OPERATION
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 sys- tem 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. 4)
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 clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.
•Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.
•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 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 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.
•Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release the parking brake and let the clutch/
brake slowly return to operating position.
•Allow one minute for transmission to warm up.This can be done during the engine warm up period.
•The attachments can also be used during the engine
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
PURGE TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Never engage or disengage freewheel lever while the engine is run- ning.
To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom- mended that the transmission be purged before operating tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any trapped air inside the transmission which may have de- veloped during shipping of your tractor.
IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLATION BEFORE OPERATING THE TRACTOR.
•Place tractor safely on level surface with engine off and parking brake set.
•Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).
•Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to slow position. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly dis- engage clutch/brake pedal.
•Move motion control lever to full forward position and hold for five (5) seconds. Move lever to full reverse position and hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this procedure three (3) times.
NOTE: During this procedure there will be no movement of drive wheels. The air is being removed from hydraulic drive system.
•Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. Shut- off engine and set parking brake.
•Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in driving position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this section of manual).
•Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. With motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly disengage clutch/brake pedal.
•Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move motion control lever to reverse position. After the trac- tor moves approximately five (5) feet return the mo- tion control lever to the neutral (N) position. Repeat this procedure with the motion control lever three (3) times.
•Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal operation.
13