Troy-Bilt 979 Operator's Manual page 9

ShiftLever
Theshiftleveris located onthedriveclutch control
housing ontheupper h andle. T hisleveris usedto
select t heforward speed ofthemower. W henchanging
speed selection, release thedriveclutchcontrol. S ee
Figure 6.
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.
GrassBag
The grass bag is equipped with a bag-fill indicator to
add convenience to your work. While the mower is
running, air wilt flow through the bag and into the "sail."
If the grass catcher is empty, air flows through easily
pushing the sail up. If the grass catcher is full, air does
not flow through it allowing the sail to fall. So the
position of the sail acts as a bag-fill indicator signifying
when to empty the grass bag. See Figure 6.
Engine Controls
See the separate engine manual for the location and
function of the controls on the engine.
Safety Key
The safety key is located on the engine. See Figure 6.
The safety key is a safety device used to activate and
deactivate the self starter system. The self starter
system will not work without the key in it's proper
position. See your engine manual for more information
on the safety key.
NOTE: The safety key must be in the run position to
start the mower for both systems, either the self starter
or recoil starter.
Start Control Button
The start control button is located on the upper left side
of the upper handle. See Figure 6. The start control
button must be depressed fully while pulling the blade
control handle toward upper handle for the engine to
start. The starter control button will automatically return
to the off/up position once the blade control handle is
released.
The starter control button must be depressed to start
the engine either with the self starter or recoil starter
system.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from
chute area on the cutting deck. 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 shipping purposes your mower is set with
the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best
results raise the cutting position until it is determine
which height is best for your lawn. See the adjustment
section for details.
Gasand Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your mower.
Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors with
engine running or until the engine has been
allowed to cool for at least two minutes after
running.
BeforeStarting Your Mower
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
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 using the
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST.
MOWER
Neutral AdjustmentTest
To perform the neutral adjustment test answer the
following questions.
With the drive clutch control released, push mower
forward and pull it backward. Does it move freely?
Squeeze the drive clutch control and pull the
mower backward. Do the rear wheels lock?
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 will have to adjust the drive clutch control as
instructed in the ADJUSTMENT SECTION.
First Time Starting Engine
NOTE: Use recoil starter rope to start engine for the
very first time. The mower is shipped with the safety key
in the locked position and the self starter in the de-
energized mode, follow instructions as follows:
1. Place lawn mower on a level surface outdoors.
2. Remove plastic wrap under fuel cap.
3. Check oil level.
4. Add fuel.
5. Open shutoffvatve (if equipped) 1/4 turn.
6. Push spark plug wire firmly on spark plug.
7. Turn self starter safety key 1/4 turn clockwise to
RUN position.