Full Product Manual

Controls & Operation
3
9
Blade Control
Recoil Starter
Mulch Plug †
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Grass Catcher †
Side Discharge
Chute †
Deck Wash †
Rear Discharge Door
† If Equipped
Figure 3-1
Blade Control
The blade control is attached to the upper
handle of the mower. Depress and squeeze it
against the upper handle to operate the unit.
Release it to stop engine and blade.
WARNING: The blade control is
a safety device. Never attempt to
bypass its operations.
Cutting Height Adjustment Lever
One adjustment lever is located on the right
rear wheel and one is located on the right front
wheel. Both levers must be at the same relative
position to ensure a uniform cut. To adjust
the cutting height, refer to Cutting Height
Adjustment on page 7.
NOTE: On select models, the front cutting
height adjustment lever is located above the
front left wheel.
Grass Catcher (If Equipped)
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the
mower, is used to bag the grass clippings for
disposal. Once the bag is full, remove it up
through the handles using the grass catcher
handle and empty it.
Mulch Plug (If Equipped)
The mulch plug is used for mulching purposes.
Instead of collecting the grass clippings in
a grass catcher or using the side discharge
chute, some mower models have the option
of recirculating the clippings back to the lawn.
This is called mulching.
Side Discharge Chute
(If Equipped)
Your mower may be shipped as a mulcher.
To discharge the grass clippings to the side,
follow the instructions in the Side Discharge
Chute section on page 7 to attach the side
discharge chute.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet
away from the chute area on
cutting deck. Refer to warning
label on the unit.
Deck Wash (If Equipped)
Your mower’s deck may be equipped with a
fast attach deck wash nozzle on its surface
as part of its deck wash system. Use the deck
wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck’s
underside.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter is attached to the right upper
handle. Stand behind the unit and pull the
recoil starter rope to start the unit.
Starting & Stopping Engine
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for
instructions on starting and stopping the
engine.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn
mower or engine. Such objects could be
accidently thrown by the mower in any
direction and cause serious injury to the
operator, others, or the equipment.
WARNING: The operation of any
lawn mower can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes, which can
damage your eyes severely. Always wear safety
glasses while operating the mower, or while
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Using as Mulcher (If Equipped)
For mulching grass, remove the side discharge
chute (if equipped) or the grass catcher (if
equipped) and allow the rear discharge door (if
equipped) to close the rear opening of mower.
For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass. If
the grass has been allowed to grow in excess
of four inches, mulching is not recommended.
Use the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.
Using Grass Catcher (If Equipped)
Use the grass catcher to collect clippings while
you are operating the mower.
1. Attach grass catcher following
instructions in the Grass Catcher section
on page 7. Grass clippings will
automatically collect in bag as you run
mower. Operate mower until grass bag
is full.
2. Stop engine completely by releasing the
blade control. Make sure that the unit
has come to a complete stop.
3. Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up
and away from the mower to remove the
bag. Dispose of the grass clippings and
reinstall the bag when complete.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove
wire from the spark plug,
thoroughly inspect mower for
any damage, and repair damage
before restarting and operating.
Extensive vibration of mower
during operation is an indication
of damage. The unit should be
promptly inspected and
repaired.