Operation
Operating Instructions
Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Rotate the valve 1/4 turn counterclockwise to turn
fuel on.
Starting the Engine
1. On a cold engine, place the throttle midway
between the “Slow” and “Fast” positions and
place the choke in the “On” position. On a warm
engine, place the throttle lever midway between
“Slow” and “Fast” positions and leave the choke
in the “Off ” position.
2. Turn ignition switch to “Start” position. Release
the switch as soon as the engine starts.
3. On a cold engine, gradually return choke to the
“Off ” position after engine starts and warms up.
Important: Do not crank the engine
continuously for more than ten seconds at
a time. If the engine does not start, allow a
60 second starter cool-down period between
starting attempts. Failure to follow these
guidelines can burn out the starter motor.
Note: It is helpful to have the left and right
neutral lock latches locked in neutral when
starting the engine. Refer to Neutral Lock
Latches section in Controls.
PTO Engagement
DANGER
The rotating blades under the mower deck
are dangerous. Blade contact can cause
serious injury or kill you.
Do Not put hands or feet under the mower
or mower deck when the blades are engaged.
DANGER
An uncovered discharge opening will allow
objects to be thrown in an operator’s or
bystander’s direction. Also, contact with the
blade could occur. Thrown objects or blade
contact can cause serious injury or death.
Never operate the mower with the discharge
deector raised, removed, or altered unless
there is a grass collection system or mulch
kit in place and working properly.
The PTO switch engages the cutting blades. Be sure
that all persons are clear of mower deck and discharge
area before engaging the PTO.
1. Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.
2. Pull the PTO switch outward to the “ROTATE”
position to engage the blades.
3. Place the throttle in the “FAST” position to begin
mowing.
Disengaging the PTO
1. Set throttle to “MIDWAY” position.
2. Push in on the switch to the “STOP” position
to disengage the blades.
Stopping the Engine
1. Bring the unit to a full stop.
2. Lock drive levers in neutral.
3. Disengage the PTO.
4. Move speed control lever to neutral.
5. Engage the parking brake.
6. Place the throttle midway between the “SLOW”
and “FAST” positions.
7. Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 15
seconds, then turn the ignition switch to the
“OFF” position to stop the engine.
8. Remove the key to prevent children or other
unauthorized persons from starting engine.
9. Close the fuel shut-off valve when the machine
will not be in use for a few days, when
transporting, or when the unit is parked inside
a building.
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