MTD YARD-MAN 970 Owner's Manual page 10

RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the lower handle. See Figure 5. Stand behind the unit in the operating
position to start the unit.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
Squeeze the drive clutch control to engage the drive system. Release the clutch control to disengage the drive
system. Release the clutch control to slow down when negotiating an obstacle, making a turn or stopping.
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located on the drive clutch control housing on the upper handle. See Figure 5. This lever is used
to select the forward speed of the mower. When changing speed selection, release the drive clutch control.
NOTE:
Move the shift lever only when the engine is running. Changing the shift lever setting with the engine off
can cause damage to the mower.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER
Note:
Your mower is shipped with the cutting height in the lowest position. Adjust the cutting height as follows.
The cutting height adjustment lever is located above the left rear wheel. To adjust the cutting height, pull the lever
out and away from the mower and then move it forward or backward to select a new cutting height. See Figure 7.
Figure 7
NOTE:
For rough or uneven lawns, move the height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will help stop
scalping.
ENGINE CONTROLS
See the engine manual for the location and function of the controls located on the engine.
SECTIONS: OPERATION
A
WARNING:
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on the cutting deck. See Figure 1. The
operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields.
NOTE:
For best results raise the cutting position until it is determined which height is best for your lawn. See
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT LEVER in the CONTROLS section.
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