MTD 11-096R000 - Manual (Page 7)

CONTROLS
FIGURE 7.
BLADE CONTROL HANDLE
WARNING: This control mechanism is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations.
The blade control handle is located on the upper han­
dle of the mower. See figure 7. The blade control han­
dle must be depressed in order to operate the unit.
Release the blade control handle to stop the engine and
blade.
A
A
WARNING: The blade will be rotating
whenever the engine is running.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the side of the upper
handle. It is used to regulate the engine speed.
A
WARNING: The throttle control cannot be
used to stop the engine.
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle. See
figure 7. Stand behind the unit in the operating posi­
tion to start the unit.
OPERATION
Keep hands and feet away from the mowing deck. See
figure 8.
The operation of any iawn mower can result in
foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage.
Aiways wear safety glasses or eye
shields. We recommend wide vision
safety mask for over spectacles or
standard safety glasses.
NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with
the wheeis in a iow cutting height position. For best
results raise the cutting position until it is determined
which height is best for your lawn. See cutting height
adjustment section.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed
in the separate engine manual packed with your
mower.
Read instructions carefully.
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
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal loop on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug. See figure 9.
Metal Loop
on Spark
Plug Wire
FIGURE 9.
Rubber Boot
2. Open fuel shut-off valve if unit is so equipped.
Refer to separate engine manual.
3. Move throttle control lever all the way fonward.
4. Tecumseh engines only: Prime engine as in­
structed in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit.
5. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade con­
trol handle and hold it against the upper handle
as shown. See figure 10.
6. Grasp the recoil starter handle and pull back rapid­
ly, extending rope fully. Return it slowly to the rope
guide bolt.
7. After engine starts, move throttle control to desired
engine speed.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page 11.