Before Starting The Engine; Maintenance; General Recommendations - Briggs & Stratton 385002x78B Manuel De L'utilisateur

3. To start again, make sure the shift lever is in
the slowest speed. Move the throttle control
to the SLOW position. Slowly release the
pedal.
4. If you must stop or start on a hill, always
have enough space for the unit to roll when
you release the brake and engage the clutch.
5. Be very careful when you change directions
on a hill. When on a slope or in a turn on a
hill, move the throttle control to the SLOW
position to help prevent an accident.

Before Starting The Engine

Check the oil
NOTE: The engine was shipped from the fac-
tory filled with oil. Check the level of the oil.
Add oil as needed. See the engine manufac-
turer's instructions for the type of petrol and
oil to use.
1. Make sure the unit is level.
NOTE: Do not check the level of the oil
while the engine runs.
2. Check the oil. Follow the procedure in the
engine manufacturer's instructions.
3. If necessary, add oil until the oil reaches the
FULL mark on the dipstick. The quantity of oil
needed from ADD to FULL is shown on the
dipstick. Do not add too much oil.
Add Petrol
WARNING: Always use a safety
petrol container. Do not smoke
when adding petrol to the fuel tank.
Do not add petrol when you are inside an
enclosure. Before you add petrol, stop the
engine and let the engine cool for several
minutes.
(Figure 6) Fill the fuel tank (1) to the FULL (2)
position with regular unleaded petrol. Do not use
premium unleaded petrol. Make sure the petrol
is fresh and clean. Leaded petrol will increase
deposits and shorten the life of the valves.
How To Start The Engine
WARNING: The electrical system
has an operator presence system
that includes a sensor switch for
the seat. These components tell the
electrical system if the operator is sitting
on the seat. This system will stop the
engine when the operator leaves the seat.
For your protection, always make sure this
system operates correctly.
NOTE: The engine will not start unless you
depress the clutch/brake pedal and move the
blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE
position.
1. Push the clutch/brake pedal completely for-
ward. Keep your foot on the pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the neutral (N) posi-
tion.
3. Make sure the blade rotation control is in the
DISENGAGE position.
4. Move the throttle control completely forward
to the CHOKE or FAST position. Some mo-
dels have a separate choke knob. Pull the
choke knob to the full CHOKE position.
7102000
5. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
NOTE: If the engine does not start after
four or five tries, move the throttle control
to the FAST position. Again try to start the
engine. If the engine will not start, see the
TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART.
6. Slowly move the throttle control to the SLOW
position.
7. To start a hot engine, move the throttle con-
trol to a position between FAST and SLOW.
Mowing And Bagging Tips
1. For a lawn to look better, check the cutting
level of the mower housing. See "How To
Level The Mower Housing" in the Mainten-
ance section.
2. For the mower housing to cut level, make
sure the tyres have the correct amount of air
pressure.
3. Every time you use the unit, check the blade.
If the blade is bent or damaged, immediately
replace the blade. Also, make sure the nut
for the blade is tight.
4. Keep the blade(s) sharpened. Worn blades
will cause the ends of the grass to turn
brown.
5. Do not cut or bag grass that is wet. Wet
grass will not discharge correctly. Let the
grass dry before cutting.
6. Use the left side of the mower housing to trim
near an object.
7. Discharge the cut grass onto the mowed
area. The result is a more even discharge of
cut grass.
8. When you mow large areas, start by turning
to the right so that the cut grass will dis-
charge away from shrubs, fences, driveways,
etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the op-
posite direction making left turns until fin-
ished.
9. If the grass is very high, cut two times to de-
crease the load on the engine. First cut with
the mower housing in the highest position
and then lower the mower housing for the
second cut.
10. For better engine performance and an even
discharge of the cut grass, always operate
the engine with the throttle in FAST position.
11. When you use a bagger, operate the engine
with the throttle in FAST position and the shift
lever in first or second gear.
12. For better cutting performance and a quality
cut, mow with the shift lever in one of the
slower speeds.
13. After each use, clean the bottom and top of
the mower housing for better performance.
Also, a clean mower housing will help pre-
vent a fire.

MAINTENANCE

NOTE: Illustrations and pictorials begin on
page 2.
12

General Recommendations

1. The owner's responsibility is to maintain this
product. This will extend the life of the prod-
uct and is also necessary to maintain war-
ranty coverage.
2. Check the spark plug, drive brake, lubricate
the unit, and clean the air filter once a year.
3. Check the fasteners. Make sure all fasteners
are tight.
4. Follow the Maintenance section to keep the
unit in good operating condition.
WARNING: Before you make an in-
spection, adjustment, or repair to
the unit, disconnect the wire to the
spark plug. Remove the wire from the
spark plug to prevent the engine from
starting by accident.
NOTE: Torque is measured in foot pounds
(metric Nm). This measurement describes
how tight a nut or bolt must be. The torque is
measured with a torque wrench.
Inspect Blade (Figure 7)
WARNING: Before you inspect or
remove the blade, disconnect the
wire to the spark plug. If the blade
hits an object, stop the engine. Check the
unit for damage. The blade has sharp
edges. When you hold the blade, use
gloves or cloth material to protect your
hands.
If you keep the blade (1) sharp and inspect the
blade for damage, the blade will cut better and
be more safe to operate. Frequently check the
blade for excessive wear, cracks, or other dam-
age. Frequently check the nut (3) that holds the
blade (1). Keep the nut (3) tight. If the blade hits
an object, stop the engine. Disconnect the wire
to the spark plug. See if the blade is bent or
damaged. Check the blade adapter (5) for dam-
age. Before you operate the unit, replace dam-
aged parts with original equipment parts. See
the authorized service centre in your area. Every
three years, have an authorized service person
inspect the blade or replace the old blade with
an original equipment part.
How To Remove And Install The Blade
(Figure 7)
1. Remove the mower housing. See the instruc-
tions on "How To Remove The Mower Hous-
ing".
2. Use a piece of wood to keep the blade from
rotating.
3. Remove the nut (3) that holds the blade (1).
4. Check the blade (1) and the blade adapter
(5) according to the instructions for "Inspect
Blade". Replace a badly worn or damaged
blade with an original equipment blade. See
an authorized service centre in your area.
5. Clean the top and bottom of the mower hous-
ing. Remove all the grass and debris.
6. Mount the blade (1) and blade adapter (5)
on the mandrel (6).
7. Mount the blade (1) so that the hi- -lift edges
(7) are up. If the blade is upside down, the
blade will not cut correctly and can cause an
accident.
8. Fasten the blade (1) with the original
washers and nut (3). Make sure the outside
rim of the Belleville washer (2) is against
the blade (1).
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