Bolens 124-848L401 - Manual (Page 6)

THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the left sic e of the
upper handle. It is used to regulate the engine speed.
A
WARNING: The throttle control Cc nnot be
used to stop the engine.
RECOIL STARTER
The recoil starter handle is attached to the handle.
See figure 7. Stand behind the unit in the operating
position to start the unit.
DRIVE CLUTCH CONTROL
(Self-Propelled Model Only)
Squeezing the drive clutch control engages the drive
mechanism to the rear wheels. Releasing the clutch
control stops the rear wheels from driving. Release
the drive clutch control to slow down when negotiating
an obstacle, making a turn or stopping. See figure 7.
SHIFT LEVER (Self-Propelled Model Only)
The six speed shift lever is located on the drive clutch
control housing on the upper handle. See figure 7.
This lever is used to select the operating speed of the
mower. Release the drive clutch control when chang­
ing speeds.
IMPORTANT: Move the shift lever ONLY when the
engine is running. Shifting the speeds with the
engine off can cause damage to the unit.
OPERATION
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NO
OPERATE MOWER UNLESS REAR TRAILIN
SHIELD AND THIS GUARD OR ENTIR
GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE
KEEP HANDS and FEET AWAY
FIGURE 8.
Keep hands and feet away from the chute area on
cutting deck. See figure 8.
The operation of any lawn mower can result in for­
eign objects being thrown into the eyes, which
can result in severe eye damage.
Always wear safety glasses or eye
shields. We recommend widn vision
safety mask for over speetc cles or
standard safety glasses.
NOTE: For best results raise the cutting position until
it is determined which height is best for your lawn.
See cutting height adjustment section.
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Service the engine with gasoiine and oil as
instructed in the separate engine manual paclied with
your mower. Read instructions carefully.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or until the engine
has been aiiowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
BEFORE STARTING
1. Self-Propelied Models Only: Before each use,
check for proper drive clutch operation by per­
forming the following before starting the engine:
With the drive clutch control released, push
mower forward. It should move freely. Pull mower
backward. It should move with only a small
amount of resistance.
If it does not and the rear wheels tend to lock up,
the clutch may not be releasing completely. Do
not start the engine until corrections have been
made. Check the control cable for severe bend,
kinks and binding, or grass build-up around the
belt. Correct and adjust as required. Refer to
instructions
under “Drive Clutch Control
Adjustment” in Adjustment Section for loosening
the drive belt.
2. Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make cer­
tain the metal loop on the end of the spark plug
wire (inside the rubber boot) is fastened securely
over the metal tip on the spark plug. See figure 9.
Metal Loop
on Spark
Plug Wire
Rubber Boot
FIGURE 9.