NOTE: The blade control handle must
be depressed in order to operate the
unit. Release the blade control handle
to stop the engine and blade.
TO STOP ENGINE
•Release the blade control handle to stop the
engine and blade.
•Disconnect the spark plug wire as instructed
in the separate engine manual to prevent ac-
cidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
WARNING: The blade continues to
rotate for a few seconds after the
engine is shut off.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign ob-
ject, stop the engine. Remove wire
from spark plug, thoroughly inspect
the mower for any damage, and repair
the damage before restarting and op-
erating the mower. Extensive vibration
of the mower during operation is an
indication of damage. The unit should
be promptly inspected and repaired.
USING YOUR MULCHER (Optional)
Mulching mowers use a specially designed
blade to chop the grass clippings extra fine
and then blow them back down into the
lawn. The small clippings decompose
quickly becoming a natural fertilizer that re-
turns much of the needed nutrients to the
soil. Continuous mulching means continuous
free natural fertilization, no messy clippings
to worry about ever again and the end result
for you is a much greener healthier lawn.
WARNING: Your mower is designed
to cut normal residential grass of a
height no more than 10". Do not at-
tempt to mow through unusually
tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or
piles of dry leaves. Debris may
build up on the mower deck or con-
tact the engine exhaust presenting
a potential fire hazard.
FOR THE BEST RESULTS WHEN
MULCHING:
•Clear lawn of debris. Be sure that the lawn
is clear of stones, sticks, wire or other for-
eign objects which could damage the
lawnmower. Such objects could be acciden-
tally thrown out by the mower in any
direction and cause serious personal injury
to the operator and others as well as dam-
age to property and surrounding objects.
•Do not cut wet grass. For effective mulch-
ing do not cut wet grass because it tends to
stick to the underside of the deck preventing
proper mulching of the grass clippings.
•Cut no more than 1/3 the length of the
grass. The recommended cut for mulching
is 1/3 the length of the grass. Ground speed
will need to be adjusted so the clippings can
be dispersed evenly into the lawn. For espe-
cially heavy cutting in thick grass it may be
necessary to use one of the slowest speeds
in order to get a clean well mulched cut.
When mulching long grass you may have to
cut the lawn in two passes, lowering the
blade another 1/3 of the length for the sec-
ond cut and perhaps cutting in a different
pattern than was used the first time. Over-
lapping the cut a little on each pass will also
help to clean up any stray clippings left on
the lawn. The mower should always be oper-
ated at full throttle to get the best cut and
allow it to do the most effective job of mulch-
ing.
•Clean underside of deck. Be certain to
clean the underside of the cutting deck after
each use to avoid a build-up of grass, which
would prevent proper mulching.
•Mulching Leaves. The mulching of leaves
can also be beneficial to your lawn. When
mulching leaves make sure they are dry and
are not laying too thick on the lawn. Do not
wait for all the leaves to be off the trees be-
fore you mulch.
•It is recommended keeping driveways and
sidewalks on the operators right while mov-
ing. Continue mowing using this pattern,
having the left side of your lawnmower next
to the uncut grass. Mulching with the cutting
area of the mower on the lawn avoids grass
clippings in undesirable areas.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be
cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of
grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If
this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite
rust and corrosion, and may prevent proper
mulching.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower
and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make
certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
NOTE: We do not recommend the use
of pressure washers or garden hose to
clean your unit. These may cause dam-
age to electric components, spindles,
pulleys, bearings, or the engine. The
use of water will result in shortened life
and reduce serviceability.
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