Note: When grass is thick and lush, clippings may
collect on and around the discharge tunnel plug.
This may make removing the plug difficult. Clean
the plug thoroughly after each use.
Checking the Blade Brake
Clutch
Check the operation of the blade brake clutch before
each use to ensure that it is operating properly.
Normal Test
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop.
2. Move the mower onto a paved surface in a
non-windy area.
3. Set all 4 wheels in to the 2-3/4 inch (70 mm) cutting
height setting.
4. Set the ground speed selector to the Neutral
position.
5. Take a half sheet of newspaper and crumple it into
a ball small enough to go under the housing (about
3 inches or 76 mm in diameter).
6. Place the ball of newspaper 5 inches (12.7 cm) in
front of the mower (Figure 18).
Figure 18
1. 5 inches (12.7 cm)
7. Start the engine.
8. Ensure that the blade control bar down is in the
lowest position (Figure 19).
9. Push the blade control bar to the right.
10. Lift the blade control bar up to about one inch
(2.5 cm) below the handle; refer to position A in
Figure 20.
Note: The fan-like noise indicates that the mower
blade is turning.
1. 1 inch (2.5 cm)
11. Release the blade control bar; refer to position B
in Figure 21. You should hear a "bang." The blade
should stop in 3 seconds.
12. Immediately push the mower over the newspaper
ball.
13. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop.
14. Walk around the mower to check for the newspaper
ball. If the ball did not go under the housing, repeat
steps 6 through 13.
15. Pull the mower away from the newspaper. If the
newspaper ball unravels or is shredded, the blade
has not properly stopped, resulting in an unsafe
15
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21