Learn the location and function of all con-
trols before starting the engine. For
detailed operating instructions, see the
“Operation” section of this manual.
A. THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL
LEVER
The throttle control lever (A, Fig. 3-1) is
located on the right handlebar. The throttle
control lever is used when starting and
stopping the engine, and regulates engine
speed (revolutions per minute, or RPM).
Engines without primer bulbs are
equipped with manual chokes. On these
engines, the CHOKE position is all the way
forward, past the FAST position.
Engines with primer bulbs do not have a
choke control.
B. OPERATOR PRESENCE
CONTROLS (OPC)
The operator presence controls (OPC) (B,
Figs. 3-1 and 3-2) are levers located above
the handgrips at the top of the handlebars.
The OPC is part of a safety system
designed for your protection. Never
attempt to bypass, disconnect or defeat
the OPC system.
If the OPC levers are released when either
the cutter bar drive or the wheel drive is
engaged, the OPC system should shut the
engine off. If the engine does not shut off,
DO NOT operate the unit until the OPC
system is repaired.
C. WHEEL DRIVE LEVERS
The wheel drive levers (C, Fig. 3-1) are
located beneath the handgrips on each
handlebar and control the wheel drive belt
system.
Squeezing the levers disengages the drive
belt and allows the unit to be moved man-
ually (freewheeling). Releasing the levers
engages the drive belt and causes the
wheels to move forward (when the engine
is running).
The wheel drive levers consist of two
parts: wheel drive levers (C, Fig. 3-2),
which engage and disengage the drive
wheels, and thumb latches (M), used for
locking the wheel drive levers into the dis-
engaged (freewheel) position.
D. ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK/FILL HOLE
The engine oil dipstick (D, Figs. 3-1
3-3) and oil fill hole is located on top of
the engine.The dipstick is used to check
the engine oil level. Oil is added through
the fill hole.
E. SHOES
Shoes (E, Fig. 3-1) are located on the rear
edge of the cutter bar.
The shoes adjust the height of the cutter
bar to clear ground debris that might
damage or jam the blades.
Features and Controls
3
Section
14
Before operating your machine, carefully
read and understand all safety, controls
and operating instructions in this
Manual, the separate Engine Owner’s
Manual, and on the decals on the
machine.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING
Fig. 3-1
K
F
E
J
B
A
C
C
G
H
D
E
ON
OFF
L
INSET
