7
OPERATION
SAFE OPERATING PRECAUTIONS
Before operating the mower for the first time, please review LAWN
MOWER SAFETY (page 2). Even if you have operated other mowers,
take time to become familiar with how this mower works and practice
in a safe area until you build up your skills. For your safety, avoid
starting or operating the engine in an enclosed area, such as a
garage. Your mower’s exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide
gas, which can collect rapidly in an enclosed area and cause illness or
death.
FREQUENCY OF USE
If your equipment will be used on an infrequent or intermittent basis,
(more than 4 weeks before next use), please refer to the Fuel section
of the STORAGE chapter (page 16) for additional information
regarding fuel deterioration.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Before starting, always release the drive clutch lever, so the mower
will not move forward when you operate the starter.
1. Turn the fuel valve to the ON
position.
2. Move the throttle lever to the
proper starting position.
COLD ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the
CHOKE position.
WARM ENGINE:
Move the throttle lever to the
FAST position.
3. Model HXA:
Pull the starter grip
lightly until you feel
resistance, then pull
briskly. Return the
starter grip gently.
Model HMA:
(Electric start)
4. Turn the key switch to the
START position and hold it there
until the engine starts.
NOTICE
Do not use the starter for more
than 5 seconds or starter motor
damage may occur. If the engine
fails to start, release the switch
and wait 10 seconds before
operating the starter again.
5. When the engine starts, release the key switch and allow it to
return to the ON position.
Model HMA:
(Manual start)
6. Turn the engine switch ON.
The engine switch must be
in the ON position to start
the engine with the recoil
starter.
7. Pull the starter grip lightly
until you feel resistance,
then pull briskly. Return the
starter grip gently.
8. If the CHOKE position was
used during starting, move
the throttle lever away from
the CHOKE position as
soon as the engine warms
up enough to run smoothly
without using the choke. Set
the throttle lever at FAST to
mow or at SLOW to idle.
ON
FUEL
VALVE
CHOKE
FAST
START
ON
THROTTLE LEVER
FAST
CHOKE