Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separation
and for ma tion of acids during storage.
Acidic gas can damage the fuel sys-
tem of an engine while in storage. To
avoid engine problems, the fuel system
should be emptied before stor age of
30 days or longer. Empty the gas tank,
start the engine and let it run until the
fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use
fresh fuel next season. See Storage
In struc tions for additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
TO STOP ENGINE
•
To stop engine, release operator presence control bar.
TO START ENGINE
NOTE: Due to protective coatings on the engine, a small
amount of smoke may be present during the initial use of
the product and should be considered normal.
NOTE: Your engine is equipped with an automatic choke
system. No priming or choking is required before starting.
•
To start engine, hold operator presence control bar
down to the han dle and pull starter handle quickly.
Do not allow starter rope to snap back.
MOWING TIPS
CAUTION: Do not use de-thatcher blade
attachments on your mower.
attachments are hazardous, will dam-
age your mower and could void your
warranty.
•
Under certain conditions, such as very tall grass, it
may be necessary to raise the height of cut to reduce
pushing effort and to keep from overloading the engine
and leaving clumps of grass clippings. It may also be
necessary to reduce ground speed and/or run the
lawn mower over the area a second time.
•
For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
•
For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions,
the engine speed should be set in the fast position.
•
Pores in cloth grass catchers can become filled with
dirt and dust with use and catchers will collect less
grass. To prevent this, regularly hose catcher off with
water and let dry before using.
•
Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of
grass clippings and chaff. This will help engine air
flow and extend engine life.
OPERATION
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: FOR BEST PERFORMANCE, KEEP MOWER
HOUSING FREE OF BUILT-UP GRASS AND TRASH. SEE
"CLEANING" IN THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THIS
MANUAL.
•
The special mulching blade will recut the grass clip-
pings many times and reduce them in size so that
as they fall onto the lawn they will disperse into the
grass and not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass
will biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for the
lawn. Always mulch with your highest engine (blade)
speed as this will provide the best recutting action of
the blades.
•
Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet grass tends
to form clumps and interferes with the mulching action.
The best time to mow your lawn is the early afternoon.
At this time the grass has dried, yet the newly cut area
will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
•
For best results, adjust the lawn mower cutting height
so that the lawn mower cuts off only the top one-third
of the grass blades (See Fig. 10). If the lawn is over-
grown it will be necessary to raise the height of cut to
reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading
the engine and leaving clumps of mulched grass. For
extremely heavy mulching, reduce your width of cut
by overlapping previously cut path and mow slowly.
Such
•
Certain types of grass and grass conditions may require
that an area be mulched a second time to completely
hide the clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across (perpendicular) to the first cut path.
•
Change your cutting pattern from week to week. Mow
north to south one week then change to east to west
the next week. This will help prevent matting and
graining of the lawn.
9
MAX 1/3
FIG. 10