Neutral Adjustment - MTD Series 389 Operator's Manual

EACH TIME BEFORE YOU START YOUR MOWER
• Altach spad_ plug w_re [o spark plug. Make cerLein the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark plug.
, Check for proper drive clutch operation usin9 the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST.
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST
To pedorm the NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST answer the following questions.
• With the drive clutch control released, push mower iorward and pull it baekwerd. Does it move freely?
• Squeeze Ihe drive clutch control an_ pull the mower backward, Do the rear wheels lock (not turn)?
• Is the drive clutch control cable free of kinks or sharp bends?
If you answered "yes" to all three questions, your mower passed the test and you can start your mower. If
you answered "no" to any of the three questions, you need to go through the DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
ADJUSTMENT found in the ADJUSTMENTS section
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
• Move the throttle control lever, if equipped, air the way to the last position,
* Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine manual,
• BtandbehlndtheuniL squeezeandholdthebladecontrolhandleagainsttheupperhandle,
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly unk] engine reaches start of compression cycle (rope will
pull slightly harde¢ at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, cominuous, {ull arm stroke, Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly to
the rope guide.
• After engine starts, move throttle control to desired engine speed. (The mower Is designed to be
operated at full throttle)
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the TROUBLE SHOOTING 8ection of this manuel,
TO STOP ENGINE AND BLADE
• Release the blade control dandle to stop the engine and blade.
WARNING:
The blade continues to rotate for a few seconds after the engine is shut off.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
Be sure lhaL lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or olher obiects which could damage the lawn mower er
e_gine. Su6h objects could he eccide_ltly thrown by the mower in any direction and gauss serious personal
injury to the operator and others.
For the best resugs, do not out wet grass beoause it tends to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing
proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and fall New grass, thiok grass or wet g_ss
may require
a n_rrower cut,
For a healthier lawn, never cut og more than one-third of the total length of the graee. YoLir lawn should be cut
in the lall as long as there is growth.
This mower is designed to be operated at full Ihrotge [o give you the beet cut and do the most effective job of
mowing or mulching,
WARNING:
If you stbke a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove wire from spark pIug,
thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage, end repair the damage before restarting and
operating lhe mower. Extensive vibration of the mower during operation is an indication of damage.
The unit should be promptly inspected and repaired.
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