Operating Instructions
38
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 out of neutral or
the blade clutch (PTO) engaged. If the en-
gine cranks otherwise, the safety system is
not working and should be repaired or ad-
justed before operating the mower. DO
NOT disconnect safety switches; they are
for the operator’s protection.
2. 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.
IMPORTANT:
If the engine fails to start after
approximately 10 seconds of cranking, the en-
gine should be checked before further crank ing.
Turn the key to the
OFF
position and allow a 60
second cool-down period between starting at-
tempts. 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 light goes off. If not, stop the engine im-
mediately and find the cause of the problem.
Make sure the oil pressure light is off prior to
engaging the mower blades and beginning op-
eration.
ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERING
IMPORTANT:
If the DS52 or DS62 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.
1. Move the FSC out of
NEUTRAL-PARK
position
to the desired forward speed.
DO NOT
hold
for ward on steering levers. It is not necessary
to hold the FSC lever in position since a friction
lock maintains the selected lever position (and
forward travel speed).
