Troy-Bilt 683F Operation, Starting the Engine, Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever Wheel Speed Lever

Section 4: Operation

Wheels/Tines/PTO

Drive Lever

Wheel

Speed

Lever

Recoil Start Rope (at front of engine)

Tines/PTO

Clutch Lever

Figure 4-2: Tiller and engine controls.

Engine Throttle

Lever

Forward

Interlock Levers

Depth

Regulator

Lever

Starting the Engine:

CAUTION

T o h e l p p r e v e n t s e r i o u s personal injury or damage to equipment:

•Always place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever into NEUTRAL before starting engine, and before engaging wheels, tines or other PTO-driven attachments.

•Never run engine indoors or in enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.

•Avoid engine muffler and nearby areas. Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150oF.

1.With the engine off, place the Wheels/ Tines/PTO Drive Lever (Figure 4-2) in the NEUTRAL position. If in the FORWARD position, tap the lever sharply upward, it should automatically move into NEUTRAL position.

2.Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the Travel position (lever all the way down) so that the tines are off the ground. To do this, lift up on the handlebars, pull the lever (Figure 4-2) back, and push it down all the way to the top detent (notched) position.

3.Move the Wheel Speed Lever (Figure 4-2) to either the SLOW or FAST position. Be sure to roll the wheels while shifting the lever until the wheels engage.

NOTE: If using a PTO stationary attach- ment, move the Wheel Speed Lever into FREEWHEEL and block the wheels to prevent the equipment from moving (Figure 4-29 on page 29).

4.Move the Tines/PTO Clutch Lever into DISENGAGE position (Figure 4-2).

NOTE: Use the ENGAGE position if you want the tines to revolve or to apply power to a PTO-driven stationary attachment.

5.If engine is equipped with a fuel valve, turn valve to OPEN position as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

6.If engine is equipped with an ON/OFF switch, move the switch to ON.

7.Move engine throttle lever (Figure 4-2) away from STOP.

8.Choke or prime engine as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

9.If not equipped with an electric start system, place one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the unit when you pull the recoil starter rope. Use the recoil starter rope to start the engine as instructed in the separate Engine Owner’s Manual.

10.If equipped with an electric start system, turn key to START position to crank engine then release when engine starts. If the engine does not start right away, do not hold key at START for more than a few seconds. Release then try again after a short pause. Damage to starter motor can occur if it is cranked more than 15 seconds per minute.

11.If the engine does not start after a number of tries, refer to the Engine Owner’s Manual for specific instructions.

12.When engine starts, move the Throttle Lever to the SLOW position and then gradually move choke lever (on engines so equipped) to OFF or RUN position.

13.Move the throttle speed control to FAST setting when tilling.

Starting Electric Start Engines with the Recoil Starter Rope

You may, at some point, have to start an electric start engine with the recoil starter rope. Before attempting to do so, perform the following applicable steps:

•If you suspect the battery charge is weak, and there is no visible damage. Disconnect cables from battery and clean both cable terminals, and the battery posts in accordance with the instructions provided in Section 5, Battery Care and Maintenance.