MTD 030 thru 062 - Manual (Page 11)

OPERATION
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on cut­
ting deck. See figure 1, warning label.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign
objects being thrown into the eyes, which can result in
severe eye damage. Always wear safety
glasses or eye shields. We recommend
wide vision safety mask for over specta­
cles or standard safety glasses.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoiine and oil as instructed in
the separate engine manual packed with your mower. Read
instructions carefuiiy.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, with
engine running or until the engine has been
allowed to cool for at least two minutes after
running.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
NOTE: Your engine is a constant speed engine, which is set
at full throttle for best performance.
1. Attach spark plug wire securely to spark plug.
2. Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine
manual.
3. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control
handle and hold it against the upper handle as shown in
figure 14.
4. Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until engine
reaches start of compression cycle (rope will pull slightly
harder at this point). Let the rope rewind slowly.
5. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke. Keep a
firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly to the rope
guide.
TO STOP ENGINE AND BLADE
1. Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and
blade.
A
WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a
few seconds after the engine is shut off.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the
engine to prevent accidental starting while equipment is
unattended.
USING YOUR ROTARY MOWER
Be sure that 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 dis­
charge of grass clippings, and could cause you to slip and
fall. New grass or thick grass may require a narrower cut.
The best mowing pattern is one that allows the clippings to
discharge towards the uncut part of the lawn. This permits
recutting of the clippings to further pulverize them. When cut­
ting high weeds, discharge towards cut portion, then recut at
right angles to first direction.
For a healthy lawn, never cut off more than one-third of
the total length of the grass. Lawn should be cut in the fall
as long as there is growth.
A WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thor­
oughly inspect the mower for any damage, and
repair the damage before restarting and oper­
ating the mower. Extensive vibration of the
mower during operation is an indication of
damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
ADJUSTMENTS
A WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustment to lawn mower without first stop­
ping engine and disconnecting spark plug
wire.
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Adjustment may be made by removing and moving axle bolts
to desired position. Cutting heights will be raised as axle
bolts are moved to a lower hole and lowered as axle bolts are
moved to a higher hole in the deck. All axle bolts must be
mounted in the same relative position. Cupped washers
must be assembled so that the cupped side of the washers
are against the deck. Refer to figure 10.
CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENTS
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the Trouble
Shooting Guide on page 13.
A WARNING: If any adjustments are made to the
engine while the engine is running (e.g. carbu­
retor), keep clear of all moving parts. Be care­
ful of heated surfaces and muffler.
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