Starting the Engine

Warning! This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system designed for protection of the operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of the system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions of the interlock system for proper operation.

Warning! For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the engine.

1.Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.

2.Engage the parking brake. Refer to Fig. 5-1.

LH Control Lever

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RH Control Lever

Out in Neutral

 

 

 

 

Parking Break Out in Neutral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engaged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throttle Control

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fully Forward to

 

PTO Switch in Down

“Choke” Position

 

(Disengaged) Position

Figure 5-1

3.Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down) position. Refer to Fig. 5-1.

4.Move the throttle/choke control into the full choke position.

NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to place the throttle/choke control in the choke position.

5.Turn the ignition key clockwise to the “START” position and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not crank the engine continuously for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn the key to “OFF” and wait at least 15 seconds to allow the engine’s starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few attempts the engine fails to start, do not keep trying to start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and make starting more difficult.

6.As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle/choke control lever rearward past the choke detent position. Do not use the choke position to enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the engine.

7.Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle before putting the engine under load.

8.Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the battery indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately stop the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your Troy-Bilt dealer.

Cold Weather Starting

When starting the engine at temperatures near or below freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine as follows:

1.Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.

2.Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline left over from summer.

3.Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.

Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine

Warning! Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gasses. Make certain the area is well ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery.

If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:

1.Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor battery’s positive terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the booster battery’s positive terminal.

2.Connect one end of the other cable to the booster battery’s negative terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far from the battery as possible.

3.Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting instructions previously provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of their connection.

4.Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.

Stopping the Engine

1.Place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position.

2.Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position.

3.Engage the parking brake.

4.Move the throttle/choke control to midway between the

SLOW and FAST positions.

5.Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the ignition switch.

NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.

16Section 5— Operation