Section 4: Operation
17
3. Squeeze the wheel drive levers (E, Fig.
4-2) and pull slightly backward and down
on the thumb latches (D) until the wheel
drive control rods (F) drop into the slots in
the thumb latches.
4. Move the throttle control lever (G, Fig.
4-3) all the way forward.
For engines equipped with a primer bulb,
push the bulb three times. When
restarting a warm engine, priming is usu-
ally unnecessary, although cool weather
may require priming to be repeated.
5. Pull-starting (all units can be pull
started):
Place one hand on the right handlebar
(see the decal on the handlebar) to stabi-
lize the unit when pulling the starter rope.
Pull the starter rope handle (B, Fig. 4-1)
until some resistance is felt, then pull
rapidly to start the engine. Do not allow
the rope to snap back– let it rewind gradu-
ally. Repeat as necessary until the engine
starts.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start, see the
engine manual.
Do not crank the starter for more than
five seconds. If the engine does not
start, wait one minute before trying to
start again to help prevent overheating
or damaging the electric starter.
6. On electric start units:
Turn the key clockwise and hold (no
longer than five seconds) until the engine
starts. Release the key. Repeat if neces-
sary, after pausing for one minute. Elec-
tric-start units can also be pull started.
7. As the engine warms up, move the
throttle control lever to SLOW until ready
to begin mowing. Always mow with the
throttle control lever in the FAST position.
THROTTLE SETTING
ALWAYS OPERATE WITH THE ENGINE AT
FULL THROTTLE (FAST). While operating
under heavy load conditions, listen to the
engine RPM. If the engine begins to slow
down, operate slowly and allow the engine
RPM to increase.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
To stop the engine, move the throttle con-
trol lever to the STOP position.
For electric-start units, turn the key
counter-clockwise and remove the key
from the keyswitch.
OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL
(OPC) SYSTEM TEST
If the engine does not stop when either
Operator Presence Control (OPC) lever is
released, stop the engine, and wait for
all moving parts to come to a complete
stop. Move the cutter bar lever to the
OFF position. Replace the plastic blade
guard on the cutter bar. Disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from con-
tacting the spark plug. On electric-start
units, remove the ignition key. Do not
use the unit until the OPC System is
repaired. Contact an authorized dealer
for repairs. Failure to follow these
instructions could result in personal
injury or property damage.
Perform the operator presence control
(OPC) system test before each use of the
unit. When the cutter bar is engaged, the
OPC system should shut the engine off
when both OPC levers are released.
1. Remove the plastic blade guard from
the cutter bar.
2. Start the engine.
3. Hold down the left operator presence
control (OPC) lever (C, Fig. 4-2), then place
the cutter bar lever in the ON position (Fig.
4-1).
4. Release the left OPC lever. The engine
should stop in a few seconds.
5. Restart the engine. Engage the wheel
drive lever. Release both OPC levers, one
at a time.
If the engine stopped within a few seconds
after releasing each lever, the OPC system
is working properly.
If the engine does not stop within a few
seconds after releasing each lever, per-
form the following steps:
a) Stop the engine. Wait for all moving
parts to stop. Move the cutter bar lever to
the OFF position. Replace the plastic
blade guard on the cutter bar. Disconnect
the spark plug wire, and prevent it from
contacting the spark plug. On electric-
start units, remove the ignition key.
b) Check that the wire connectors
leading from the operator presence con-
trols on the handlebars are firmly con-
nected to the screw at the front of the
engine, and to the engine mounting bolt.
If these connections are loose, tighten,
then repeat the test procedure.
WARNING
CAUTION
G
FAST
SLOW
STOP
CHOKE
FAST
SLOW
STOP
Engines with
primer bulb
Engines without
primer bulb
DISENGAGED
➠
Fig. 4-2
x
Fig. 4-3
Fig. 4-4
E
F
D
C
WHEEL DRIVE
DISENGAGED
(Freewheel Position)
