DRmVE CONTROL
o Self-propelling is controlledby holdklg
the operatorpresencecontrolbar down
to the handleand pushingthe drive
controllever' f orwarduntilit clicks;then
releasethe lever.
o Forwardmotionwill stop when the
operatorpresencecontrolbar is
released. To stopforward motion
withoutstoppingengine,
release the
operator presence control bar §lightly
until the drive control disengages.
Hold
operator presence control bar down to
handle to continue mowing without self-
propelling.
, To keep drive control engaged when
turning corners, push down on handle
and lift front wheels off ground while
turning lawn mower,
Operator presence control
bar
,_
Drive
To engage drive
DrNe control
control
desengaged
BEFORE STARTING ENGINE
OIL
Your lawn mower isshipped withoutoil in the
engine°
° Be sure mower is level and area around oil
fill is dean.
• Remove engine oil cap w/dipstick and fill to
the full line on the dipstick.
Use 20 ozsoof oil. For type and grade of oit
to use, see"ENGINE" in Maintenance
section of this manual.
° Pour oil slowly. Do not over fill.
° Check oil level before each use_ Add oit if
needed. Fill to full line on dipstick.
o To read proper level, tighten engine oil cap
each time,
o Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of
operation or each season. You may need
to change the oi! more often under dusty,
dirty conditions.
ADD GASOLINE
° Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular
unleadedgasolinewith a rninimumof 87
octane. Do not mix oilwith gasoline.
Purchasefuel in quantities that can be used
within30 days to assurefuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: When operating in
temperaturesbelow 32°F(0°C), use fresh,
cleanwintergrade gasoline to help insure
good coldweather starting.
WARNING: Experienceindicatesthat alcohol
blended fuels (calledgasoholor using ethanol
or methanol)can attractmoisture whichleads
to separation and formationof acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an enginewhile in storage. To avoid
engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or longer.
Drain 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 carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
CAU'RON:
Fill to bottom of gas tank filler
neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any spilled
oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use
gasoline near an open flame.
Engine oil cap wi
Gasoline fillet' cap
TO START ENGINE
o To start a cold engine, push primer five (5)
_rnes before trying to start. Use a firm push.
This step is not usually necessary when
starting an engine which has already runfor
a few minutes.
• Hold operator presence control bar down to
the handle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
o To stop engine, release operator presence
control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps. In