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Section 3 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.2 STARTING & STOPPING – ENGINE, BLADES,
PARKING BRAKE
This machine is equipped with dual hydrostatic
wheel drive transmissions. Each transmission is
controlled by a single motion control lever or
joystick. This single control lever (joystick) controls
the direction of motion, Forward and Reverse, and
the speed of motion. Move the joystick forward to
propel the machine forward. Move the control
rearward to propel the machine in reverse. The
speed of motion is continuously variable from
neutral (zero) to maximum. Moving the joystick
farther from the neutral position will cause the
speed of motion to increase. To turn, move the
joystick towards the side you want to turn to. DO
NOT make sudden changes in speed or direction.
Always slow machine motion before turning. To
stop the motion of the machine, bring the joystick
back to the neutral position. Engage parking brake.
3.2.1. STARTING ENGINE
When the ignition key is turned the engine will not
start or turn over unless the parking brake is
engaged and the blade switch is pushed in to
“OFF”.
1. Complete pre-start checklist.
2. Sit in operator’s seat.
3. Push blade switch in to “OFF”, blades are in
disengaged position and engage parking brake.
See Figure 3.2.
4. Move choke control forward to choke position to
start a cold engine. See Figure 3.4.
5. Move engine speed control to the Rabbit “FAST”
position. See Figure 3.4.
6. Turn key to the start position until engine starts.
See Figure 3.5.
FIGURE 3.4
FIGURE 3.5
NOTE: If after 5 seconds of cranking the engine
does not start, release the key. Attempt starting
again after waiting for approximately 20 seconds.
7. After engine starts, move the choke control to
the “OFF” or no choke position. Allow a brief warm-
up until engine runs smooth.
3.2.2. STOPPING ENGINE
1. Stop engine by turning key to “STOP” position.
Move engine speed to the Turtle “SLOW” position
and turn key to “STOP”. See Figure 3.5.
WARNING
DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP blades.
LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets,
and hazards before and while backing.
3.2.3. STARTING M OWER BLADES
1. Start engine and set engine speed control to the
Rabbit “FAST” position. See Figure 3.4.
2. Pull the Blade Switch out to the “ON” position to
engage the mower blades. See Figure 3.2.
3.2.4. STOPPING MOWER BLADES
1. Push Blade Switch in to “OFF” position to
disengage the blade.
WARNING
Once blades are disengaged, they should come to a
complete stop in 7 seconds. If the blades continue to
rotate after 7 seconds, the electric clutch should be
checked. Replacement of electric clutch may be
necessary. Return the machine to an authorized
Snapper dealer for replacement. DO NOT CONTINUE
to operate mower if blades fail to stop in 7 seconds.
2. Move engine speed control to the Turtle “SLOW”
position. Turn key to “STOP” position. Engage
parking brake.
ENGINE
SPEED
CONTROL
CHOKE
CONTROL
“STOP”
POSITION
KEY SHOWN IN “ON” POSITION