Manual

Section4: Operation
12
b. While pulling the leveraway from
the mower, move the lever towards the
backof the mower (B, Figure 4-6) for a
higher cut or towards the front of the
mower (C) for a lower cut.
c. Seatthe lever's tab squarely into
the slot.
IMPORTANT: The mower is equipped
with a safety flap located on the rear of
the mower deck. After setting the cutting
height, be certain that the flap hangs
freely and is not caught under the deck.
6. Prepare Engine-
• Checkoil level - If this is a newmower,
add motor oil as described in the Engine
Owner's Manual; otherwise, check oil
level and add as recommended in the
EngineOwner's Manual.
GASOLINEIS HIGHLYFLAMMABLEAND
ITSVAPORSAREEXPLOSIVE.
Followthe gasoline safety rules in this
Manual (Section 1) and in the separate
EngineOwner'sManual.
Failuretofollow gasolinesafetyinstruc-
tions can result in serious personal
injuryand propertydamage.
• Add fuel - Fill the fuel tank with gasoline
according to the directions in the
separateEngineOwner's Manual.
Follow all instructions and Safety rules
carefully.
• Checkair filter - The engine is equipped
with an air filtration system. When
clogged, it causes starting difficulties
and operatesinefficiently. Seethe
EngineOwner's Manualfor information
on how to maintain the air filter system.
OPERATINGTHEMOWER
The following procedures explain how to
start, stop and operatethe mower.
Do not operate the engine in an
enclosedarea. Engineexhaustcontains
carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is
odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Always run the engine outdoors and
make surethere isadequateventilation.
Starting the Engine
1. Openthe fuel shut-off valve, if so
equipped.
2. Prime the engine by pushingthe
primer bulb firmly 3 times.
NOTE: Priming may not be necessary
when restarting a warm engine.
However,cool weather may require
priming again. Seethe EngineOwner's
Manual for priming information.
To avoid injury or property damage,
thoroughlyinspectarea where mower is
to be used and remove all stones,
sticks, wires, bones, nails and other
foreignobjects.
3. Stand behind the mower handlebar
and pull the OperatorPresenceControl
Bail(A, Figure3-1) backagainst the
handlebarand hold.
4. Checkbehind you for obstacles,then
slowly pull the recoil rope (E, Figure3-1)
until resistance is felt. Pull the rope out
rapidly to start engine. Let the rope
return slowly. If the enginefails to start
after three pulls, repeatsteps 2-4.
Stopping the
Engine and Mower Blade
To avoid personal injury, keep hands
and feet clear of mower blade or other
rotatingparts.
1. Releasethe Operator PresenceControl
Bail(A, Figure3-1) to stop the engineand
blade.
EmergencyStopping
Releaseall controls. This stops the
engine, wheel movement and the blade.
IMPORTANT:The mower is equipped
with a BladeControl System which is
designed to stop the mower bladewithin
three (3) seconds after releasingthe
Operator PresenceControl Bail. This
system also stops the engine.
If the Blade Control System does not
operate properly, the blade could
continueto rotate for longer than three
(3) secondsafter releasingthe Operator
Presence Control Bail. If this occurs,
discontinueusingthe mowerand imme-
diately contact your local authorized
dealer or the factory for instructions.
Do not operate the mower until the
BladeControlSystemisrepaired.
Failure to do this could result in
personalinjuryor propertydamage.
Mowing
1. Start the engine. SeeStarting the
Enginein this Section.
2. Usethe Wheel SpeedControl to select
a wheel speed. The mower has three
wheel speeds. Selecta slower speed
when first starting out (or when learning
how to use the mower), then move into
faster speedsif needed.
• Low Speed(1) - is engagedwhen the
lever is pulled all the way back. Low
speed provides the most efficient cut.
• Medium Speed(2)- is engagedwhen
the lever is movedto the middle detent
position (the control lever will click into
place). This speedis a good compro-
mise for speed and cutting perfor-
mance.
• High Speed(3) - is engagedwhen the
lever is pushed all the way forward.
High speed enablesyou to coverthe
cutting areamore quickly, but may
result in a less efficient cut. This speed
is most effective on short, thin grass.
3. Pull the WheelDrive Bail (B, Figure
4-7) up against the handlebarto power
the rearwheels and move forward.
NOTE: Releasethe Wheel Drive Bailand
continue to hold the Operator Presence
Control Bail (A, Figure4-7) to pause
during mowing with the enginerunning,
or to maneuverin tight conditions.
TurningtheMower
1. For short turns, releasetheWheel
Drive Bail (B, Figure 4-7) but continue to
hold the Operator PresenceControl Bail
(A). This disengagesthe wheel drive, but
the engine continues to run.