Mowing Pattern - Simplicity 490 User Manual

Rear Wheels
1. Stand at the rear on the left side of the mower.
2. Grasp the lower handle cross bar with one hand and lift
the rear of the mower.
3. Grasp the rear wheel height adjuster tab and push it
backward and down to the same notch you used for the
front wheels.
4. Let the tab swing forward making certain that the tab
on the handle bracket has fully entered the notch.
5. Check once more to make certain that all tabs are in the
same notch and have entered them fully. As a final
check, make sure all four wheels roll on a level surface.
INSTALLING CATCHER
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
2. Remove 4 screws and coverplate. See Fig, 6.
3. Install the grass deflector plate across the chute opening
with bolts and nuts as shown in Fig. 7, and tighten
securely. Replace the spark plug wire.
4. Install the grass catcher chute with 4 screws as shown in
Fig. 2.
5. Insert the two legs of the bag support rod into the holes
in the lower handle cross bar as shown in Fig. 3.
6. Install the spring clip in the hole in the left leg of the
bag support rod.
7. Stand on the right side of the mower and insert the
bottom of open end of bag between lugs on deck and
catcher chute. See Fig. 2.
8. Lift bag retaining clip and swing top of open end of bag
forward against lugs on catcher chute. Release spring
clip and make sure it is through button hole in the bag
neck.
9. Hook loop at zipper end of bag over the hook on bag
support rod.
10. Install bag guard as shown on Page 9.
CAUTION: Never run the mower with the catcher chute installed
without the bag in place and the zipper closed.
MOWING PATTERN
Dispersing
If the clippings are to remain on the lawn, mow with the
discharge chute dispersing the clippings toward the cut portion.
If clippings are to be raked up later and the grass is at normal
height of 3" or less, it is practical to disperse the clippings into the
uncut portion. They will all be concentrated in the center of the
lawn for minimum raking.
Catching
The mowing pattern while catching the clippings can be
varied to suit the lawn arrangement. Best lawn appearance will
result if the direction of mowing is alternated each mowing and a
diagonal mowing pattern is used every 4th time.
ENGINE
Please read the engine manual and understand it thoroughly
before using the mower.
Preparing for Operation
1. Make sure the speed control is set at STOP. See Fig. 2.
2. Tip the starter handle toward the rear and gi'asp the
underside of the front of the engine cover and tip it
back. On self-propelled models, separate the control
rods to allow the cover to go fully back.
3. Remove the fill plug, Fig. 6, from the crankcase by
rotating counter-clockwise and fill the crankcase with
SAE 30 oil grade MS until the oil is level with the top of
the filler neck. Re-install the filler plug with firm hand
pressure.
4. Fill the fuel tank with regular grade of gasoline and
replace the tank cap. CAUTION: Gasoline is highly
inflaraable, avoid overfilling, wipe up any spilled fuel,
and have no open flame - cigarette, etc. in the area.
5. Swing cover forward, pulling the starter handle back to
enter the hole in cover, and press the front end down
firmly until it latches.
Starting
1. The engine will not start if the blade is in deep grass.
Place the mower on sidewalk or mown lawn to start.
2. Make sure the toucb-o-matic control handle is all of the
way back (self propelled models).
3. Set the speed control at start. This positions the
automatic choke.
Manual Start Models
]. Place your right foot on the mower deck where
indicated with your left foot well away from the
mower.
2. Grasp the starter handle firmly witli your right hand and
pull upward .sharply. Return the starter handle to the
top of engine. Do NOT release the handle with the rope
extended.
Electric Start Models
1, Insert the key and turn clockwise to engage starter.
NOTE: The engine speed control must be in the .start
position.
2. Release the key as soon as the engine starts and it will
automatically return to the running position.
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