Manual

Before operating your machine,
carefully read and understand all
safety, controls and operating instruc-
tions in this Manual, the separate
Engine Owner's Manual, and on the
decals onthe machine.
Failure to follow these instructionscan
resultin seriouspersonalinjury.
INTRODUCTION
This Sectioncovers unboxing and assem-
bling your new mower. Pleasecarefully
read all the instructions before you
attempt to assemble the mower. After
you finish assembling the mower, read
Section 1: Safety,Section3: Featuresand
Controls,and Section4: Operation,before
using the mower.
INSPECTION
Inspectthe mower immediately after
delivery. Makesure that neitherthe
carton nor the contents have been
damaged.
If you find or suspect any damage,
contact the carrier (trucking company)
right away. Inform them ofthe specific
damage andthat you wish to file a claim.
To protect your rights, be sure to put this
in writing to the carrier within 15 days
after your machinearrives. The carrier
will let you know howto proceed with
your claim.
LOOSE PARTS
The following items areshipped loose
within the container.
NOTE: The mower is
shipped with the
Mulching Plug
(B, Figure 2-2)
installed in the
discharge outlet
(Figure 2-1).
,, The Grass
Catcherattachmer
(A, Figure 2-2).
A B
Figure2-2: Attachments
ASSEMBLING NEW UNITS
Themower blade is sharpand cancause
serious personal injury. When working
near the mower blade, wear heavy
leather gloves to protectyourself from
thesharpedges.
IMPORTANT:The mower isshipped
without motor oil inthe enginecrankcase.
Add motor oil to the engine before
starting. Follow instructionsin this
Section.
Step 1: Unpack Mower
1. The mower comesfullyassembled
with the handlebarsfolded compactly for
shipment. Removethe mower from the
shipping container.
2. The control bails (P, Figure 2-6) are
securedto the handlebar(Q) with a cable
tie. Cutthe cable tie off and removethe
protective packingmaterial.
3. Followsteps 2 through 8to complete
mower assembly.
Step 2: Unfold Handlebar Assembly
1. Loosenthe two lower handlebar
adjustment knobs (1, Figure 2-5).
2. Carefully unfold lower section ofthe
handlebarassembly (2, Figure2-5).
Watch the cableswhile unfolding and
makesure that they do not pinch, kink,or
over-stretch while unfolding.
3. Tighten thetwo lower handlebar
adjustment knobsjust enoughto allow
the two handlebarstruts (H, Figure2-3)
to move in and out slightly.
4. Insert the tab (F, Figure2-3) on each
handlebarstrut into the slot (G) one each
side of the deck. Becertain to route the
cables inside the left sidestrut as shown
in Figure 2-4.
5. Tighten both lower handlebaradjust-
ment knobs securely.
6. Loosen the two upper handlebar
adjustment knobs (3, Figure2-5).
7. Unfold the upper handlebarassembly
(4, Figure 2-5) and align with the lower
handlebarassembly. Besure not to
pinch, kink, or over-stretch the cables
while unfolding.
8. Tighten both upper handlebaradjust-
ment knobs securely.
9. Checkthe starter rope. Makesure
that it does not catch under the top
handlebaradjustment knob (I, Figure
2-6). The starter rope should stretch
unobstructed to the engine.
Figure2-3: Assemblinghandlebar,(Right-
sidehandlebarstrutshown.)
Figure2-4: Cablescorrectlyroutedinside
handlebarstrut,