OPERATION
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
•The engine in your mower has been shipped from the factory, already filled with
•Check engine oil with the mower on level ground.
•Refer to you Engine Owners Manual for correct oil level.
•To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities section of this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill fuel tank. 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 ensure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32° F. (0° C.), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION
Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids dur- ing 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 the run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel the next season. See Storage Instruc- tions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaners in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
WARNING
Fill to bottom of filler neck. Do not over fill. Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
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 IZT (Integraded Zeroturn Transaxle) bypass linkages are in the drive position.
•Sit on the seat in the operators position, release park brake lever.
•Check to be sure the PTO switch is disengaged.
•Move the throttle control to the choke position.
•For a warm engine start, the choke control may not be needed
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