Troy-Bilt 546 - Manual (Page 10)

10
Grass Catcher
The grass catcher, located at the rear of the mower, is
used to bag the grass clippings for disposal at another
site. Once the bag is full, it has to be removed from the
mower and emptied before any further mowing.
Mulching Plug
Instead of collecting grass clippings in a grass catcher,
this mower has the option of recirculating the clippings
back to the lawn. This is called mulching. Remove the
grass catcher and the side-discharge chute from the
mower, and operate with the mulching plug only for this
purpose.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
NOTE: You must service the engine with oil and
gasoline before starting the mower for the first time.
Check oil and gasoline levels and fill up as necessary
for subsequent starts.
Gas & Oil Fill-Up
• Check oil level and add oil if necessary. Follow
relevant instructions in the engine manual for this.
• Service the engine with gasoline as instructed in
the engine manual.
Before Starting Mower
• Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug wire
(inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely over
the metal tip on the spark plug.
Starting Engine
• (On Model 549 only, Model 546 skip to next bullet
point) Push primer three times. Wait about two
seconds between each push. In cold weather
around 55° F or below, prime five times. Do not
prime to restart a warm engine after a short
shutdown.
• Standing behind the mower, depress the blade
control handle and hold it against the upper handle.
• Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until
engine reaches the start of compression cycle
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the
rope rewind slowly.
• Pull rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroke.
Keeping a firm grip on the starter handle, let the
rope rewind slowly.
NOTE: See your engine manual packed with your unit
for more detailed instructions.
Stopping Engine
• Release blade control handle to stop the engine
and the blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire and move away from
spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
Using Your Lawn Mower
• You can use your mower as a mulching mower or a
rear bagger.
• Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower
or engine.
• For best results, do not cut wet grass. New grass or
thick grass may require a narrower cut.
WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never
fuel the machine indoors or while the engine is
hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars,
pipes and other sources of ignition.
WARNING: Be sure no one other than the
operator is standing near the lawn mower while
starting engine or operating mower.
WARNING: Never run engine indoors or in
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an
odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING: Keep hands, feet, hair and
loose clothing away from any moving parts on
engine and lawn mower.
WARNING: If the mower strikes a foreign
object, stop the engine. Remove spark plug
wire from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect
for any damage. Repair the damage promptly
before restarting and operating the mower.