Murray 20606X9A Owner’s Manual

Model

20606x9A

This InstructionBookcontainsinformationfor severalmodels.

Readandkeepthis bookfor futurereference.

Thisbookcontainsimportantinformationon

SAFETY,ASSEMBLY,OPERATION,AND MAINTENANCE.

PRODUCTINFORMATION

Theownermustbecertainthat all theproductinformation isincludedwiththeunit.

Thisinformationincludes theINSTRUCTIONBOOKS,

the REPLACEMENTPARTSandtheWARRANTIES. Thisinformationmustbeincludedto makesurestatelaws

andother lawsare followed.

RECORD THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR UNIT.

THIS INFORMATION IS NECESSARY WHEN ORDERING PARTS

OR IN CASE OF LOSS OR THEFT,

WHEREPURCHASED: DATEPURCHASED:Month Day Year.

MODELNO,: DATEOFMANUFACTURE:

F-98528

BUILT INTHE

MURRAY, INC. Two Year Limited Warranty

Murray, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that this unit shall be free from defects in ma- tedal and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of Two (2) Years from the date of purchase;however, this warranty does not cover engines, accessories(such as snow blowers, snow blades, grass baggers and plows), transmissions, batteries and Nor- mal Wear Parts (except as noted below) or transaxles as the companies that manufacture these items furnishtheir own warranties and provide service throughtheir authorized field service facilities. For additional information, see the warranties covering these particular

parts. If you are uncertain whether your unit contains or is equipped with one or more of

these parts,consult your dealer priorto purchase. Subjectto the terms and conditions noted

in this Limited Warranty, we shall, at our option, repair or replace at no cost to the odginal purchaser any part covered by this LimitedWarranty dudngthe applicable warranty pedod.

In the event the battery proves defective withinninety(90) days from the date of purchase,

we will replaceitwithoutcharge. If the battery provesdefective after(90) days butwithinone

hundred twenty (120) days from the date of purchase, we will replace itfor a charge ofone half (1/2) of the retail pdce of the battery in effect at the time of return.

Normal Wear Partsare defined as belts,blades, blade adapters, pneumatictires, headlights and seat covers. These parts are warranted to befree from defects in material and work-

manship as delivered with the product.Any claimfor repair or replacement of Normal Wear Parts mustbe made withinthirty (30) daysof the dateof purchase. No claimsinvolvingdam-

age caused from material use, abuse or misuse will be honored.

This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited Warranty is your exclusive remedy; however, this warranty isvoid or does notapply to any unitthathas been tampered with,altered, misused,

abused or used for rental or other commercial and/or professional(non-homeowner) uses.

Your warranty does not cover minor mechanical adjustmentswhich are not due to any de- fect in material or workmanship. For assistance in making such adjustments, consult your

Instruction Book.

To make a claim under this Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited Warranty, returnthe unit(or

if authorized inadvance, the defective part) along with your proofof purchase to an Autho- rized Service Center near you. To locate the nearest Authorized Service Center, call the

Central Parts Distributorfor your area shown in the listprovidedwith your unit or checkthe

Yellow Page listings in your local telephone directory. If you return the entire unit, we will

repair the unit. Ifwe authorize the return of the defective part only,we will either replace or repair the part. In the case of a defect in a transmissionor differential (as distinguishedfrom

a transaxle), the entire transmission or differential must be returned since they do not in- clude user serviceable parts.

This Murray, Inc. Two (2) Year Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights,and you

may also have other rightswhich vary from state to state. This Limited Warranty is given in lieu of all other expressed and implied warranties including the implied warranty of merchantability and warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. Ifyou need addi- tional information on this written warranty or assistance in obtaining service, write or call:

MURRAY, INC.

Outdoor Power Equipment

Customer Service Department

P.O. Box 268

Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

1-800-251-8007

F-98528 2

OWNER'S INFORMATION

This instructionbook iswdtten for a person with some mechanical ability.Like mostservice books, not all the steps are described. Steps on how to loosen or tighten fasteners are steps anyone can

follow with some mechanical ability. Read and follow these instructions before you use the unit.

Know your product: If you understand the unit and how the unit operates, you will get the best performance. As you read this manual, compare the illustrations to the unit.Learn the locationand

the functionof the controls. To help prevent an accident, follow the operating instructionsand the safety rules. Keep this manual for future reference.

IMPORTANT: Many units are not assembled and are sold in cartons. It is the responsibilityof the

owner to make sure the assembly instructions in this manual are exactly followed. Other units are

purchased in an assembled condition. On assembled units, it isthe responsibilityof the owner to make sure the unit iscorrectly assembled. The owner mustcarefully check the unitaccording to

the instructionsin this manual before it isfirst used.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER

The responsibility of the owner is to follow the instructions below.

1. Carefully read and follow the rules for safe operation.

2. Follow all the assembly and preparation instructions.

3. Inspect the unit.

4. Make sure that the operator of the unitknows howto correctly use all standard and accessory

equipment.

5. Operate the unit only withguards, shields,and other safety itemsin placeand workingcorrectly.

6. Correctly adjust the unit.

7. Service the unit only with authorized or approved replacement parts.

8. Complete all maintenance on the unit.

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the State

of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

F-98528 3

IMPORTANT

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Mowers.

This cutting machine is capable of amputating hands andfeet and throwingobjects. Failureto ob- serve the followingsafety instructionscould result in serious injury or death.

General Operation

Read, understand, and follow all instruc- tionson the machine and in the manual(s).

Be thoroughlyfamiliar with the controlsand the properuse of the mower before starting.

Do not puthandsor feet near or under rotat- ing parts. Keep clear of the discharge open-

ing at all times.

Only allow responsible individuals,who are familiar with the instructions,to operate the mower.

Thoroughly inspect the mower and area where the equipment is to be used. Clear

the area of objectssuch as rocks,toys,wire,

bones, sticksetc., which could be picked up

and thrown by the blade.

Be sure the area is clear ofother people be- 19.

fore mowing. Stop mower ifanyone enters the area.

Do not operate the mower when barefootor

wearing open sandals, Always wear sub- stantial foot wear.

Do not pullmower backwards unless abso- lutely necessary. Lookdown and behind be-

fore and while moving backwards.

Do not operate the mower without proper guards, plates, grass catcheror othersafety

protective devices in place.

See manufacturer's instructionsfor proper operation and installation of accessories. Only use accessories approved by the

manufacturer.

10. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

11. Stop the engine (motor) whenever you leave the equipment, before cleaning the mower or unclogging the chute.

12. Shut the engine (motor)offend wait untilthe

blade comes to complete stop before re- moving grass catcher.

13. Mow only in daylightor good artificial light.

14. Do not operate the mower while under the

influence of alcohol, drugs or other medica-

F-98528 4

tion which can cause drowsiness or affect your ability to operate this machine safely.

15.

Never operate mower in wet grass. Always be sure of yourfooting; keep a firm holdon the handle and walk; never run.

16.

Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive clutch on mowers so equipped be-

fore starting the engine (motor).

17.

Ifthe equipment should start to vibrate ab-

normally, stopthe engine (motor) and check immediately for the cause. Vibration is gen-

erally a warning of trouble such as a blade that is damaged, a loose blade, or the en- gine mounting bolts are loose.

18.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields when operating

mower to protect your eyes fromforeignob-

jects which can be thrown from the unit.

Plan your mowing pattern to avoid dis- charge of material toward roads, sidewalks,

bystanders and the like.

20.

After striking a foreign object, stop the en- gine. Remove the wire from the spark plug.

Inspect the blade and mower for damage. If damaged, repairbeforestartingand operat- ingthe mower.

21.

Keep any washout portsand other mower housing service openings closed when

mowing.

II. Slope Operation

Slopes are a majorfactor related to slip and fall accidents which can result in severe injury.All

slopes require extra caution. If youfeel uneasy on a slope, do not mow it.

DO:

Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down. Do not mow excessively steep

slopes (maximum 15 degrees) or areas

where the ground is very rough. See the

"Guide" in the back of this manual to check a slope. Exercise extreme caution when

changing direction on slopes. Remove objects such as rocks, tree limbs,

etc.

Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

(Continued Following Page)

IMPORTANT

DO NOT:

Do not mow near drep-offs, ditches, or em- bankments. The operator could losefooting

or balance.

Do not mow excessively steep slopes. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced footing

could cause slipping.

III. Children

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator isnot alert to the presence of children. Children are often attracted to the mower and the mowing activity. Never assume that childrenwillremain where you last saw them.

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful care of a responsible

adult.

2. Be alert and turn mower oftif children enter

the area.

3. Before and while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.

4. Never allow children tooperate the mower.

5. Use extra care when approachingblind cor-

ners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. Service

"1. Use extracare inhandling gasoline and oth-

erfuels. They are flammable andvapors are explosive.

a. Use only an approved container.

nectthe spark plugwire, and keep the wire away from the plug to prevent accidental

starting. Always wear eye protectionwhen

you make adjustments or repairs.

4. Keep all nutsand bolts, especially blade at- tachment bolts,tightand keep equipment in

good condition.

5. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation regulady.

To reduce fire hazard, keep mower free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.

Clean up oil or fuel spillage.Allow mower to cool before storing.

7. Stop and inspectthe equipment if you strike

an object. Repair, if necessary, before re- starting.

8. Never attempt to make wheel height adjust-

ments while the engine (motor) is running.

9. Always disconnectelectdc mowers (live op-

erated) before cleaning, repairing, or ad-

justing.

10. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and deterioration, which

could expose moving partsor allow objects to be thrown. Frequently checkcomponents

and replace with manufacturer's recom- mended parts, when necessary. For stor- age, always make sure grass catcher is

empty.

11. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves, and use extra

caution when servicing them.

b. Never remove gas cap or add fuel with

the engine running.Allow engine tocool

before refueling. Do not smoke.

c. Never refuel the machine indoors.

d. Never store the machineor fuel centain-

er inside where there is an open flame,

such as a water heater.

*2. Never run an engine indoors or inside a

closed area.

3. Never make adjustments orrepairs to items such as the height adjustersor grass catch- er with the engine (motor) running. Discon-

F-98528 5

* Asterisked items do not apply to electric mowers.

12. Do not change the engine governor setting

or over-speed the engine.

13.

Frequently checkthe blade for wear or darn- ages such as cracks and nicks. A blade that

is bent or damaged must be immediately re- placed with a factory replacement blade.

For safety and good cutting performance, replace the blade every two years. Fre- quently check the blade bolt and the engine mounting bolts. Replace damaged bolts

and tighten loose bolts.

14. Use only original equipment or authorized replacement parts.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Every person who uses power equipment must learn the difference between proper and

improper use, safe and unsafe mowing prac- tices. Read the next few pages carefully. They can help you learn. Toooften the mow- er user is inexperienced, not properly in-

structed, or has not read the Instruction Book

and instructions on the unit before using it for

the firsttime. This can resultin unsafe use en-

dangering the operator, bystanders, and the equipment. Another result can be a poor ap- pearanca of the area mowed.

Read this Instruction Book. Read the in- structionson the unit. Operate the mower ac-

cording to the Safe Mowing Guide and other safety rules and recommendations in this In-

struction Bookand on the uniLMake sure any- one who uses the unithas read the instructions

and has been told how to operate the mower safely.

Your mower isdesigned to provide good ser- vice and durability in normal residential cut-

ting. If the mower is not properlyserviced and

maintained or used on unsuitable terrain or in

conditions not suitable for mowing, product

performance and safety will be reduced. Proper attire is an important part of safe mow-

ing. Safety glasses protect the eyes from

thrown objects. Safety shoes with steel toes

can protecta foot from being cut by the blade. Shirts and pants that cover the arms and legs can stop or deflect a thrown object.

gency. Learn howto cut and how to keep con- trolof the mower at all times.

Many mowers are started manually.When us- ing a pull start or rope start, place your feet

firmly and away from the blade. Hold the rope

handle securely, but never wrap the rope around your arm or fingers for a "better gdp".

The mower isdesigned for use by one person. Always mow alone. Never carry passengers. Carrying a passenger is dangerous for the passenger and theoperator.A mower isnotfor amusement or for carrying objects.

Is the area you are planningto mowwet? Nev- er cuta wet lawn. Cutting wet grass can cause

an accident. It can affect mower performance and also cause problems with future lawn

growth and appearance. Wet grass is slippery

and might cause the operator to fall or the mower to slip. Someone could be hurt by

touching the blade.Wet grasstendsto clogthe

mower, causing poordischarge. Wet clippings bunch up on the lawn retarding the growth of grass. A wet mower can cause parts to rust

and reduce the useful life of the unit.

Practice usmg the mower before you actually begin cutting grass. Select a large open level

area. Learn the location and function of the controls and how they work. It is important that

the blade can be stopped quickly in an emer-

F-98528

When you look over the lawn, refresh your memory about hard, immovable obstacles

such as pipes, stumps, and rocks and avoid them. They can cause damage to the mower

or an accident injuring the operator or a by- stander. Take a litter bag along and walk over the area to be cut. Pick up any stones, toys, wire, bones, or other loose objects. These items can damage the mower or they can be- come dangerous flying objects if the mower blade hits them. The blade of a power mower

travels very fast. It can throw recks and other objects wit_force over longdistances. Objects thrown by mowers can break windows, cause

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

bruises, or even put out an eye. Often the per- son hurtby a thrownobject is a bystandersuch as a child,another family member or a neigh- bor. Keep people and pets completely away

from the mowing area. Direct the mower's dis- charge away from areas where people can be. Planning your mowing pattern has a double benefit. It can reduce chances ofan injury and make the clean up after mowing easier.

Are there ditches, walls, or major in-

clines inthe areato be cut? Plan the mowing

pattern to avoid such danger areas. In- clines and rough ter-

rain must be mowed

carefully and some

areas must not be cut with a mower at all.

With walk behind'

equipment, mow

across the incline so

that ifyou orthe mow-

er slip, you won't run

into each other.

Never mow slopes greater than 15 degrees.

See the "Guide" in the back of this Instruction

Book to check any slopes.

Ready to start cutting? Not yet. Be sure the

mower has been fully assembled accordingto

directions in the InstructionBook. Even ifas-

sembly was done by a lawn and garden shop

or the store where the unit was purchased, it

must be checked. Are all nuts, bolts and

screws tight?Does the engine have oil?These

items must bechecked periodicallythroughout

the life of the mower.

Your mower has a gasoline engine. Gas is

dangerous. Store fuel only ina approved gas

container. Do not store large amounts of gas.

Put out all cigarettes, pipes and cigars before

working with gasoline. Storefuel and the mow-

er itselfin a well ventilated area away from any

possible source of ignitionsuch a pilotlighton

a furnace. If the moweristo bestoredfor anex-

tended time, remove the gas from the tank.

This minimizesthe chance of a fire and keeps

the tank clear of deposits and old gasoline,

thus improving mower performance. Move the

mower outside before adding gasoline. Use a

funnel and wipeup any spilledfuel beforestart-

ing. Remember, gasoline expands when

heated so leave some expansion room. Also,

most mower gas caps are vented to allow for

expansion. Always use the propercap. People

are needlessly burned by fires, hurt in explo-

sions, mowers and other property are dam-

aged because of failure to follow basic safety

rules related to gasoline and fueling.

Never add gasolineto anengine that is running

or that is hotfrom recant use,this can cause an

accident. Remove dry grass and other debris

from the mower. Keeping the mower clean will

F-98528

improve the performance, help the engine stay cooler, extend the life of moving parts, and

minimize the danger offire. People get burned working with and around their mowers for oth- er reasons than fire and explosions. It takes

only a few seconds of operationfor the engine and the muffler to become hot. Do not touch

these parts when the mower is running. Stop the engine and letitcooldown before servicing

the mower. Remember, exhaustfumes can be dangerous. Never operate the engine indoors

or in an enclosed area.

Getting a new mower can be a big event for a

family. Let family members satisfytheir curios-

ity aboutthe mower and at the same time, tell them about its dangers. Remember, a mower

is nota toy and isnotfor useby children or any- one lacking in age, strength or experience.

As with any powerequipment, a mower can be dangerous if not assembled, misused, or not preperly maintained. The most important rule

is to always use good judgement andcommon sense.

Your mower will cut thick grass and heavy plant sternswith ease. Fingers and toes are no

more resistant to the mower's blade. Many people are injured because they "forgot" and reached intothedischarge chute.Always treat _our lawn mower as if the blade is rotating.

ever perform any service or try to make any

adjustment,except carburetor, while the en- gine is running.

Use only accessories suited for your mower. Use of improper accessories can reduce the

safety designed into both the mower and the accessory, =tcan even damage the unit. Read

and followthe instructions which come withthe accessory and the mower.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

Use only original equipmentor approved sub- in the rein is no fun and it is dangerous.Always stitutionsas service parts. If you need profes- seek shelter in an electricalstorm. In extreme-

sional service, select a shop that is an lydry mowing conditions,your safetyglasses Authorized Service Center for your brand of can serve a dual purpose by protecting your

mower. If you planto service the unit yourself, eyes from dust and thrownobjects, also a dust

follow directions in the InstructionBook. or pollen mask can be helpful.

L I

As you mow, remember children and pets are

sometimes attracted to the activity.Be espe- cially carefulwhen I_'immingaroundshrubbery or when backing up. If at all possible, don't mow when moving backwards. Itis dangerous

because vision is restricted. Also, blades are designed to cut while the unit is moving for-

ward so cutting performance is reduced when mowing in reverse.

Never leave the mower running and unat- tended. Shut offthe engine. Put the mower in

a position so that it can not roll. If the unit is self-propelled, make sure the drive control is disengaged.

When mowing, be aware of your conditionand the weather conditions. After mowing a long time, you will be tired. This is the time when

reactions slow down, your attention wanders; the time when you are wide open for an acci-

dent. Take a short break. If temperatures are

high, take precautions to avoid becoming de-

hydrated. If you are angry, tired, or unable to give your full attention to mowing, if you have

been consuming alcohol,medicines, or drugs, do not use your mower or any type of power

equipment.

Ifweather conditions become worse while you are cutting,stop and finish later. Cutting grass

F-98528 8

Your mower is equippedwitha number of safe- ty features which are importantto the safety of the operator and bystanders and must never be altered or removed. If a safety feature be- comes inoperable,lost, or damaged, itmustbe

repaired or replaced before the mower isused. Engine speed is a key to safe mowing and a

nice lookinglawn. The maximum speed of the engine on your mower has been set at thefac- tory. Do notchange the enginegovernor in any way.

Select themaximum engine and ground speed that is right for the terrain and the height of

grass. You get the best cutting and bagging performance when using a grass catcher by operating the engine at maximum speed. Nev- er walk fast or runjust toget thejob done soon- er. On inclines, reduce ground speed and

exercise extreme care.

It is best to mow only during daylight hours;

however, ifyou must mow inthe late afternoon or evening, make sure there is good artificial light.

Your mower will require maintenance including service and adjustments before and after use as with any machine. The frequency of the maintenance is generally based on hours of use, however, the frequency can vary because

of mowing conditions. Check the Instruction

Book for more detaited instructions. Proper maintenance protects your investment in the mower and helps insure that it will function

safely and reliably.

Never attempt any

service (with the pos- sible exceptionof car-

with the engine run-

ning.After turningthe buretor adjustment) i_.1_

engine off, always disconnect the spark

ptu9 wire to prevent

acctdental restarting while the unitis being

serviced.

SAFE MOWING GUIDE

While mowing, if you hit a foreign object, stop the engine. Remove the spark plugwire. Care-

fully and thoroughly inspect the mower for damage. Make necessary repairs before re- starting. Ifthe unitstartstovibrate abnormally, stop the engine immediately and check for the

cause. Vibration is generally a warning of

trouble. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight. The blade is the most dangerous part of the

mower and also the mostimportant part in ob-

taining a nice lawn appearance. Check the

blade and the blade mounting hardware fre- quently. Keep it tight. If the blade hits a solid

object, check it thoroughly for deformation or cracks and replace if damaged. For safety, re- place the blade everytwo years. A sharp blade reduces the work load on the engine and cuts grass more cleanly, for a better looking cut with less work. The blade is always close to the out- side of the mower housing. For best trimming

on side discharge mowers, cut with the left side of the housing toward the area that needs

trimming. A useful accessory for your mower is a grass

catcher. There are grass catchers available for most models. For best performance and safe- ty, be sure the grass catcher is approved for use with your mower. Assemble as directed

and follow operating and safety instructions with the catcher and in the Instruction Book.

Before mounting, checking or emptying the grass catcher, always turn the engine off. Re-

member to check the grass catcher before each usafor cracks,wear, or deterioration.Re-

place any part that is damaged with the man-

ufacturer's recommended replacement part

before using the grass catcher again.

Proper cutting technique is important if you want yourlawn to look good. Avoid the tempta-

tion to cut grass too short. Cutting grass too

short can killthe plant, cause grass to turn yel-

low,or make the lawn lookbrown and thatchy.

Use the lower cutting heights in cool months when the grass is lush. Use the higher cutting

heights in extremely dry periods. Cuttingwith

a dull blade or low engine speed bruises,

shreds, and can uproot some grass making

the lawn look dull and brown a few days after

cutting. Always put the throttle controlin FAST

F-98528

position when mowing and bagging. When bagging, slowerground speed will providethe

best results.

Change the mowing pattern slightlyeach time you cut. Ifyou always cut the same way, the grass will develop a "set" and clippingswillac-

cumulate more heavily in some areas more than in others causing grass to get thinner in

those areas. Do not service your mower over

the grass. Spilledoiland gas can killI_e grass.

In tall grass or very heavy grass, do not tryto

cut itall at once. Raise the heightof cut on the first cuttingand lower itfor the next cuttingthe

same day or withina few days. Another way is

to cut only part of the width of the mower and

adjust your ground speed (not the engine) to

move more slowly so the mower can clear it-

self as it moves forward.

When cutting with a walk behind mower, al-

ways push the unit. Do not pull it. Pushing the

unit keeps the operator behind the mower in

the "operator's zone" for better control. Push-

ingthe unitalso gives you a chance to see ex- actlywhere and what you are mowing. There

will be timeswhile you are mowingthat youwill

have to pull the mower backwards (such as

when the front of the mower has come up

against a wall or fence). If you must back up, make sure yourfeet are in the clear.Stand well

back fromthe mower,plantyour feet firmlywith eachstep and backup beingcareful to look be- hind you. Resume normal mowing as soonas possible.

If your unit is self-propelled, remember that

the drive mechanism isnot designed to do all

the work, but the unit can move without your

help. Always keep your hands on the handle near the controls when the engine is running.

Remember too that the self-propeUed mecha- nism can be dangerous. Keep handsand feet away from beltsand chains.Alwaysturnoffthe engine before attempting to remove anything that becomes entangled in the self-propelled

system. Remember, your mower isa usefultool, but it

can be dangerous. Follow the instructionsin this Instruction Book. Use the mower properly and carefully and itwillgive you manyhours of trouble free, accident free operations.

STEPS TO FOLLOW

BEFORE MOWING

• Be sure to dress correctly.Wear hard shoes, not sandals or tennis shoes.

• Examine the blade. A blade that is bent, cracked, or damaged must be replacedwith a factory

replacement blade.

• Fill the fuel tank outside. Clean off spilled fuel.

• Read and followthe Owner's Manual, the instructionswith the engine, and the instructionswith

any attachments. Owner's Manual instructionsare for your safety and the safety of others.

• Exhaust fumes are dangerous. Start the engine outside.

• Make sure all safety devices are in place and working correctly.

• Operation of the mower isonly for a person that has experience.

• Wet grass can be dangerous. Let the grass dry.

• Instruct children and others to keep away from the work area.

• Never cut the grass without good light.

• Pick up loose objects. Remove them from the mowing area.

WHILE MOWING

• Watch for fixed objects and avoid them. They can damage the mower or cause injury.

• A hot engine and muffler witl cause a burn. Do not touch.

• Inclines and slopesmust be carefullymowed. See the "Guide" inthe back of thisbookto check

a slope.

• Lack of daylight or good artificial light is cause to stop mowing.

• Examine the mower,the blade, and other partsfor damage after hittingaforeign object or ifthe

unit vibrates excessively.

• Do not make adjustments or repairs withoutstopping the engine (except for carburetor). Dis-

connect the spark plug wire.

• On or near roads, watch out for traffic. Direct discharge away from reads.

• When mowing,avoid areas where tractionis unsure. Beforeand while moving backwards, look behind and down for small children.

• In heavy grass, raise the cuttingheight. Cut slower. Stop the engine to remove clogged grass

from the mower.

• Never remove any safety related parts.

• Do not pour gasoline intoa engine that is hot or running.

AFTER MOWING

• Always let the mower cool before storing in an enclosed area.

• Foreign material on the mower is dangerous. Clean off grass, leaves, grease and oil before

storing.

• Tighten all loose nuts, bolts and screws before you use the unit.

• Empty and clean any grass catcher or other accessory.

• Remove the key or disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent unauthorized use.

• Make sure the mower isnot kept neara source of ignition.Gas fumes can cause an explosion.

• Only original parts or factory approved substitutes can be used to service the mower.

• When storing the mower for an extended period, remove the fuel from the fuel tank.

• Instruct children to leave the mower alone. It is not a toy.

• Never keep gasoline near a source of ignition. Always use an approved container. Keep

gasoline away from children.

• Lubricate according to the Instruction Book. See =Lubrication'.

IMPORTANT_ead the Instruction Book. Keep this book for future use and reference.

_lb ARNING: Look for this symbol to point out important

F-98528 10

safety precautions. It means: "Attention! Become

Alert! Your Safety Is Involved."

+ 22 hidden pages