8
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to operate the machine until you have
read this manual thoroughly and become familiar with all
controls and operating procedures. Serious injury or
damage can result.
2.1 PRE-START CHECK LIST
Make the following checks and perform the service
required before each start-up.
2.1.1. Check tires and add or release air as needed
to bring pressure to 12 P.S.I. front and rear.
2.1.2. Check guards, deflectors and covers to make
sure all are in place and securely tightened.
2.1.3. Check engine oil and add as needed to bring
level up to the FULL mark. Refer to engine owner’s
manual for oil specifications. See Figure 2.1.
FIGURE 2.1
2.1.4. Check all controls to make sure they
operate freely and correctly. (Refer to section
“FAMILIARIZATION”.)
2.1.5. Clean exterior surfaces of cutting deck and
engine of any accumulation of dirt, grass, oil, etc.
Keep engine air intake screen and cooling fins clear
at all times.
2.1.6. Add fuel to tank with machine out of doors
where fumes can safely dissipate. Refer to engine
owner’s manual for fuel specifications. Make sure
fuel filler cap is tight after filling tank. Open vent
screw on fuel cap by turning counterclockwise.
Also open fuel valve, located in fuel line. See
Figure 2.2.
FIGURE 2.2
2.2 ENGINE OPERATION
2.2.1. STARTING ENGINE
1. Make sure both motion control levers are lifted
fully up and out into their neutral lock positions. See
Figure 1.5.
2. Make sure blade switch is pushed in to its off
(‘0’) position. See Figure 1.7.
3. Make sure parking brake is engaged. See
Figure 1.6.
IMPORTANT: Engine will not crank or start unless
steps 1 thru 3 have been taken.
4. Make sure vent screw on fuel cap and fuel valve
in fuel line are both open. See Figure 2.2.
IMPORTANT: Failure to open vent screw and/or
fuel valve will prevent engine from starting, or will
cause engine to stall after starting.
5. Sit squarely in operator seat.
6. Apply choke. See Figure 1.3.
7. Turn key to “START” position and hold until engine
starts. See Figure 1.2. NOTE: If engine does not start
after 5 seconds, release key, wait 20 seconds, then
attempt starting again. (If engine still fails to start,
refer to the troubleshooting section of both mower
and engine manuals.)
8. After engine starts, turn off choke and adjust
engine to desired speed position. Allow a brief warm-
up until engine runs smooth.
WARNING
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP
engine. STOP blades. Engage park brake. Remove
key. DO NOT park machine on slopes.
2.2.2. STOPPING ENGINE
1. Stop engine by turning key to “STOP” position.
See Figure 1.2.
SAFE LEVEL
AREA
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
FUEL FILLER CAP
WITH VENT SCREW.
TIGHTEN CAP AND
OPEN VENT SCREW
AFTER REFUELING.
VENT SCREW
FUEL VALVE
FUEL CAP