OPERATION
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois- ture 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 choke position.
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, move throttle control to fast position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does not start, move the throttle control back to the choke position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and above)
•When engine starts, move the throttle control to the fast position.
•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/10°C and below)
•When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast posi- tion. This may require an engine
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.
•Theattachmentscanalsobeusedduringtheenginewarm- up period after the transmission has been warmed up.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32°F/0°C) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjust- ments section of this manual.
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