Yard Machines 260 Thru 279 Operator's Manual

Also see for 260 Series: Operator's manual Operator's manual

Contents

Yard Machines 260 Thru 279 Operator's Manual Manual pdf 10 page image

10• With the drive clutch released, push mowerforward. It should move freely. Pull mowerbackward. It should move with only a small amountof resistance.• If the rear wheels tend to lock up, the clutch maynot be releasing completely. Do not start the engineuntil corrections have been made.• Check the drive cable for severe bends, kinks, orbinding. Also check for grass build-up around thebelt.• If drive clutch control needs adjustment see theAdjustment Section.Starting Engine• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certainthe metal cap on the end of the spark plug isfastened securely over the metal tip on the sparkplug.• Prime engine as instructed in the separate enginemanual packed with your unit.• Your lawn mower may be equipped with a constantspeed throttle, which is set at full throttle for bestperformance.• Stand behind the mower and squeeze the bladecontrol handle against the upper handle.• Grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out slowlyuntil engine reaches the start of compression cycle(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let therope rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid,continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip onthe starter handle, let the rope return to the starterslowly.Using Your Lawn MowerBe sure the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or otherobjects which could damage the lawn mower or theengine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by themower in any direction and cause serious personalinjury to the operator and others.For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tendsto stick to the underside of the mower, preventingproper discharge of grass clippings, and could causeyou to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grassmay require a narrower cut.For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-thirdof the total length of the grass. Your lawn should be cutin the fall as long as there is growth. This mower isdesigned to be operated at full throttle to give you thebest cut and do the most effective job of mowing ormulching.WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,stop the engine. Remove wire from thespark plug, thoroughly inspect the mowerfor any damage, and repair the damagebefore restarting and operating themower. Extensive vibration of the mowerduring operation is an indication ofdamage. The unit should be promptlyinspected and repaired.MulchingFor effective mulching, do not cut wet grass because ittends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventingproper mulching of grass clippings. New or thick grassmay require a narrower cut. The ground speed shouldbe adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing hasbeen delayed and the grass has been allowed to growin excess of 4”, mulching is not recommended. Mowusing the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 31/4” maximum before mulching.SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTSWARNING: Always stop engine, discon-nect spark plug, and ground againstengine before performing adjustments.Cutting Height AdjustmentEach wheel has a height adjustment lever whichprovides cutting height adjustment. When theadjustment lever is moved from one location to anotherthe height of cut will be changed. Simply depress thelever towards wheel and move lever assembly todesired position. See Figure 9.IMPORTANT: All wheels must be placed in the samerelative position. For rough or uneven lawns, move theheight adjustment lever to a higher position. This willhelp stop scalping of the grass.Figure 9HeightAdjustment Levers