To Start Engine

_CAUTION:	Wipe	off any spilled		oil or
fuel. Do not	store, spill or use		gasoline
near an open	flame.
IMPORTANT:	When	operating	in temper-
atures below32°F(0°C),		use fresh,		clean

winter grade gasoline to help insure good cold weather starting.

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separa- tion 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.

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.

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

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

3.Move attachment clutch to disengaged position.

4.Move throttle control to fast position

5.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.

6.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 con- trol out and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above)

7.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)

7.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 en- gine 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.

NOTE: In extreme cold conditions, if engine will not start you may need to dis- engage the motion drive belt as follows:

1.Be sure parking brake is engaged.

2.Remove retainer spring from the drive belt tension handle to relieve belt ten-

sion.

3.Start engine and allow it to warm up for three (3) minutes.

4.Shut-off engine and engage parking brake.

5.Engage drive belt tension handle and replace the retainer spring.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

Before driving the unit in cold weather,

the transmission should be warmed up as follows:

1.Be sure the tractor is on level ground.

2.Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position.

3.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).