B23
Operating Instructions
33
STARTING THE ENGINE
CAUTION
Before operating the mower, read and un-
derstand all Safety Instructions and Operat-
ing Instructions.
WARNING
NEVER run the engine in an enclosed or
poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
1. Before attempting to start the engine, make
sure the operator is in the seat, the Forward
Speed Control is in
NEUTRAL-PARK
position,
the parking brake is
ENGAGED,
and the blade
clutch is
DISENGAGED.
CAUTION
A safety interlock switch system PRE-
VENTS CRANKING the engine with any one
of these three controls in the OPERATING
position: (1) Forward Speed Control out of
neutral, (2) blade clutch (PTO) engaged, or
(3) parking brake disengaged. If the engine
cranks otherwise, the safety system is not
working and should be repaired or ad justed
before operating the mower. DO NOT dis-
connect safety switches; they are for the
operator’s protection.
2. Move the choke lever to the
ON
position and
move the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (toward
FAST
). Turn the ignition switch to the
START
position to start the engine. Release the key
to
ON (RUN)
position as soon as the engine
starts.
NOTE:
The choke may not be required if the
engine is warm.
IMPORTANT:
If the engine fails to start after
approximately 10 seconds of cranking, the
engine should be checked before further
crank ing. Turn the key to the
OFF
position
and allow a 60 second cool-down period
between starting attempts. Failure to follow
these guidelines can damage the starter motor
and shorten battery life. Consult your Walker
dealer or authorized Kohler dealer for addi-
tional help.
3. Gradually move the choke to the
OFF
position,
keeping enough choke on to allow the engine
to run smoothly as it warms up. As soon as
possible, move the choke to the
OFF
position.
IMPORTANT:
Make sure the choke is in the
OFF
position during normal engine operation;
running with the choke in the
ON
position
CAN
damage the engine.
ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND
STEERING
IMPORTANT:
If the DS52 mower deck is
in stalled on the tractor, make sure the dolly
wheel is retracted
BEFORE
moving.
CAUTION
Learn to START, STOP, and MANEUVER
the mower in a large, open area.
If the operator has not operated a ma chine
with LEVER STEERING OR DUAL HYDRO-
STATIC TRANSMISSIONS, steer
ing and
ground operation should be learned and
practiced until the operator is completely
comfortable handling the ma
chine BE-
FORE ATTEMPTING TO MOW.
DANGER
Keep feet on footrests at all times when the
machine is moving. Never operate the trac-
tor without a deck or implement installed.
1. Move the FSC out of
NEUTRAL-PARK
posi
-
tion to the desired forward speed.
DO NOT
hold for ward on steering levers. It is not nec-
essary to hold the FSC lever in position since
a friction lock maintains the selected lever
position (and forward travel speed).
2. Steer by pulling the lever on the side of de-
sired direction of turn, e.g., pull the
LH
lever to
turn left.
To minimize the possibility of over-
control, use only one hand on both steering
levers.
