Add Gasoline; Mowing Tips; To Stop Engine - Husqvarna 55R21HV Owner's Manual

OPERATION
ADD GASOLINE (See Fig. 12)
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of tank filler neck. Do not over-
fill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with
a minimum of 87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not
store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separa-
tion and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the
fuel system of an engine while in stop
age. To avoid engine problems, the
fuel system should be emptied before
storage of 30 days or longer. Empty
the gas tank, start the engine and let it
run until the fuel lines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage Instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or car-
buretor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
Wait until blade and all moving parts have stopped and
turn fuel valve to OFF position if you do not intend to
restart the engine soon.
TO START ENGINE
(See Fig. 14)
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small
amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of
the product and should be considered normal.
1. Be sure fuel valve is in the ON position.
2. Move choke lever to ON (1\1) position.
3. Hold operator presence control bar down to the handle
and pull starter handle quickly. Do not allow starter rope
to snap back.
NOTE: The choke lever automatically begins moving to
the OFF position when operator presence control bar is
held down to handle.
OFF
bKE LEVER
FUEL VALVE LEVER
MOWING TIPS
Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it
may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be
necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the lawn
mower over the area a second time.
• For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
• For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the fast position.
• Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with
dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less
grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with
water and let dry before using.
• Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air flow
and extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER
HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. SEE
"CLEANING" IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS
MANUAL.
• The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip-
pings many times and reduce them in size so that as
they fall onto the lawn they wilt disperse into the grass
and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will biode-
grade quickly to provide nutrients for the lawn. Always
mulch with your highest engine (blade) speed as this
will provide the best recutting action of the blades.
• Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends
to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action.
The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon.
At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area
will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height
so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third
of the grass blades (See Fig. 15). If the lawn is over-
grown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading
the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut by
overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
FIG. 15
• Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require
that an area be mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
• Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow
north to south one week then change to east to west the
next week. This will help prevent matting and graining
of the lawn.
FIG. 14
10