Operation
The knob can be adjusted so that machine will “track” straight ahead with the drive levers released.
PTO Engagement Control
Located on left side of control console.
To engage the blades, the knob must be pulled toward the operator until the turnbuckle (attached to the blade engagement idler) locks
Park brake must be disengaged before PTO is engaged or engine will kill.
Cold Start Kit
Located on the right hand side of engine deck, below and slightly ahead of the hydro control shield.
The cold start kit is used to ease the starting of the unit in cold weather or when the unit has not been operated for a period of time. The cold start kit moves the idler pulley away from the pump belt, releasing the tension on the belt which allows the engine to turn over with less resistance (see Starting the Engine section in Operation).
Pre-Start
Fill fuel tank. For best results use only clean, fresh regular grade unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Regular grade leaded gasoline may also be used; however, combustion chamber and cylinder head will require more frequent service. See Engine Owner’s Manual.
Do Not add oil to gasoline.
Do Not overfill fuel tank. Never fill the fuel tank so that the fuel level rises above a level that is 1/2 inch below the bottom of the filler neck to allow for fuel expansion and prevent fuel spillage.
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.
Operating Instructions
Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Rotate the valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise to turn fuel on.
Starting the Engine
Note: Operator must have PTO disengaged and speed control lever in neutral position when starting the engine.
Lock drive levers in neutral and engage park brake
Note: A cold weather starting kit has been added for ease of starting in either cold weather or when the unit has not been run for a period of time.
•To use cold start kit:
1.Pull split ring straight out the side of the unit, and hook the ring over the lower front hydro control shield bolt.
2.Start engine. Refer to the following guidelines for further starting suggestions.
•To engage pump drive (disengage cold start kit):
1.Pull chain straight out from the side of the unit until the split ring can be removed from the bolt.
2.Slowly release tension on chain.
1.Pull out the choke control. Place the throttle control midway between the “Slow” and “Fast” positions. Turn the key switch to the “Run” position.
2.Pull recoil rope to start engine. After engine warms up, gradually push in the choke control. Do Not run warm engine with the choke in the “ON” position.
Note: Kawasaki engines generally need to be “choked” even when warm.
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.
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