Use and Care Manual

Operation
5
7
Pre-Operation Check
The engine is shipped without gasoline and
with oil in the engine. See the Set-Up Section of
this manual for instructions on adding gasoline
and checking oil.
Starting the Engine
For Mowers Equipped with Electric Start
1. Release all controls on the mower.
2. Move the gear shift lever into the neutral
(N) position.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
4. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the
START position. After the engine starts,
release the key. It will return to the RUN
position. See Figure 5-1.
CAUTION:
DO NOT hold the key in the START position for
longer than five seconds at a time. Doing so may
cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
Stop
Position
Start
Position
Run
Position
Figure 5-1
5. Move the throttle control into the FAST
(rabbit) position.
Fast
Slow
Figure 5-2
For Mowers Equipped with Recoil Start
1. Release all controls on the mower.
2. Move the gear shift lever into the neutral
(N) position.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
4. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the
RUN position. See Figure 5-1.
5. Grasp starter rope handle and pull slowly
until rope pulls slightly harder. Let rope
rewind slowly. Then pull rope with a
rapid, full arm stroke. Let rope return
slowly. If engine fails to start after three
pulls, repeat instructions (try setting
throttle at fast setting).
6. Move the throttle control into the FAST
(rabbit) position. See Figure 5-2.
Starter Rope
Handle
Figure 5-3
Stopping the Engine
WARNING!
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine
and remove the ignition key (if so equipped).
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage.
Repair the damage before restarting and
operating.
1. If the blades are engaged, disengage the
PTO.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to
the STOP position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch
to prevent unintended starting.