Operation
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
if the blade rotation control is engaged or if the
transmission is engaged. For your protection,
always make sure this system operates correctly.
NOTE: The engine will not start unless you depress
the brake pedal or engage the parking brake and
move the blade rotation control to the DISENGAGE
position.
1. Push the clutch/brake pedal (2) completely forward
(see Figure 7). Keep your foot on the pedal.
2. Make sure the blade rotation control (1) is in the
DISENGAGE position.
3. Move the throttle control lever (7) completely forward
to the CHOKE or FAST position. Some models have
a separate choke knob. Pull the choke knob to the full
CHOKE position.
4. Turn the ignition switch (3) 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.
5. Slowly move the throttle control lever to the SLOW
position.
6. Let a cold engine run for several minutes. Begin work
when the engine is warm. To start a hot engine, move
the throttle control lever to a position between FAST
and SLOW.
18
Mowing and Bagging
1. For a lawn to look better, check the cutting level of the
mower housing. See "Level the Mower Housing" in
the Maintenance section.
2. For the mower housing to cut level, make sure the
tires 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 discharge away from
shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two
rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left
turns until finished.
9. If the grass is very high, cut two times to decrease
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 speed control
pedal pushed 1/3 to 1/2 forward.
12. After each use, clean the bottom and top of the
mower housing for better performance. Also, a
clean mower housing will help prevent a fire.
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