MTD Model 588Q - Manual (Page 10)

10
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and
gasoline before starting the mower for the first time.
Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary
for subsequent starts.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
• Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow
relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
• Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in
the engine manual.
Before Starting Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
Starting Engine
Make sure the fuel valve lever found on the left side of
the engine is in the ON position. See Figure 11.
Figure 11
• Move the choke lever all the way backward into the
choke position. Once the engine is warm, the lever
will automatically revert to the RUN position. Refer
to the engine manual for further details.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches the start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the
rope rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the
rope rewind slowly.
Stopping Engine
• Release blade control handle to stop the engine
and the blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit
for more detailed instructions.
Using Your Lawn Mower
• Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower
or engine.
• For best results, do not cut wet grass. New grass or
thick 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.
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower while
starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and 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.
Fuel Valve
Choke Lever
Recoil
Starter