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Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.2 STARTING & STOPPING - ENGINE, BLADES,
PARKING BRAKE
This machine is equipped with dual hydrostatic wheel
drive transmissions. Each transmission is controlled by
a separate motion control lever. The left lever controls
the left wheel drive transmission and the right lever
controls the right wheel drive transmission. These levers
control the direction of motion, Forward & Reverse, and
the speed of motion. Move both levers forward to propel
the machine forward. Move both controls rearward to
propel the machine in reverse. The speed of motion is
continuously variable from neutral (zero) to the
maximum. Moving the control farther from the neutral
position will cause the speed of motion to increase. To
turn, move the lever on the side to which you want to turn
slightly rearward of the other lever. Move controls slowly
and carefully. DO NOT make sudden changes in speed
or direction. Always slow machine motion before turning.
To stop the motion of the machine bring both motion
control levers to the neutral position. Engage parking
brake.
2.2.1. 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
disengaged position and engage parking brake.
See Figure 2.2.
4. Move choke control forward to choke position to
start a cold engine. See Figure 2.4.
5. Move engine speed control to the Rabbit “FAST”
position. See Figure 2.4
6. Turn key to the start position until engine starts.
See Figure 2.5.
FIGURE 2.4
FIGURE 2.5
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.
2.2.2. 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 2.5.
WARNING
DO NOT operate blades in reverse. STOP blades.
LOOK and SEE behind and down for children, pets,
and hazards before and while backing.
2.2.3. STARTING M OWER BLADES
1. Start engine and set engine speed control to the
Rabbit “FAST” position.
2. Pull the Blade Switch out to the “ON” position to
engage the mower blades. See Figure 2.2.
2.2.4. STO PPING 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