17
CAUTION
MOUNTING AND DISMOUNTING
THE MOWER
Always mount and dismount the mower from
the left side, with the brake on, the PTO disen-
gaged (down), the engine off , and the steering
levers in their swung out (neutral lock) posi-
tion. Mount the mower by stepping from the
ground to the left side of the deck with your
left foot, then step over the deck carrier frame
to the footrest with your right foot. Wait for
all moving parts to stop before dismounting.
Dismount the mower by standing up on the
footrest, then turn to the left and step from the
footrest, over the deck carrier frame, to the left
side of the deck with your right foot, and then
step to the ground with your left foot. The left
steering lever can be used to stabilize your
movement; however, it is not strong enough
to support all your weight. Never leave the
mower unattended with the key in the ignition.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Never start the engine in confi ned
rooms. Exhaust gases contain car-
bon monoxide, an odorless and
deadly poison.
Do not allow children to approach
the machine while the engine is run-
ning.
Do not operate the machine around
open fl ames such as trash fi res.
Do not operate the engine when an
odor of fuel is present or other ex-
plosive conditions exist.
• Position yourself on the tractor seat.
• Engage the park brake.
• Place both steering levers in swing-out
neutral position.
• Place electric clutch switch in “OFF”
(down) position.
• Set the throttle at 1/3 open.
• Insert the key into the ignition switch and
turn to “RUN” position.
• Check to see that the brake lamp is on.
• Turn the key to “START” position. Choke
as necessary to start. When engine starts,
release key immediately. Push choke
knob down gradually until choke is com-
pletely off and engine is running smoothly.
• Warm the engine up at medium speed for
several minutes.
You will enhance the starter life by using short
starting cycles of several seconds. Engag-
ing starter motor more than 15 seconds per
minute can result in damage to starter.
COLD WEATHER STARTING TIPS
Use proper viscosity oil for temperature ex-
pected (see “Engine Manual”).
Set throttle at half open.
A warm battery has better starting capacity
than a cold one.
Use fresh winter grade fuel. It is better for
winter starting than leftover summer grade
fuel.
STEERING LEVER OPERATION
(Refer to page 19, Fig. 4)
Do not move steering levers from
forward to reverse or reverse to
forward position rapidly. Sudden
direction changes could cause loss
of control or damage the machine.
Help prevent personal injury. Learn
use of the steering levers and prac-
tice at half throttle until becoming
profi cient and comfortable with the
operation of the machine.
The steering levers control speed, motion and
direction of the machine. The steering levers
have two positions: (1)
Neutral Lock
, where
the lever(s) are swung completely outward
and cannot be moved fore and aft; (2)
Oper-
ating
, where the lever(s) are swung in and
can be moved fore and aft.
WARNING
DANGER
Rev. 10-16
