MTD 21” Self Starter 589 - Manual (Page 11)

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1. Check oil level and add fuel, if necessary.
2. Open shut off valve (if equipped) 1/4 turn.
3. Turn safety key 1/4 turn clockwise to RUN position.
4. Firmly push primer bulb 3 times (For a cold engine
only!).
5. While standing at upper handle, depress the starter
control button with the thumb of your right hand.
6. Using your left hand, pull the blade control handle
all the way toward the upper handle. See Figure 10.
Starter will de-energize and engine will start.
(NOTE: If engine does not start, release the blade
control handle and follow steps 8, 9, 10,11 and 12
in the “First Time Starting Engine” instructions.)
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide for helpful information.
To Stop Engine And Blade
1. Release safety blade control handle (the start
control button will automatically return to the off/up
position), engine and blade will stop within a few
seconds.
NOTE: Engine may stop with a ratcheting sound. This
sound is the self starter being reactivated/energized for
the next start.
2. Turn safety key 1/4 turn counterclockwise to LOCK
position. Remove key and store in a safe place.
WARNING: The blade will continue to
rotate for three seconds after the blade
control lever is released.
To De-Energize Self Starter
• Remove spark plug wire from spark plug.
• Turn safety key to RUN position (1/4 turn
clockwise).
• While standing in the operating position, depress
the starter control button fully with the thumb of your
right hand.
• Using your left hand, pull the control handle all the
way toward the upper handle. (Release button and
wait until engine and starter stop rotating.)
• Release safety blade control handle (the start
control button will automatically return to the off/up
position.)
• Remove safety key.
NOTE: Engine will crank over upon actuating
equipment starting controls, but will not spark if spark
plug wire was removed from spark plug as described
above. Once engine has stopped cranking, self starter
is de-energized.
WARNING: Self Starting System: If these
instructions are not followed, amputation or
severe laceration can result.
• ALWAYS disconnect spark plug, de-energize
starter, lock and remove safety key BEFORE
performing ANY service to the engine or mower.
• DO NOT attempt any maintenance or repairs to the
self starter.
• NEVER assume starter is de-energize, even if key
is in LOCK AND REMOVE position and/or removed
from engine.
• BEFORE removing grass or other debris from
under mower deck; BEFORE changing oil, air filter
or spark plug; BEFORE removing blade for
servicing; BEFORE performing any other service to
engine or mower; BEFORE transporting mower-
ALWAYS DE-ENERGIZE SELF STARTER.
• ALWAYS lock and remove safety key and store in a
safe place until next use. The safety key is
designed and intended to be removed from engine
when not in use. Removing key will prevent
unsupervised or unexpected starting of mower by
children or unsuspecting adults. The safety key
must be in the locked position before it can be
removed.
Throttle Speed
Your lawn mower engine is equipped with a constant
speed throttle, which is set at full throttle for best
performance.
Using Your Lawn Mower
WARNING: Never operate the mower
unless the hooks on the grass catcher are
seated in the slots on the handle bracket
assemblies, and the rear discharge door rests
firmly against the top of the grass catcher.
• You can use your mower as a mulching mower or a
rear bagger.
• Do not operate the mower without the rear
mulching baffle or the grass catcher bag properly
installed.
• Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower
or engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown
by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
• For best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower,
preventing proper discharge of grass clippings, and
possibly causing you to slip and fall. New grass,
thick grass or wet grass may require a narrower cut.
• For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-third or less
of the total length of the grass. Lawn should be
trimmed in fall as long as there is growth.