Excel BigDog, Operator'S Manual

Page: 19 / 41

Shown with steering control
levers in park brake position
Figure 3-3
Deck lift pedal
603744_0911 3-5
switch.
2. Set both steering control levers in the park brake position.
3. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating
temperature.
4. With the deck clutch switch down and the steering
control levers in the park brake position, slowly raise off
of the seat.
The engine should continue to run.
5. With the deck clutch switch up and/or the steering control
levers in the neutral position, slowly raise off of the seat.
The engine should stop.
6. If the engine fails to stop when the deck clutch switch is
up or one or both of the steering control levers is up and
the operator is off the seat, check the function of the seat
switch. If the seat switch is not operating properly
(is not
opening or closing) and if the cause can not be
determined, replace the seat switch.
If the problem can not be located, contact your BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer.
The safety interlock system should always function per
steps 4 and 5. If it does not function properly, it should be
corrected immediately. Do not operate machine without
properly functioning seat safety switch
Engine starting
The mower’s safety start interlock system is also designed to
protect the operator and others from accidental injury due to
unintentional engine starting. The engine starting motor will not
engage until:
1. Steering control levers are in the park brake position.
2. Deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF) position.
The safety interlock system must not be disconnected or
bypassed. Doing so could cause the machine to operate
unexpectedly resulting in personal injury.
NOTE: The operator’s seat is equipped with a separate
safety switch. If for any reason the operator should become
unseated when the steering control levers are not in the park
brake position (park brake switches are disengaged) or the deck
clutch switch is engaged the engine will stop.
The following steps are the correct procedures for starting the
engine. If difficulty is encountered, contact the BigDog
®
Mowers Dealer in your area.
1. Before starting mower each day, perform daily pre-
operation checking. (See
Safety Start Interlock System
section)
2. Make sure the steering control levers are in the park
brake position and deck clutch switch is disengaged.
Only start the engine from the operator’s position.
3. Use choke when engine is cold, or if warm engine fails to
start within 5 seconds of cranking. Avoid flooding and
operate engine without choking as soon as possible.
4. Set throttle at approximately 1/2 open position.
5. Insert key in ignition switch and rotate full clockwise to
engage starting motor. Release key when engine starts.
IMPORTANT: The engine starter should not be operated
for periods longer than 30 seconds at a time. An interval
of at least two minutes should be allowed between such
cranking periods to protect the starter from overheating
and burn-out.
6. Perform test to make sure safety start interlock system is
operating properly. Refer to
Safety Start Interlock System
section.
7. As soon as engine begins to run, check to make certain
the oil warning light is off. If not, stop engine
immediately and check for the cause.
NOTE: Some mowers have an engine malfunction light
and/or an alternator warning light in addition to the oil
warning light. Check to make certain these lights are off
as soon as the engine begins to run. If not, stop engine
immediately and check for the cause.
8. Allow the engine to idle a few minutes before advancing
the throttle and/or engaging the deck clutch.
Stopping the engine
Use the following procedure to shut off the engine after
operating the equipment.
1. Place the steering control levers in the park brake
Figure 3-4
WARNING
WARNING