To Start Engine See Fig, Purge Transmission

OPERATION

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3)

When starting the engine for the ﬁrst time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.

•Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position.

•Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal and set parking brake.

•Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.

•Move throttle control to fast position

•Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed.

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures below.

•Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” position and release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than ﬁfteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, pull the choke control out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

•When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly.

•The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING (50° F and below)

•When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push the choke control in small steps allowing the engine to accept small changes in speed and load, until the choke control is fully in. If the engine starts to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and then continue to push the control in slowly. This may require an engine warm-up period from several seconds to several minutes, depending on the temperature.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

•Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

•Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

•Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position.

•Allow one minute for transmission to warm up.This can be done during the engine warm up period.

•The attachments can be used during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up and may require the choke control be pulled out slightly.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

PURGE TRANSMISSION

CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is run-

ning.

To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom- mended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the ﬁrst time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have de- veloped during shipping of your tractor.

IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLATION BEFORE OPERATING THE TRACTOR.

1.Place tractor safely on a level surface - that is clear and open - with engine off and parking brake set.

2.Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).

3.Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. Dis- engage parking brake

CAUTION: At any time, during step 4, there may be movement of the drive wheels.

4.Depress forward drive pedal to full forward position, hold for ﬁve (5) seconds and release pedal. Depress reverse drive pedal to full reverse position, hold for ﬁve

(5) seconds and release pedal. Repeat this procedure three (3) times.

5.Shut- off engine and set parking brake.

6.Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this sec- tion of manual).

7.Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. Disengage parking brake.

8.Drive tractor forward for approximately ﬁve feet then backwards for ﬁve feet. Repeat this driving procedure three times.

Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal operation.