Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to operate the machine until you have read this manual thoroughly and become familiar with all controls and operating procedures. Serious injury or damage can result.
2.1PRE-START CHECK LIST
Make the following checks and perform the service required before each
2.1.1.Check tires and add or release air as needed to bring pressure to 12 P.S.I. front and rear.
2.1.2.Check guards, deflectors and covers to make sure all are in place and securely tightened.
2.1.3.Check engine oil and add as needed to bring level up to the FULL mark. Refer to engine owner’s manual for oil specifications. See Figure 2.1.
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
SAFE LEVEL
AREA
FIGURE 2.1
2.1.4.Check all controls to make sure they operate freely and correctly. (Refer to section “FAMILIARIZATION”.)
2.1.5.Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc. Keep engine air intake screen and cooling fins clear at all times.
2.1.6.Add fuel to tank with machine out of doors where fumes can safely dissipate. Refer to engine owner’s manual for fuel specifications. Make sure fuel filler cap is tight after filling tank. Open vent screw on fuel cap by turning counterclockwise. Also open fuel valve, located in fuel line. See Figure 2.2.
VENT SCREW
FUEL FILLER CAP
WITH VENT SCREW.
TIGHTEN CAP AND
OPEN VENT SCREW
AFTER REFUELING.
FUEL CAP
FUEL VALVE
FIGURE 2.2
2.2ENGINE OPERATION 2.2.1. STARTING ENGINE
1.Make sure both motion control levers are lifted fully up and out into their neutral lock positions. See Figure 1.5.
2.Make sure blade switch is pushed in to its off (‘0’) position. See Figure 1.7.
3.Make sure parking brake is engaged. See Figure 1.6.
IMPORTANT: Engine will not crank or start unless steps 1 thru 3 have been taken.
4.Make sure vent screw on fuel cap and fuel valve in fuel line are both open. See Figure 2.2. IMPORTANT: Failure to open vent screw and/or fuel valve will prevent engine from starting, or will cause engine to stall after starting.
5.Sit squarely in operator seat.
6.Move engine speed control fully forward to ‘Choke’ position. See Figure 1.3.
7.Turn key to “START” position and hold until engine starts. See Figure 1.2. NOTE: If engine does not start after 5 seconds, release key, wait 20 seconds, then attempt starting again. (If engine still fails to start, refer to the troubleshooting section of both mower and engine manuals.)
8.After engine starts, move engine speed control back past choke control and to desired speed position. Allow a brief
WARNING
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP engine. STOP blades. Engage park brake. Remove key. DO NOT park machine on slopes.
2.2.2. STOPPING ENGINE
1.Stop engine by turning key to “STOP” position. See Figure 1.2.
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