15Section 5 — operation
Stopping Engine
1.  Release blade control or turn off the engine switch (if 
equipped).
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop completely 
before performing any work on the mower or to 
remove the grass catcher.
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure 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.
1.  Once the engine is running and while continuing to hold 
the blade control down, squeeze the drive control against 
the upper handle to propel mower.
2.  To change speed, move speed control to the desired speed. 
See Figure 5-3.
NOTE:  When selecting a drive speed, use the first speed 
until you are comfortable and familiar with the operation 
of the mower.
IMPORTANT: If you are shifting speeds while the mower 
is stationary it may be difficult to shift into first speed 
under certain conditions.  This is easily remedied by briefly 
engaging the drive lever.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can 
result in foreign objects being thrown into the eyes, 
which can damage your eyes severely. Always wear 
safety glasses while operating the mower, or while 
performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
NOTE: Your mower is equipped with an advanced internal 
drive system for ease of use and smooth shifting. When 
turning or pulling the unit rearward, you may notice higher 
than normal resistance in the rear wheels under certain 
conditions.  This is perfectly normal and can be remedied 
by allowing the unit to roll forward slightly without the 
drive lever(s) engaged before pulling backwards.
Figure 5-3
Using as Mulcher
For mulching grass, remove the grass catcher and allow the rear 
discharge door  to close the rear opening of mower. For effective 
mulching, do not cut wet grass. If the grass has been allowed to 
grow in excess of four inches, mulching is not recommended. Use 
the grass catcher to bag clippings instead.
Using Grass Catcher
You can use the grass catcher to collect clippings while you are 
operating the mower.
1.  Attach grass catcher following instructions in the 
“Assembly & Set-Up” section. Grass clippings will 
automatically collect in bag as you run mower. Operate 
mower till grass bag is full.
2.  Stop engine completely by releasing the blade control. 
Make sure that the unit has come to a complete stop.
3.  Lift discharge door and pull grass bag up and away from 
the mower to remove the bag. Dispose of the grass 
clippings and reinstall the bag when complete.
NOTE: Make sure to clean any excess grass from around 
the rear opening of the mower, especially between the 
transmission cover and sidewall on the left hand side and 
along the bottom, to ensure tight fit of bag onto mower.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the 
engine. Remove wire from the spark plug, 
thoroughly inspect mower for any damage, and 
repair damage before restarting and operating. 
Extensive vibration of mower during operation is an 
indication of damage. The unit should be promptly 
inspected and repaired.