Yard Machines 086 User Manual

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10
Gas and Oil Fill-Up
Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in 
the separate engine manual packed with your mower. 
Read instructions carefully.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors with
engine running or until the engine has
been allowed to cool for at least two
minutes after running.
Starting Engine
Attach spark plug wire to spark plug. Make certain 
the metal cap on the end of the spark plug is 
fastened securely over the metal tip on the spark 
plug.
Prime engine as instructed in the separate engine 
manual packed with your unit. 
Your lawn mower may be equipped with a constant 
speed throttle, which is set at full throttle for best 
performance.
Stand behind the mower and squeeze the blade 
control handle against the upper handle.
Grasp recoil starter handle and pull rope out slowly 
until engine reaches the start of compression cycle 
(rope will pull slightly harder at this point). Let the 
rope rewind slowly. Pull rope with a rapid, 
continuous, full arm stroke. Keeping a firm grip on 
the starter handle, let the rope return to the starter 
slowly.  
Using Your Lawn Mower
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire, or 
other objects which could damage the lawn mower or 
the engine. Such objects could be accidently thrown by 
the mower in any direction and cause serious personal 
injury to the operator and others.
For best results, do not cut wet grass because it tends 
to stick to the underside of the mower, preventing 
proper discharge of grass clippings, and could cause 
you to slip and fall. New grass, thick grass, or wet grass 
may require a narrower cut.
For a healthier lawn, never cut off more than one-third 
of the total length of the grass. Your lawn should be cut 
in the fall as long as there is growth. This mower is 
designed to be operated at full throttle to give you the 
best cut and do the most effective job of mowing or 
mulching.
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine. Remove wire from the
spark plug, thoroughly inspect the mower
for any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the
mower. Extensive vibration of the mower
during operation is an indication of
damage. The unit should be promptly
inspected and repaired.
Mulching
For effective mulching, do not cut wet grass because it 
tends to stick to the underside of the deck, preventing 
proper mulching of grass clippings. New or thick grass 
may require a narrower cut. The ground speed should 
be adjusted to the condition of the lawn. If mowing has 
been delayed and the grass has been allowed to grow 
in excess of 4”, mulching is not recommended. Mow 
using the side discharge to reduce the grass height to 3 
1/4” maximum before mulching.
SECTION 6:  MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
Cutting Height Adjustment
Figure 9
WARNING: Do not at any time make any
adjustments without first stopping engine
and disconnecting spark plug wire.
Each wheel has a height adjustment lever which 
provides cutting height adjustment. When the 
adjustment lever is moved from one location to another 
the height of cut will be changed. Simply depress the 
lever towards wheel and move lever assembly to 
desired position. See Figure 9.
IMPORTANT:
 All wheels must be placed in the same 
relative position. For rough or uneven lawns, move the 
height adjustment lever to a higher position. This will 
help stop scalping of the grass.
Height Adjustment
Lever