Operation
20
Test Blade-Brake-Clutch
Control System
The mower is equipped with a
blade-brake-clutch which is de-
signed to stop the mower blades
within three (3) seconds after re-
lease of the Operator Presence
Control or the Blade Drive
Control. Never tamper with, or at-
tempt to defeat the purpose of this
safety device.
The control system is a mechani-
cal device which is subject to wear.
Therefore, test the operation of the
blade-brake-clutch control system
before each use of the mower.
Refer to "Blade Brake Control
Test" at the end of this Section.
Figure 4-3: Mower Controls
MOVING THE MOWER WITHOUT ENGINE POWER
STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE
The mower can be manually
pushed or pulled by putting the
Gear Select Lever (C, Figure 4-3)
in N (neutral) and pressing and
holding the Operator Presence
Control (A, Figure 4-3) down
against the handlebar grip.
To stop the wheels at anytime, re-
lease the Operator Presence
Control.
To Start the Engine
1. Move mower to a level area.
2. Release all controls on mower
to prevent wheels or mower blades
from rotating when engine starts.
3. Move Engine Throttle Control
(E, Figure 4-3) fully upward to
choke setting to start a cold engine
or to fast (rabbit) setting to start a
warm engine.
A – Operator
Presence Control
B – Blade
Drive Control
C – Gear Select Lever
D –
Wheel Drive Control
E – Engine Throttle
Control
F –
Ignition/Starter
DANGER
Do not operate engine in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and taste-
less. Always run engine outdoors and make sure there is adequate
ventilation.
WARNING
To avoid injury:
• Keep hands and feet clear
of mower blades or other ro-
tating parts.
• Look behind you to be sure
there are no obstacles before
pulling recoil starter rope.
Select Mulching or
Side-Discharge Mowing
Your combination mower allows
you to select either mulching or
side-discharge of the grass clip-
pings. To use the mulching fea-
ture, insert the mulcher cover to
mulch the grass; or remove the
cover if side discharge mowing is
desired. Refer to “Mulching
Cover” on page 16 for installation
instructions.
Figure 4-2: Mulcher cover
DANGER
Before installing or removing
mulching cover, stop engine,
wait for parts to stop moving,
and disconnect spark plug
wire. Remove ignition key on
electric start models.