Operator's Manual

19
Folding the Handle
Folding or unfolding the handle improperly can
pinch, stretch, or damage one or more of the
cables. Any pinched, stretched, or damaged cable
may cause an operational failure that results in an
unsafe operating condition.
• Do not pinch, stretch, or damage the cables.
• Handle the cables with care when folding or
unfolding the handle.
• Do not use the lawn mower if one or more of the
cables are pinched, stretched, or damaged.
Contact your Authorized Service Dealer.
Warning
Important Do not remove or loosen the knobs that
secure the the lower handle to the swing bracket. Do not
fold the upper handle backward.
1. Loosen the knobs that secure the upper handle section.
2. Carefully swing the upper handle section forward until
it rests on the engine (Fig. 25).
m-4217
Figure 25
Storage
To prepare the lawn mower for off-season storage, perform
the recommended maintenance procedures. Refer to
Maintenance on page 13.
Store the lawn mower in a cool, clean, dry place. Cover the
lawn mower to keep it clean and protected.
Preparing the Fuel System
Gasoline can vaporize if you store it over long
periods of time and explode if it comes into contact
with an open flame.
• Do not store gasoline over long periods of time.
• Do not store the lawn mower with gasoline in
the fuel tank or the carburetor in an enclosure
with an open flame. (For example, a furnace or
a water heater pilot light.)
• Allow the engine to cool before storing it in any
enclosure.
Warning
Empty the fuel tank when mowing the last time before
storing the lawn mower.
1. Run the lawn mower until the engine stops from
running out of fuel.
2. Prime the engine and start it again.
3. Allow the engine to run until it stops. When you can no
longer start the engine, it is sufficiently dry.
Preparing the Engine
1. While the engine is still warm, change the oil in the
crankcase. Refer to Changing the Engine Oil on
page 15.
2. Remove the spark plug (Fig. 7).
3. Using an oil can, add about one tablespoon of oil
through the spark plug hole.
4. Slowly rotate the engine several times using the starter
rope to distribute the oil.
5. Install the spark plug but do not connect the wire to the
spark plug.