SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs ser-
vicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service
engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP".
For acurate reading, be sure key remains in the "STOP" position when engtne is not running.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in yourtractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
!.Check engine oil with tractor on level
groun&
2.Unthread and remove oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off° Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and rest oil fill cap on the tube. Do not thread the cap onto the tuber Remove and read oil level, if necessary, add oil until "FULI_ mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
3.For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See the oil viscosity chart in the Maintenance section of this manual).
4.To change engine oil, seethe Maintenance section in this manual.
5.Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil
with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quanti- ties that can be used within 30 days to
u_elaSsure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: When operating in temper- atures 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 moisture 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. Usefresh 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.
RESERVE FUEL VALVE OPERATION 1_ Raise seat to access reserve fuel
valve,
2, In normal operation, valve should be set to primary (as shown in view)
3.If tractor runs out of fuel, rotate valve
handle to reserve.
4o Drive tractor to be refueled.
5.After refueling, return valve to primary position.
Reserve
Fuel Valve
@
Primary
TO START ENGINE
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 trans- mission engaged position.
2.Sit on seat in operating position, depress
brake pedal and set parking brake.
3o 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_
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