Gas and oil fill-up, Before starting – Yard Machines 429 User Manual
Page 11
11
Blade Control Handle
WARNING:
The blade control mechanism is
a safety device. Never attempt to bypass it.
WARNING:
The blade will be rotating
whenever the engine is running. Keep your
hands and feet away from a rotataing blade.
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle 
of the mower. The blade control handle must be 
depressed in order to operate the unit. Release the 
blade control handle to stop the engine and blade.
Throttle Control Lever
(If equipped)
The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the 
upper handle. It is used to regulate engine speed. 
Please note that if the mower is not equipped with this 
lever, the engine has a constant speed throttle, which is 
already set at full throttle for best performance.
WARNING:
The throttle control cannot be
used to stop the engine.
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle and 
is used to start the engine. 
Height Adjustment Lever
The height adjustment lever is located on each wheel 
and adjusts the cutting height. All four levers have to be 
put at the same level for uniform cutting height. 
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING:
Keep hands and feet away
from the chute area on cutting deck. Refer to
warning label on the unit.
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
•
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as 
instructed in the 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
•
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. If the mower is 
equipped with a rubber boot over the end of the 
spark plug wire, ensure that the metal cap at the 
end of the spark plug wire inside the rubber boot is 
fastened securely over the spark plug’s metal tip. 
To Start Engine and Engage Blade
•
If the engine is equipped with a fuel valve lever, 
move it to the ON position. See Figure 15 .
Figure 15
•
Move the throttle control/choke lever, if equipped, 
forward all the way into the choke position. Warn 
engine may not require choking. In that case, move 
the throttle into the FAST (rabbit) position only
•
If engine is equipped with a primer, prime engine as 
instructed in the engine manual.
•
Standing behind the unit, depress the blade control 
handle and hold it against the upper handle.
•
Grasp starter handle and pull rope out slowly until 
engine reaches 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. 
Keep a firm grip on starter handle. Return it slowly 
to the rope guide.
•
After engine starts, move throttle control lever (if so 
equipped) to desired engine speed. Your mower is 
designed to operate at full throttle. Engines with 
fixed throttles operate at full throttle too.
To Stop Engine and Blade
•
Move throttle control lever, if equipped, to the 
SLOW (turtle) position.
•
Release blade control handle to stop the engine 
and the cutting blade.
WARNING:
The blade continues to rotate
for a few seconds after the engine has been
shut off.
•
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it 
against the engine.
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 determined
which height is best for your lawn. See cutting height
adjustment section on page 12.
Primer
OFF
ON
Fuel Valve Lever