Operation
Starting the Engine
For Mowers Equipped with Electric Start
Refer to page 11 in the Set-Up and Assembly section of this
manual for gasoline and oil fill-up instructions.
1.
Release all controls on the mower.
2.
Move the gear shift lever into the neutral (N) position.
3.
Insert the key into the ignition switch.
4.
If starting a cold engine, place the throttle/choke control
all the way forward, into the CHOKE position. If restarting
a warm engine, place the throttle/choke control into the
FAST (rabbit) position.
5.
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After
the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the RUN
position.
CAUTION:
Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than five seconds at a time.
Doing so may cause damage to your engine's
electric starter.
6.
Move the throttle/choke control into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
NOTE: Never leave the throttle/choke control in the CHOKE
while operating the mower. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
For Mowers Equipped with Recoil Start
Refer to the Set-Up and Assembly section of this manual for
gasoline and oil fill-up instructions.
1.
Release all controls on the mower.
2.
Move the gear shift lever into the neutral (N) position.
3.
Move the throttle/choke control lever fully upward to the
CHOKE position to start a cold engine or to FAST (rabbit)
position to start a warm engine.
4.
Grasp starter rope handle and pull slowly until rope pulls
slightly harder. Let rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope with
a rapid, full arm stroke. Let rope return slowly. If engine fails
to start after three pulls, repeat instructions (try setting
throttle at fast setting).
5.
Move the throttle/choke control into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
NOTE: Never leave the throttle/choke control in the CHOKE
while operating the mower. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING!
If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine and remove the ignition key (if so equipped).
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and operating.
1.
If the blades are engaged, release the blade control.
2.
Move the throttle/choke control into the STOP position.
3.
Turn the ignition key counter-clockwise to the STOP
position.
4.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting for electric start models.
Engaging the Drive
WARNING!
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
1.
Start the engine as instructed earlier in this section and
move the throttle/choke control into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
2.
To travel FORWARD:
a.
Place the gear shift lever in any of the four Forward
ground speeds. Select a speed appropriate for the
conditions and a pace you're comfortable with.
b.
Slowly squeeze the drive control against the left
handle grip and the mower will move. Release it and
drive motion will stop.
To travel in REVERSE:
a.
Check that the area behind is clear.
b.
Place the gear shift lever in Reverse (R).
c.
Slowly squeeze the drive control against the left
handle grip and the mower will move. Release it and
drive motion will stop.
CAUTION:
Do NOT attempt to change the
direction of travel when the mower is in motion.
Always release the drive control and bring the
mower to a complete stop before repositioning the
gear shift lever from a Forward gear into Reverse.
Failure to do so may result in serious damage to your
transmission
WARNING!
Do not leave the operator's position
without first releasing the blade control. If leaving
the mower unattended, also turn the engine OFF
and remove the ignition key (if equipped).
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