9
Front Wheel Caster Locks
The caster locks are located on top of each caster 
wheel. Refer to the Adjustment Section. 
Engine Controls
See the separate engine manual for the location and 
function of the controls on the engine.   
Stopping Engine 
• Release blade control handle to stop the engine 
and the blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and ground it to the 
post on the engine.
WARNING: Before using your lawn mower,
again refer to the Safety Section in this
manual.  Always be careful.
SECTION 5:  OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from chute area on the cutting deck. 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.
NOTE: For shipping purposes your mower is set with
the wheels in a low cutting height position. For best
results raise the cutting position until it is determine
which height is best for your lawn. See the adjustment
section for details.
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.
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.
Before Starting Your Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain 
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire is 
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark 
plug.
• Check for proper drive clutch operation using the 
NEUTRAL ADJUSTMENT TEST.
Neutral Adjustment Test
To perform the neutral adjustment test answer the 
following questions.
• With the drive clutch control released, push mower 
forward and pull it backward. Does it move freely?
Towards Better Mower Performance 
1. Read this manual in its entirety before you start 
the lawn mower. Instructions given here have 
been designed for maintaining safety while 
getting the best performance from your mower. 
Follow the instructions closely.    
2. Pour fresh, clean gasoline into the mower’s gas 
tank until the tank is full. Do not use gasoline 
that is more than 30 days old.
3. Always use a fuel stabilizer. It will double the life 
of the gasoline used.
4. Make sure to connect the mower’s spark plug 
wire before trying to start the engine.
5. Add engine oil to the oil fill on the mower engine. 
Check the dipstick and add more if necessary. 
Remember that the oil level has to touch the fill 
line.
6. Locate the primer decal near the primer bulb on 
the engine, and read its instruction. Using your 
thumb, press the primer bulb slowly as many 
times as the decal advises.
7. Hold control handle down and pull rope firmly to 
start the engine.
8. Set cutting height adjustment lever to middle 
setting and mow a single pass on your lawn; 
then adjust to desired height for a closer cut.
9. When bagging the grass clippings, remove 
mulch plug/cover and store.
10. When mulching, remove the grass bag and 
store. Insert the mulch plug/cover on the mower.
11. In heavy growing season, it may be necessary 
to mow lawn twice weekly. Clumps of grass 
clippings left behind on the lawn usually means 
that the grass is too high to mulch.
12. Before storing the lawn mower for the winter, 
use stabilizer-treated fuel and run the tank dry.
13. Thirty days before start of the new season, 
check the air filter, spark plug and blade on the 
lawn mower, and replace if needed.
For more details about proper lawn care, visit our website at www.CubCadet.com