Operating Instructions

Operation

Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve

Rotate the valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise to turn fuel on.

Starting the Engine

1.On a cold engine, place the throttle midway between the “Slow” and “Fast” positions and place the choke in the “On” position. On a warm engine, place the throttle lever midway between “Slow” and “Fast” positions and leave the choke in the “Off ” position.

2.Turn ignition switch to “Start” position. Release the switch as soon as the engine starts.

3.On a cold engine, gradually return choke to the “Off ” position after engine starts and warms up.

Important: Do not crank the engine continuously for more than ten seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, allow a 60 second starter cool-down period between starting attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines can burn out the starter motor.

Note: It is helpful to have the left and right neutral lock latches locked in neutral when starting the engine. Refer to Neutral Lock Latches section in Controls.

PTO Engagement

DANGER

The rotating blades under the mower deck are dangerous. Blade contact can cause serious injury or kill you.

Do Not put hands or feet under the mower or mower deck when the blades are engaged.

DANGER

An uncovered discharge opening will allow objects to be thrown in an operator’s or bystander’s direction. Also, contact with the blade could occur. Thrown objects or blade contact can cause serious injury or death.

Never operate the mower with the discharge deflector raised, removed, or altered unless there is a grass collection system or mulch kit in place and working properly.

The PTO switch engages the cutting blades. Be sure that all persons are clear of mower deck and discharge area before engaging the PTO.

1.Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.

2.Pull the PTO switch outward to the “ROTATE” position to engage the blades.

3.Place the throttle in the “FAST” position to begin mowing.

Disengaging the PTO

1.Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.

2.Push in on the switch to the “STOP” position to disengage the blades.

Stopping the Engine

1.Bring the unit to a full stop.

2.Lock drive levers in neutral.

3.Disengage the PTO.

4.Move speed control lever to neutral.

5.Engage the parking brake.

6.Place the throttle midway between the “SLOW” and “FAST” positions.

7.Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 15 seconds, then turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position to stop the engine.

8.Remove the key to prevent children or other unauthorized persons from starting engine.

9.Close the fuel shut-off valve when the machine will not be in use for a few days, when transporting, or when the unit is parked inside a building.