Ferris Industries BGF36KAV15, BGF48KAV15 manual General Operating Safety, Checks Before Starting

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Operation

GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY

Before first time operation:

Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this mower.

Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit.

Drive in an open area without mowing to become accustomed to the unit.

CHECKS BEFORE STARTING

Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick. See the engine Operator’s Manual for instructions and oil recommendations.

Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in place and tight.

Fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. Refer to engine manual for fuel recommendations.

Make sure fuel shut off valve is in the ON position.

WARNING

Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, disengage the PTO, stop the engine and remove the key.

To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, tractor and mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease. Do not stop or park tractor over dry leaves, grass or combustible materials.

Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled with care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not allow open flame, smoking or matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.

WARNING

STARTING THE ENGINE

Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged and the ground speed selector lever is in neutral.

Set the engine throttle control to FAST throttle posi- tion. Then fully close the choke by pulling the knob OUT fully.

NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.

Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to RUN.

Grasp recoil handle and pull cord briskly. (You may have to pull several times before engine starts. If engine fails to start within a reasonable number of attempts, discontinue and check engine manual for further instructions.)

NOTE: Be sure recoil cord retracts fully into recoil unit. A slack recoil cord can cause serious personal injury and/or damage the unit.

After the engine starts, gradually open the choke (push knob down fully).

Warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute before engaging the PTO lever/switch or driving the mower.

After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the unit at FULL THROTTLE when mowing.

In the event of an emergency the engine can be stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to STOP. Use this method only in emergency situations. For normal engine shut down follow the procedure given in STOPPING THE MOWER.

If you do not understand how a specific control functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the FEATURES & CONTROLS section, do so now.

Do NOT attempt to operate the mower without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls.

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Image 12 Contents
Model Number Ferris Industries 23230Page Table of Contents Safety Rules & Information OperationSafety Rules & Information Do NotMaintenance and Storage Safe Handling of GasolineIdentification Numbers Identification NumbersSafety Decals GeneralDecal Dash Panel Decal Warning Decal Danger Safety Interlock System Operational Safety ChecksControl Functions Ground Speed Selector LeverSteering Levers Clutch Lock LeversFeatures & Controls General Operating Safety Checks Before StartingStarting the Engine Operation Storage Starting After Long Term StorageTemporary Storage 30 Days Or Less Long Term Storage Longer Than 30 DaysCheck Tire Pressure See Before Every SpringFall Tire PressureRegular Maintenance Checking / Adding FuelFuel Filter OIL & Filter ChangeLubrication GreaseOil Installing The Blade Servicing the Mower BladesTroubleshooting Adjustments & Service Troubleshooting the MowerTroubleshooting, Adjustment & Service Troubleshooting the Mower DeckSteering Lever Adjustment To adjustBrake Adjustment Mowing Height AdjustmentMount Blade Caster Height Of Cut PTO Clutch Adjustment Blade Brake CheckAdjust Belt Tension Removal & ReplacementPTO Drive Belt Gearbox Drive Belt Gearbox Drive BeltPage HOW and When to WATER, Fertilize & Aerate General InformationTypes of GRASS, Climate and Conditions Lawn Care & Mowing Information Tall Grass Requires Incremental CuttingInch Proper Cutting HeightWhen and HOW Often to MOW What Mowing Patterns to USEMowing Methods Proper Broadcast MowingProper Mulching How to start a healthy compost pile CompostingTips On Dealing With Clippings Methods actually contribute to a healthy lawnSolutions for Common Mowing Problems StreakingStepped Cutting Stepped CuttingUneven Cutting ScalpingStingers Common International Symbols Technical ManualsFerris Industries, Inc Owners Limited Warranty Information Effective 04/28/2004UltraBelt GD Series Ferris Industries