Operation; Controls & How To Use Them; Before Starting - Simplicity 679 Owner's Manual

OPERATION .
CONTROLS AND HOW TO USE THEM
Picture yourself standing behind your Simplicity mower.
Before starting the engine, let's learn how to use each of the
convenient controls.
1. ignition Switch (Electric Start Models Only):
When turn-
ed clockwise to the first position, the ignition is turned on.
Turn past this position to actuate the starter. Release the
key as soon as the engine starts. Return the key to the
vertical position to stop the engine. (See Figures 1 & 3).
2. Speed Control Knob:
Turn the speed control knob
clockwise to the start position before attempting to start
the engine. Engine speed is controlled by the position of
the knob. Turn the control knob so the engine runs at
three-fourths to full engine speed when mowing. On manual
start models the engine is stopped by turning the knob
counter-clockwise to the stop position. Electric start models
can be stopped by turning the key to the OFF position.
(See Figure 2).
FIGURE 2
3. Touch'O-Matic Control Bar:(Self<propelled Models Only);
Ground speed is controlled by the Touch-O-Matic control
bar located on the mower handles. Push the bar forward to
increase ground speed and pull back to decrease. The mow¬
er is designed to be propelled by fully engaging the drive
rollers and the rear wheels for maximum speed or allowing a
variable amount of roller slippage for intermediate and
slower speed. Pulling the bar all the way back disengages
the rollers completely to stop forward movement. Push
the bar fully forward over center to reduce effort on long,
straight stretches and merely guide the mower.
(See Figure 3).
FIGURE 3
BEFORE STARTING
Though your Simplicity dealer may have performed the
before starting checks listed below, we suggest you person¬
ally check each one so that you will become familiar with
them and also to insure that your mower is ready to go the
first time you use it.
BEFORE SERVICING YOUR MOWER, SET THE SPEED
CONTROL AT STOP AND REMOVE THE SPARK PLUG
WIRE FROM THE SPARK PLUG.
On 21" mowers, tip the starter handle rearward. Grasp the
front edge of the engine cover and svring it up and back. On
self-propelled models, separate the control rods to allow the
cover to swing back fully.
1. Engine Oil:
Be sure the oil in the engine crankcase is at
the proper level. See your Briggs and Stratton manual and
page 12 of this manual (Figure 4 ).
FIGURE 4
4