Manual

Section4: Operation
3. TestBlade-Brake-Clutch
Control System
Themower is equippedwith a blade-
brake-clutchwhich is designedto stop
the mowerbladeswithin three(3)
secondsafter releaseof the Operator
PresenceControlor the BladeDrive
Control. Nevertamperwith, or attempt
to defeatthe purposeof this safety
device.
Thecontrol system is a mechanical
devicewhich is subject to wear.
Therefore,test the operationof the
blade-brake-clutchcontrol system before
each useof the mower. Referto "Blade
BrakeControlTest"at the end of this
Section.
4. Select Mulching or Side-
Discharge Mowing
Beforeinstallingor removingmulching
cover, stop engine, wait for parts to
stopmoving,anddisconnectsparkplug
wire. Remove ignitionkey on electric
startmodels.
Youcanusethe mowereither as a
mulchingmoweror as aside-discharge
mower. To usethe mulchingfeature,in-
sert the mulchercover asdescribed
below. Removethe mulchercoverto
side-dischargegrassclippings. The
mulchercover is designedto keepthe
dischargechute raisedup while mowing.
Whenthe cover is removed,the dis-
chargechutewill lower itself for side-
dischargemowing.
To install or removemulchercover:
1. Stoptheengineand waitfor all parts
to stop moving. Disconnectthespark
plug wire from the spark plug. Remove
the ignition keyon electric start models.
2. Toinstallthe cover, insertthe right-
side tab of the coverinto the front sup-
port bracket(A, Figure4-1). Insertthe
cover into the dischargeopening, mak-
ing sure that the slot (B) in the left side
of the cover is completelyengagedin the
rearedgeof thedeckopening.
B
Figure4-1:Mulchercover
STARTINGANDSTOPPING
THEENGINE
Do not operate the engine in an
enclosed area. Engine exhaust
containscarbon monoxide, a deadly
gas that is odorless, colorless and
tasteless. Alwaysrunengineoutdoors
and make sure there is adequate
ventilation.
3. Toremovethecover, slide the cover
to the right (front of mower)to disen-
gagethe slot (B) from the mowerdeck
andthenprythe left-side of the cover
out andoff.
MOVINGTHEMOWERWITHOUT
ENGINEPOWER
The mowercan bemanuallypushed
or pulledbyputting the GearSelect
Lever(C,Figure4-2) in N (neutral)and
pressingandholdingthe Operator
PresenceControl(A, Figure4-2) down
againstthe handlebargrip.
To stopthewheelsat anytime.
releasethe OperatorPresenceControl.
ToStart the Engine
1. Movemowerto a levelarea.
2. Releaseall controls on mowerto pre-
ventwheelsor mower bladesfrom rotat-
ing when enginestarts.
3. MoveEngineThrottle Control(E,
Figure4-2) fully upwardto chokesetting
to start a cold engineor to fast (rabbit)
settingto start a warmengine.
Toavoidinjury:
• Keephandsand feet clear of mower
blades or other rotating parts.
• Lookbehindyouto be surethereare
no obstacles before pulling recoil
starterrope.
F-Ig
B- Blade Drive
Control
C - Gear Select Lever
E - Engine Throttle
Control
A-Operator
Presence Control
I
Figure4-2: MowerControls
D- Wheel Drive Control
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