before operating machine. Starting the Engine Idling the Engine IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The transmission might be damaged if the bypass valve lever is not pushed back to operating position before attempting to start the engine. Do not start or operate the machine with the bypass valve lever in the push position. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine idling may cause engine or transmission damage. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance. 1. On automatic models: Make sure bypass valve lever is pushed in. c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.
Idling or low throttle operation while mowing, climbing hills, or towing could result in transmission overheating. always operate at full throttle once the engine is warm. Do not run an engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with doors or windows opened. Do not operate machine with hood open. Hood must be closed for proper engine cooling and exhaust. Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine. • Engine is air cooled and needs a large volume of air to keep cool. Keep air intake screen on top of engine clean. 2. Sit in seat. • Keep hood closed when engine is idling. 3. Make sure mower is disengaged.
(See Engaging and Disengaging Mower in the OPERATING section.) Stopping the Engine 4. Lock the park brake. 5. For gear models, put transmission in neutral. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not stop the engine by moving choke control to the choke position. Backfire, fire or engine damage can occur. Follow recommended procedure for stopping engine. 6. Check starting conditions: 1. Let engine run at high throttle without load for a few seconds. Operating - 18 OPERATING A C D MX16555 • If engine is cold: Move throttle/choke lever (A) up to the choke position. • If engine is warm: Move throttle/choke lever (A) to the half-speed position. M94336a IMPORTANT: Avoid damage!
Starter may be damaged if starter is operated for more than 20 seconds at a time: • Wait two minutes before trying again if engine does not start. 7. Turn key to start position for no more than five seconds. 8. Release key to run position when engine starts, and gradually move key switch is left in choke lever down to the off position. • If engine does not start, wait 10 seconds. on position (B). • Turn key to start position again for no longer than 5 seconds. ition (A). • Repeat procedure if necessary. itch from run position IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine idling may cause engine damage. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance.
hts on position (B) to 9. Let engine run at half-speed position for a couple of minutes to warm-up • Hour meter cannot be reset. Using Key Switch and Headlights B A A- STOP Position B- Headlights On Position C- Run Position D- Start Position Engine Off NOTE: Headlights will drain the battery rapidly if headlights on position (B) with the engine off. • To turn headlights on, turn key switch to headlights • To turn headlights off, turn key switch to STOP pos Engine On • To turn headlights on, start engine, then turn key sw (C) to headlights on position (B). • To turn headlights off, turn key switch from headlig run position (C). A B C D