HUSTLER ATZ, Operator'S Manual, Page: 20 / 48

REV C 3-6 604243
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.
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 Hustler
®
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 the 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 by
operating 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 burning-out.
6. Perform a test to make sure the safety start interlock
system is operating properly. Refer to
Safety start
interlock system section.
7. As soon as the engine begins to run, check to make
certain all engine warning lights are off. If not, stop the
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
position.
2. Throttle the engine back to low idle, then disengage the
deck clutch. Refer to
Mower deck operation section for
more details.
3. Let the engine run at low idle for a couple of minutes.
4. Rotate the ignition key counter-clockwise to the “OFF”
position. Remove the key from switch before leaving the
mower.
Moving the Mower With Stalled Engine
If it becomes necessary to move the mower when the engine
is inoperative, the hydraulic pumps are equipped with bypass
valves. Figure 3-6
Before moving the unit, turn bypass valves counter clockwise
one-half to one revolution. The valve on each hydraulic pump is
located near the top and is identified as a hex stud.
The steering control levers must be placed in the neutral
position, to release the park brakes, so that the mower can be
moved.
Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch to
load on a trailer for transporting.
When transporting on another vehicle, the mower should be
facing forward and it must be secured.
IMPORTANT: Always make certain the two bypass valves
are returned to their operating position before running the
mower following repairs.
ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure)
A ROPS may minimize the chance of injury or death from
rollover.
Inspect the area prior to operation for proper overhead
clearance (tree limbs, guy wires, doorways, etc).
Do not contact any overhead object with the ROPS.
WARNING
The safety interlock system must not be disconnected or
bypassed. Doing so could cause the machine to operate
unexpectedly resulting in personal injury.
Figure 3-6
WARNING
Always wear your seat belt unless the mower is not
equipped with a ROPS or if the ROPS is folded down. In
this case, the seat belt should never be worn.
Bypass valve