Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.3STARTING & OPERATION
2.3.1.STARTING ENGINE
1.Take a comfortable position in seat of machine, look around to make sure that the area you are going to mow is clear of people, children and pets. Take note of any stationary obstacles!
NOTE: The interlock system will prevent the engine from starting if the blade engagement lever is in the "ON" (up) position or if the clutch/brake pedal is not fully depressed. If the interlock system ever fails to work, DO NOT OPERATE the tractor until the interlock has been repaired.
2.Push blade engagement lever down to the "OFF" position. See Figure 2.4.
BLADE
ENGAGEMENT
LEVER
OFF
PUSH BLADE
ENGAGEMENT LEVER
DOWN TO “OFF” TO
START ENGINE
FIGURE 2.4
3.Depress the clutch/brake pedal fully. See Figure 2.5.
4.Move Speed Control Lever to neutral.
NOTE: The seat interlock will shut off the engine if the operator gets off the seat without setting the parking brake or if the blade is running. If the interlock ever fails to work, DO NOT OPERATE the tractor until the interlock has been repaired.
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL
PARKING
BRAKE
LEVER
DOWN
PUSH PEDAL ALL THE
WAY DOWN TO START
ENGINE
5.Choke engine for cold starting by moving engine speed control to "CHOKE" position. Little or no choking will be needed when restarting a warm engine. Insert key in switch. Turn key to "START" position to crank engine and hold until engine starts, then release key. See Figure 2.6.
NOTE: DO NOT crank engine for more than five seconds at a time. This will help prevent the starter from overheating and/or running down the battery. If cranking time is more than five seconds, locate and correct cause of starting problem.
6.After engine starts, release key, move the engine speed control to "FAST" position and allow engine to warm up before proceeding. See Figure
CHOKE LIGHT
POSITION SWITCH 
FAST
SLOW
ENGINE
SPEEDKEY CONTROL
FIGURE 2.6
WARNING
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop engine. Stop blade. Set parking brake. Remove key.
FIGURE 2.5
9
