Pre-Start

Operation

PTO Engagement Switch

Located on right fuel tank.

Switch must be pulled out (up) to engage the blades. Switch is pushed in to disengage the blades.

Note: If the engine overheats, the PTO will automatically disengage. The PTO cannot be engaged until the engine has cooled down. To re-engage the PTO, push PTO switch in to the disengaged position and then pull out to engage. Refer to the Engine overheats in the Troubleshooting section.

Coolant Temperature Gauge

Located at the front of the left fuel tank.

The coolant temperature gauge monitors the temperature of the engine coolant. An engine overheating condition is indicated by the red area on the gauge. An alarm will sound and the PTO will disengage. Refer to the Warning Buzzer in the Troubleshooting section.

Note: If the engine coolant level is below the indicator line on the overflow bottle when the engine is cold, the coolant temperature gauge may not register correctly during operation. Refer to Check Engine Coolant Level in Maintenance.

Voltmeter

Located next to the Coolant Temperature Gauge at the front of the left fuel tank.

The voltmeter measure the voltage output of the alternator. Both high and low voltages will potentially damage the battery.

Glow Plug Switch and Light

Located on the right fuel tank.

Depress and hold the switch to heat the glow plugs. The glow plug light comes on when the glow plug switch is depressed. The glow plug light indicates the glow plugs are preheating the combustion chamber.

Low Oil Pressure Light

Located on the right fuel tank.

Light will come on when engine oil pressure is low or lost.

Warning Buzzer

Located behind the seat under the air deflector on the electrical panel.

The buzzer is a warning signal that the engine is overheating or the oil pressure is low. See the Troubleshooting section.

Note: If the engine coolant level is below the indicator line on the overflow bottle when the engine is cold, the warning buzzer may not sound if the engine overheats. Refer to Check Engine Coolant Level in Maintenance.

Deck Lift Pedal

Located at the right front corner of the floor pan.

Push the pedal forward with your foot to raise the cutting deck. Allow the pedal to move rearward to lower the cutting deck to the cut height that has been set.

Fill fuel tank on level ground.

Make sure you understand the controls, their locations, their functions, and their safety requirements.

Refer to the Maintenance section and perform all the necessary inspection and maintenance steps.

Determining Fuel

The engine runs on clean, fresh diesel fuel with a minimum octane rating of 40. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to ensure fuel freshness.

Use summer grade diesel fuel (No. 2-D) at temperatures above 20°F (-7°C) and winter grade diesel fuel (No. 1-D or No. 1-D/2-D blend) below 20° F (-7° C). Use of winter grade diesel fuel at lower temperatures provides lower flash point and pour point characteristics, therefore easing startability and lessening chances of chemical separation of the fuel due to lower temperatures (wax appearance, which may plug filters).

Use of summer grade diesel fuel above 20°F (-7°C) will contribute toward longer life of the pump components.