Starting the Engine
WARNING: The blade will rotate
when the engine runs.
IMPORTANT: Before you start the engine, operate the engine
stop lever several times. Make sure the engine stop cable
moves freely.
Note: The engine design does not include a throttle control
or an engine speed adjustment. The engine is set at the best
speed for cutting grass, bagging grass, and for extended
engine life.
Note: Models equipped with Ready Start
feature a primer button. See the engine manufacturer's
instructions for further information.
1. Check the oil.
2. Fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline. Make
sure the gasoline is clean. Leaded gasoline will increase
deposits and shorten the life of the valves.
Note: Do not use gasohol or methanol. Do not use premium
unleaded gasoline.
WARNING: Always use a safety gasoline
container. Do not smoke when adding gasoline
to the fuel tank. When inside an enclosure, do
not add gasoline. Before you add gasoline,
stop the engine and let the engine cool for
several minutes.
3. Make sure the spark plug wire is connected to the spark
plug.
4. Make sure the drive lever is in the disengaged position.
WARNING: To prevent an accident, make sure
the drive lever is in the DISENGAGED position.
When the drive lever is in the ENGAGED
position, do not start the engine.
5. Stand behind the mower. Use one hand to hold the
engine stop lever in the operating position (A, Figure
14).
6. Start the mower:
Electric Start: Insert the key into the ignition
switch (B). Turn the key to crank the engine.
Manual Start: Pull the rope start handle (C) to
crank the engine.
7. After the engine starts, allow a brief warm-up until the
8. If the engine does not start in 5 or 6 tries, see the
TM
engines do not
Rules for Safe and Effective Operation
Refer to the 'Operator Safety' section of this manual for
important rules concerning safe and effective mower
operation.
engine runs smooth before beginning mower operation.
"Troubleshooting" Instructions.
B
Figure 14: Starting the engine
Operation
A
C
13