Sears EZ3 917.387023 - Manual (Page 7)

WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol
blended fuels {called gasohol or using ethanol
or methanol) can attract moisture which leads
to separation and formation of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid
engine problems, the fuel system should be
emptied before storage of 30 days or longer.
Drain the fuel tank, start the engine and let it
run until fuel lines and carburetor are empty.
Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage
Instructions for additional information. Never
use engine or carburetor cleaner products in
fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
Engine oil
capw/dipstick
Gasoline
filler cap
MiiififipJ'
TO
qJAOT PMfSIME
» To start a cold engine, push primer five
{5} times before trying to start. Use a
firm push. This step is not usually
necessary when starting an engine
which has already run for a few minutes.
« Hoid operator presence control bar
down to the handle and pull starter
handle quickly. Do not allow starter
rope to snap back
0
To stop engine, release operator
presence control bar.
NOTE: In cooler weather it may be
necessary to repeat priming steps, in
warmer weather over priming may cause
flooding and engine wiii not start. If you do
flood engine, wait a few minutes before
attempting to start and do not repeat
priming steps.
MOWING TIPS
o Under certain conditions, such as very tall
grass, it may be necessary to raise the
height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to
keep from overloading the engine and
leaving clumps of grass clippings.
® For extremely heavy cutting, reduce the
width of cut by overlapping previously cut
path and mow slowly..
o For side discharge lawn mov/ers, cutting in
a counter'dockwise direction, starting at the
outside of the area to be cut, spreads grass
dippings more evenly and puts less load on
the engine. To keep clippings off of
walkways, flower beds, etc., make the first
ciits in a cloclwise dtredion.
« Pores in cloth grass catchers can become
filled with dirt and dust with use and
catchers will collect less grass. To prevent
this, regularly hose catcher off with water
and let dry before using,
® Keep top of engine around starter clear and
clean of grass dippings and chaff. This wilt
help engine airflow and extend engine life.
MULCHING MOWING TIPS
IMPORTANT: For best performance, keep
mower housing free of built-up grass and
trash. Clean underside of mower housing after
each use. See "CLEANING" in CUSTOMER
RESPONSIBILITIES section of this manual.
» The special mulching blade will recut the
grass dippings many times and reduce
them in size so that as they fall onto the
lawn they will disperse into the grass and
not be noticed. Also, the mulched grass will
biodegrade quickly to provide nutrients for
the lawn. Always mulch with your highest
engine (blade) speed as this will provide the
best recutiing action of the blades.
•> Avoid cutting your lawn when it is wet. Wet
grass tends to form dumps and interferes
with the mulching adion The best time to
mow your lawn is the early afternoon. At
this time the grass has dried and the newiy
cut area will not be exposed to the dired
sun.
® For best results, adjust the lawn mower
cutting height so that the lawn mower cuts
off only the top one-third of the grass blades.
If the lawn is overgrown it vA/ili be necessary
to raise the height of cut to reduce pushing
effort and to keep from overloading the
engine and leaving clumps of mulched
grass. For extremely heavy mulching,
reduce your width of cut, mow slowly and
raise tie rear of the lawn mower one wheel
adjuster setting higher than the front,
° Certain types of grass and grass conditions
may require that an area be mulched a
second time to completely hide the
clippings. When doing a second cut, mow
across or perpendicular to the first cut path.
« Change your cutting pattern from week to
week. Mow north to south one week then
change to east to west the next week. This
wiil help prevent matting and graining of the
lawn.
Max 1/3