STK OPERATOR’S MANUAL 9/4/18 Page 8 of 14
ENGINE CONTROLS
Check engine oil:
Check the engine oil daily, prior to use and after every 8 hours of use. Keep the engine oil level at
FULL. Do not overfill.
Recommended oil:
Vanguard
synthetic 5W-30;
Honda
10W-30 (below 85°F (30°C), 10W-40
(above 85°F (30°C).
Use the ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK, located on the engine.
1.
Engine must be off and on level surface, clean around oil fill port and dipstick.
2.
Remove dipstick and wipe clean with a clean cloth.
3.
Vanguard
: Insert dipstick all the way back in and remove to check oil level.
Honda
: Insert dipstick into the oil filler neck but do not screw it in.
4.
If oil is needed add a small amount of oil, wait one minute and recheck level with dipstick.
5.
Fill to FULL line on dipstick. (If needed)
6.
Replace dipstick firmly.
Starting the engine:
Release all controls.
1.
Open fuel shut-off valve.
2.
Move choke control to CHOKE or START.
3.
Move throttle to FAST.
4.
Push rocker switch to ON or RUN (IF EQUIPPED)
5.
Insert key and turn to START, release key after engine has started but do not remove.
a.
OR turn key to run and pull – pull-start handle.
6.
Allow engine to warm up.
7.
Slowly adjust the choke toward RUN position. Wait until engine runs smoothly before each
choke adjustment.
Stopping the engine / STK parking:
1.
Park trencher on level surface, use chocks to prevent tracks from crawling (rolling).
2.
Lower boom until it rests on the ground.
3.
Move throttle to slow / idle.
4.
Turn key to OFF, remove key and store where non-authorized persons cannot access.
5.
Close fuel shut-off valve.
Notice:
Failure to close the fuel shut off valve may permit internal fuel leaks into the cylinder and
crankcase. Resulting damage is not covered by the engine warranty.
Engine Throttle:
The engine throttle is controlled by a lever on the far left of the operator controls. Push the throttle
forward, away from the operator, to increase engine speed. Pull the throttle back, toward the operator,
to decrease engine speed. Keep engine speed at full while trenching.