With the engine off, check the oil level. Accord-
ing to the instructions in the engine manual, this
must be between the MIN and MAX marks on
the dipstick. Fig. 5.3)
Refuel using a funnel, but do not completely fill
the tank. (Fig. 5.4)
DANGER!
Refuelling should be carried
out in an open or well-ventilated area with
engine stopped. Always remember that pet-
rol fumes are inflammable. DO NOT TAKE A
NAKED FLAME TO THE TANK'S OPENING
IN ORDER TO SEE THE TANK'S CONTENTS
AND DO NOT SMOKE WHEN REFUELLING.
IMPORTANT Do not drip petrol onto the plas-
tic parts to avoid ruining them. In the event of ac-
cidental leaks, rinse immediately with water. The
warranty does not cover for damage to plastic
parts of the bodywork or the engine caused by
petrol.
5.3.4 Fitting the discharge guards (grass
catcher or rear discharge guard)
WARNING!
Never use the machine with-
out having fitted the discharge guards!
Fasten the grass catcher (1) onto the supports
(2) and centre it up with the rear plate, so that
the two reference marks (3) coincide.
Centring is ensured by using the right bracket as
lateral support.
Make sure that the lower pipe of the grass
catcher opening is attached to the pawl (4). Fig.
5.5)
If you decide to work without the grass catcher,
a rear discharge guard kit is available upon re-
quest (see 8.1). This has to be attached to the
rear plate as indicated in the instructions. (Fig.
5.6)
5.3.5 Checking machine safety
and
efficiency
1. C heck that the safety devices function as de-
scribed (see 5.2).
2. C heck that the brake is in perfect working
order.
3. D o not start mowing if the cutting means
vibrate or if you are unsure whether they are
sharp enough. Always remember that:
– A badly sharpened cutting means pulls at
the grass and causes the lawn to turn yel-
low.
– A loose cutting means causes abnormal
vibrations and can be dangerous.
WARNING!
you are unsure whether it is working safely
or efficiently. If in doubt, contact your Dealer
immediately to make the necessary checks
or repairs.
5.4 USING THE MACHINE
5.4.1 Ignition
To start the engine (Fig. 5.7):
– o pen the fuel stopcock (1) ( if fitted);
– p ut the drive into neutral («N») (see 4.22 or
4.32);
– d isengage the cutting means (see 4.7);
– a pply the parking brake on sloping ground;
– f or a cold start, use the choke (see 4.2 or
4.2a);
– i f the engine is already warm, just put the lever
between «SLOW» and «FAST»;
– i nsert the ignition key and turn to «ON» to
make electrical contact, then turn to «START»
to start the engine;
– r elease the ignition key once the engine has
started.
When the engine has started, put the accelera-
tor in the «SLOW» position.
IMPORTANT The choke must be closed as
soon as the engine is running smoothly. Using
it when the engine is already warm can foul the
spark plugs and cause the engine to run errati-
cally.
NOTE If there are engine starting problems,
do not insist as you can risk running the battery
flat and flooding the engine. Turn the key to the
«OFF» position, wait for a few seconds and then
repeat the operation. If the malfunction persists,
refer to the engine manual and chapter «7» in
this manual.
IMPORTANT Always bear in mind that the
safety devices prevent the engine from starting
if safety requirements have not been met (see
5.2). In these cases, once the situation has been
corrected, the key must first be turned back to
«OFF» before the engine can be restarted.
5.4.2 Forward gear and riding without
mowing
When moving the machine:
– d isengage the cutting means;
– b ring the cutting-means assembly to the high-
est position (position «7»);
– p ut the accelerator control between the
«SLOW» and «FAST» positions.
10
Do not use the machine if