MTD 070 Thru 088 - Manual (Page 6)

OPERATION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO N
OPERATE MOWER UNLESS REAR TRAILI
SHIELD
AND THIS GUARD OR ENTI
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLAC
DANGER
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
m
/
FIGURE 5.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 5.
The operation of any lawn mower can resu It in for­
eign objects being thrown into the eye:, which
can result in severe eye carnage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields. We recommend wide vision
safety mask for over spect icles or
standard safety glasses.
NOTE: For best results raise the cutting pos tion untii
it is determined which height is best for yc ur lawn.
See cutting height adjustment section.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoline an J oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual pac ked 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 I »ast two
minutes after running.
TO START ENGINE AND ENGAGE BLADE
1. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If unit is
equipped with a rubber boot over the e id of the
spark plug wire, make certain the mete I cap on
the end of the spark plug wire (inside tf e rubber
boot) is fastened securely over the me al tip on
the spark plug.
2. Move throttle control lever all the way for vard.
3. If unit is equipped with a primer, prime i ngine as
instructed in the separate engine manual
4. Standing behind the unit, depress the blade
control handle and hold It against the upper
handle as shown. See figure 6.
5. 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.
6. Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it
slowly to the rope guide.
7. After engine starts, move throttle control to
desired engine speed. (Mower is designed to be
operated at full throttle.)
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Guide on page 10.
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 person­
al injury to the operator and others.
For the best results, do not cut wet grass because it
tends to stick to the underside of the mower, prevent­
ing proper discharge of grass clippings, and could
cause you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass or
wet grass may require a narrower cut. Blade speed
should be adjusted to the condition of the lawn.