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Operating Instructions
28
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Before attempting to start the engine, make
sure the operator is in the seat, the Forward
Speed Control is in NEUTRAL-PARK position,
and the blade clutch and parking brake are
DISENGAGED.
NOTE: Release parking brake to prevent extra
load on the starter if the transmission neutral is
slightly out of adjustment.
2. Move the choke lever to the ON position and
move the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (toward
FAST). Turn the ignition switch to the START
position to start the engine. Release the key to
RUN position as soon as the engine starts.
NOTE: The choke may not be required if the
engine is warm.
IMPORTANT: If the engine fails to start after
approximately 10 seconds of cranking, the
engine should be checked before further crank-
ing. Turn the key to the OFF position and allow
a 60 second cool-down period between starting
attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines can
damage the starter motor and shorten battery
life.
3. After the engine starts, make sure the oil pres-
sure light goes off. If not, stop the engine imme-
diately and find the cause of the problem. Make
sure the oil pressure light is off prior to engaging
the mower blades and beginning operation.
4. Gradually move the choke to the OFF position,
keeping enough choke on to allow the engine
to run smoothly as it warms up. As soon as
possible, move the choke to the OFF position.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the
OFF position during normal engine operation;
running with the choke in the ON position CAN
damage the engine.
ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERING
IMPORTANT: If the DSD52 Mower deck is in-
stalled on the tractor, make sure the dolly wheel is
retracted BEFORE moving.
CAUTION
Before operating the mower, read and un-
derstand all Safety Instructions and Operat-
ing Instructions.
WARNING
NEVER run the engine in an enclosed or
poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
CAUTION
A safety interlock switch system PRE-
VENTS CRANKING the engine with either
the Forward Speed Control or the blade
clutch (PTO) out of neutral. If the engine
cranks otherwise, the safety system is not
working and should be repaired or ad-
justed before operating the mower. DO
NOT disconnect safety switches; they are
for the operator’s protection.
CAUTION
Learn to START, STOP, and MANEUVER
the mower in a large, open area.
If the operator has not operated a ma-
chine with LEVER STEERING OR DUAL
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSIONS, steer-
ing and ground operation should be
learned and practiced until the operator is
completely comfortable handling the ma-
chine BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MOW.
DANGER
Keep feet on footrests at all times when
the machine is moving.