Section
4
Operation
WARNING
Before operating the unit, carefully read and understand all safety, control and operating instructions in this Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s Manual and the decals on the machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury.
PRE-START PREPARATION
Before starting the engine, perform the following checks and services:
1.Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
2.Move the engine On/Off switch to the OFF position.
3.Check that all wires and cables are properly and securely connected.
4.Check the six plastic cable ties (J, Figure 2). Be sure that cables and ties are positioned as shown. Cables must not be kinked or jammed in the handlebar.
5.Adjust handlebar height to desired po- sition (see Section 2).
6.Check hardware for tightness.
7.Check engine oil level (see Engine Owner’s Manual).
8.Check the air filter (see Engine Owner’s Manual).
9.Adjust the tilling depth as follows:
a.Loosen tilling depth adjustment knob (A, Figure 3).
A |
B |
C |
Figure 3
b.Move wheel bracket (B, Figure 3) up in relation to height adjustment bar
(C). Moving bracket upward results in shallower tilling, which is recom- mended for initial use.
IMPORTANT: Do not move the wheel bracket any higher than the top of the adjustment bar.
c.Retighten the depth adjustment knob.
10.Reconnect the spark plug wire.
DANGER
GASOLINE IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND ITS VAPORS ARE EXPLOSIVE.
Follow the gasoline safety rules in this Manual (Section 1) and in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.
Failure to follow gasoline safety instruc- tions can result in serious personal injury and property damage.
11.Add gasoline to the fuel tank.
IMPORTANT: Read the separate Engine Owner’s Manual before starting the engine. Never use stale or contaminated gasoline or oil/gas mix. The engine must be stopped and cool before adding gas.
Fill the fuel tank with unleaded gasoline (with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher) according to the directions in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual. The engine is a vertical type, GX 31 model.
STOPPING AND
STARTING THE ENGINE
Stopping the Engine
WARNING
Do not squeeze the Throttle/Tines Con- trol Lever while starting engine.
Tines may propel the machine forward if the engine speed is advanced from idle. Failure to comply can result in personal injury or property damage.
To stop the engine, move the On/Off Switch (A, Figure 2) to the OFF position.
NOTE: The On/Off switch wire must be securely connected at both ends. Check regularly to ensure that the switch wire is securely connected to the switch and the engine.
Starting the Engine
NOTE: Do not squeeze Engine Throttle/Tines Control Lever (G, Figure 2) when starting engine.
B
A
Figure 4: Primer bulb (A) and
Close
C
Open
Figure 5: Choke lever.
1.Move the On/Off Switch (A, Figure 2) to the ON position.
2.To start a cold engine, move the choke lever (C, Figure 5) to the CLOSED posi- tion. To restart a warm engine, leave the choke lever in the OPEN position.
3.To start a cold engine, or after refueling an engine that has run out of fuel, press the priming bulb (A, Figure 4) repeatedly until fuel can be seen in the
4.Move to the starting position (Figure 6), keeping your feet positioned safely away from the tines.
5.Place one hand on the upper handlebar to stabilize the machine. Use the other hand to pull the recoil start rope lightly until you feel resistance, then pull briskly. Let the rope rewind slowly after each pull.
NOTE: An alternate stabiliza- tion method is to stand in the starting position (Figure 6), but place one hand on the carrying handle while pulling the starter rope with the
other hand.
6.If the choke lever
was moved to the CLOSED position to start the engine, grad- ually move it to the OPEN position as the engine warms up.
Figure 6
7
