MTD 21” Self Starter 589 - Manual (Page 9)

9
SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN MOWER
Read this owner’s manual and safety rules before operating your lawn mower. Compare the illustrations in Figure 9
with your lawn mower to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Save this manual
for future reference.
WARNING: The operation of any lawn mower can result in foreign objects being thrown into the
operator’s eyes and causing severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses while operating the mower,
or while performing any adjustments or repairs on it.
Figure 9
Recoil Starter
The recoil starter handle is attached to the upper
handle. See Figure 9. The recoil starter is used to start
the engine when the self starter is in the de-energized
mode.
Blade Control Handle
The blade control handle is located on the upper handle
of the mower. The blade control handle and starter
control button must be depressed in order to operate
the unit. Release blade control handle to stop engine
and blade and to energize the self starter. See Figure 9.
WARNING: The blade control handle is a
safety device. Never attempt to bypass its
operations. Doing so, may result in personal
injury through contact with the rotating blade.
The blade rotates whenever the engine is
running and when the self starter is de-
energized.
Cutting Height Adjustment Levers
These levers are located on each wheel and are used
to adjust the cutting height. These levers have to be at
the same relative position to ensure uniform cut.
See Figure 9.
Safety Key
The safety key is located on the engine. See Figure 9.
The safety key is a safety device used to activate and
deactivate the self starter system. The self starter
system will not work without the key in it’s proper
position. See engine manual for further information
pertaining to the safety key.
NOTE: The safety key must be in the run position to
start the mower for both systems, either the self starter
or recoil starter.
Start Control Button
The start control button is located on the upper left side
of the handle. See Figure 9. The start control button
must be depressed fully while pulling the blade control
handle toward upper handle for the engine to start. The
starter control button will automatically return to the off/
up position once the blade control handle is released.
Blade Control
Handle
Recoil
Starter
Grass
Catcher
Spark
Plug
Rear Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Front Cutting Height
Adjustment Lever
Safety
Key
Start Control
Button