plug
Wire
Figure 14
Figure 14.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
WARNING: When starting the unit
for the first time, place mower in
first speed (slow) position. Face the
mower against a solid object such
as a wall, fence, etc. Start the unit,
and if it shows any signs of motion
with the drive clutch control disen-
gaged, shut the engine off immedi-
ately. Make certain the drive clutch
control is adjusted so the drive belt
is as loose as possible,. Refer to
the Adjustment Section.
Rubber Boot