Ryobi 136 - Manual (Page 12)

stopping the Motor and Blade
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WARNING: The blade continues to rotate for a
few seconds after the motor is shut off. If the motor
does not come to a stop when the motor/blade
control handle is released^ contact an authorized
service dealer.
To stop the motor and blade from spinning:
• Release the motor/blade control lever from its
position against the upper handle and the blade
and motor will quickly come to a stop.
NOTE: A high pitched noise may occur as the electric
motor deceierates and some sparking may occur also
at the same time. This is normal behavior when the
motor and blade is disengaged.
Mowing Your Lawn
NOTE: A sharp blade will greatly increase the
performance of the lawn mower, especially in
conditions of higher grass. Be sure to check the blade
and sharpen it at least once a year as outlined in the
Maintenance section.
• Be sure that lawn is dear of stones, sticks, wires, or
other objects which could damage the lawn mower
or motor. Such objects could be accidentally thrown
by the mower in any direction and cause serious
personal injury to the operator and others.
• To prevent electric shock, do not operate the
mower in damp or wet conditions.
• Always start from the point closest to the powrer
source
where the cord is connected. Never mow
around the lawn in circles; travel back and forth
across the lawn, starting from the point closest to
the outlet and then moving away from the outlet so
the cord lies in the cut portion of the lawn, out of the
way. See Figure 10.
Figure 10
Do not allow the extension cord to wrap around
trees, shrubs or other obstacles. When picking up
the extension cord, wind the cord in a series of
equal loops on each side of your hand to prevent
snarling.
When cutting heavy grass, reduce walking speed to
allow more effective cut and proper collection of the
clippings. For a healthy lawn, always cut off one-
third or less of the total length of the grass. The
average lawn should be approximately 1-1/2 to 2
inches during the cool season, and over 2 inches
during hot months. For a healthier and better
looking lawn, cut more often and after moderate
growth. The lawn should be cut in the fall season as
long as there is growth.
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WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop
the motor, and unplug from the power supply
circuit. Thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage, and repair the damage before restarting
and operating the mower. Excessive vibration of
the mower during operation is an indication of
damage. The unit should be promptly inspected
and repaired-
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height Adjustment NOTE: For rough or uneven lawns, move the wheels to
a position which will give a higher cutting height.
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WARNING: Always stop the motor and
disconnect from the power source before cleaning,
lubricating or performing any repairs or
maintenance on the lawn mower.
This mower has three cutting height positions as shown
in Figure 11. To adjust the cutting height:
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