MTD 500 - Starting the Engine

STARTING THE ENGINE
▲ CAUTION
Get on and off the unit from the
left hand side to avoid possible
contact \A/ith the blade engagement
lever (located on the right hand
side).
1. Be sure the crankcase is filled with oil as
recommended in the engine manual. Fill fuel
tank with regular gasoline.
2. Attach the wire to the spark plug.
3. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and lock it
down.
4. Move the blade engagement lever back to the
disengaged position.
5. Set the throttle control lever in the “CHOKE”
position.
6 . Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position.
Twist the recoil starter handle until it is free
and pull it with a quick steady motion. After
the engine starts, return the recoil starter han¬
dle and twist it until it locks. See figure 16.
7. Slowly return the throttle to the running posi¬
tion as soon as the engine starts.
8 . To stop, turn the ignition key to the “OFF”
position. Remove the key when the rider is not
in use.
PUTTING THE RIDING MOWER IN MOTION
Parking brake must be disengaged
before unit is put into motion.
1. Advance the throttle control from 3/4 to full
throttle to prevent strain on the engine and to
operate the cutting blades.
2. Place the shift lever in either the “FORWARD”
or “REVERSE” position.
A CAUTION
Look to the rear before backing up.
3. Slowly release the clutch-brake pedal.
4. To stop, depress the clutch-brake pedal.
5. The blades can be engaged either while mov¬
ing or while standing still. Move the blade
engagement lever forward slowly until the
blades are turning.
WARNING \
When the blades are engaged,
keep feet and hands away from the
discharge opening, the blades or
any part of the deck.
STOPPING
Engine—Turn the ignition key to the left to the
“OFF” position.
Rider—Depress the clutch-brake pedal.
Blades—Pull the blade engagement lever all the
way back.
A CAUTION
If the unit is not to be used for a
long period, place the shift lever
in NEUTRAL, stop the engine, set
the parking brake and remove the
key. DO NOT leave the machine on
an incline.
A brief break-in period is essential
to ensure maximum engine and
mower life. The break-in consists of
running the engine at half speed for
a period of time required to use one
tank of gasoline. It is also recom¬
mended to change crankcase oil
after the first 5 hours of operation.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks,
wire, or other objects which could damage lawn
mower or engine. For best results and to insure
more even grass distribution, do not mow when
lawn is excessively wet.
IMPORTANT
If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark
plug, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair the dam¬
age before restarting and operating
the mower.
GRASS CATCHER Model 015 is available as op¬
tional equipment for the mower shown in this
manual.
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