Operating Instructions
29
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,
and the blade clutch and parking brake are
DIS-
ENGAGED.
NOTE:
Release parking brake to prevent extra
load on the starter if the transmission neutral is
slightly out of adjustment.
CAUTION
A safety interlock switch system PRE-
VENTS CRANKING the engine with either
the Forward Speed Control or the blade
clutch (PTO) out of neutral. 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
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 additional help.
3. After the engine starts, make sure the oil pres-
sure horn goes off. If not, stop the engine im-
mediately and find the cause of the problem.
Make sure the oil pressure horn is off prior to
engaging the mower blades and beginning op-
eration.
4. 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 pos-
sible, 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 DSD52 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
tractor without a deck or implement in-
stalled.
