9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
If you are not completely familiar with the Safety Instruction
Manual read it now before proceeding with the operation of the
mower. REMEMBER THERE ARE CERTAIN PRECAUTIONS
LISTED IN THIS MANUAL THAT YOU MUST NOW TAKE
BEFORE STARTING THE MOWER.
Inspect Mower Before Each Use
Inspection of Mower: Do not use the mower if any parts are not maintained in good operating
condition. Examine all moving parts prior to each use. Look for excessive wear, bald drive tires or worn out
front tires (normally smooth), cracks in parts, loose or missing bolts, cotter, linchpin or “hair” pins or cable
yoke pins and replace before operating the mower. Make sure all safety equipment provided with the
mower is in good operating order, including all warning decals and the operator-presence device which
stops the engine and blades when the seat-operated Operator Presence Control (OPC) switch is released.
To test the OPC, follow the instructions given later in this manual. Ensure that all parts of the control-lever
control system are tight and secure. This is to reduce the possibility that the mower could have a loss of
control or safety.
Basic Operation: The following procedures are to guide you through the basic operation of the mower.
You should be a qualified mower operator according to the safety section of this manual. If this is your first
time, operation should only be done with the assistance of your dealer on a level area. You should go
through each step, in the order indicated, every time you start the mower.
How to start the mower
Before starting the engine
• Make sure the control levers are in the neutral, outward position
• Apply the parking brake if it is not already set.
• Turn OFF the blade engaging switch if it is on.
• Turn fuel valve to the Left or Right, depending which tank you choose to use. Note: The fuel valve is
located on the left side of the rear of the seat frame.
Starting the engine
Electric Start:
•Start the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation, see engine manual. Set the
throttle control lever near mid throttle. Set the choke lever to full choke. Turn the key to the start
position. Do not engage the starter for more than ten (10) seconds at a time. This may overheat the
starter and the wiring systems. Wait ten (10) seconds between attempts. If the engine does not start
after several attempts or stalls frequently, take the mower in for service.
After starting the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation, pull back on the choke
control knob to open the choke valve, let the engine run for several minutes to get the hydraulic fluid
circulating through the pumps, etc. and to allow the engine to warm up. Do not over-rev a cold engine.
Unusual noises or irregular operation:
As you drive the mower, listen for any unusual noises and test for irregular operation and adjust or service
as necessary.
How to drive the mower
While sitting, both feet should be firmly placed on the foot platform. Set the engine speed about a fourth of
the way from idle. Release the parking brake. Now try moving the hand control levers, one at a time, very