Husqvarna 580 R User Manual

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STARTING AND SHUT OFF
See Figures 1, 4 and 6 for all Controls and 
Features.
NOTE: Start engine on a hard level surface 
that is free of debris. 
Manual Start
1. Check each item in Before Each Use in 
the Maintenance Schedule.
2. For engines with a primer, push primer 
bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine. 
3. For engines with a choke, place throttle 
control in the choke position. Once the 
engine has started, place throttle in the 
high speed detent.
4. With engine/blade control held against 
the handlebar, grasp starter handle and 
pull rope out slowly until it pulls harder. 
This is the compression stroke. Let 
rope rewind slowly. Then pull rope with 
rapid continuous full arm stroke to start 
engine. Allow rope to rewind slowly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT let starter handle snap 
against engine.
5. Repeat until engine starts. (If engine 
does not start, refer to 
Troubleshooting.)
Electric Start
1. Check each item in Before Each Use in 
the Maintenance Schedule.
2. For engines with a primer, push primer 
bulb 2 or 3 times for a cold engine. 
3. For engines with a choke, place throttle 
control in the choke position. Once the 
engine has started, place throttle in the 
high speed position.
4. With engine/blade control held against 
the handlebar, turn the key to “Start” 
position to crank engine and release 
key when engine starts.
NOTE: It is not necessary to prime or choke a 
warm engine.
If starter will not cycle because of grass 
buildup under deck, rotate blade with recoil 
starter to clear blockage.
Recoil may be used to start the engine (See 
Manual Start).
Shut Off
1. On self-propelled models, release 
wheel drive control and allow unit to 
come to a complete stop.
2. Release engine/blade control, and 
allow engine to cool.
Mowing Tips
The following tips will help you to mow safely, 
achieve maximum performance from your 
mower and maintain the appearance of your 
lawn. 
When bagging, be sure to release Engine/
Blade Control to stop engine and blade before 
attempting to remove and empty grass bag. 
Empty bag before it becomes overloaded and 
clogs mower.
Restarting engine will be easier if mower is 
allowed to completely discharge clippings 
before stopping engine.
NOTE: Be sure to empty grass bag and clean 
mower pan after each use. DO NOT allow 
grass clumps or a coating of grass and debris 
to collect inside of grass bag or mower pan. 
NOTE: Avoid operating over bare ground with 
only patches of grass. This causes dirt and 
grass to collect under pan surface and in grass 
bag. 
Prevent debris buildup and allow proper air 
circulation. Remove grass bag from mower, 
wash bag with hose and allow to dry. 
Mulching Tips
For best mulching performance, set mower 
height to 3 inches. If grass is very tall, do not 
cut more than 1 inch of grass per cutting. 
Cut grass only when dry, not when it is wet 
from dew, rain, or watering. Wet grass tends to 
pack inside the mower pan. If cut grass does 
not disperse evenly, it is probably because too 
much grass is being removed per cutting, the 
grass is too wet, or the travel speed is too fast.
CAUTION: ALWAYS remove key 
(electric start models) when not in 
use to prevent accidental starting or 
unauthorized use.
CAUTION: On swivel wheel models, 
when mowing on slopes it is 
recommended that the linchpin be 
positioned through the swivel lock 
hole. If wheels are in the swivel 
position and control handles are 
released the mower may “free roll” 
downhill. Never mow on steep 
slopes.
CAUTION: If clog or obstruction 
prevents grass flow, release Engine/
Blade Control and disconnect spark 
plug wire before attempting to clear 
away any clogs.