Rev: 8/2008
12 of 21
36B, 36BX, 36H, 36HX, 52H, 52HX
DEK
®
is exclusively distributed by GXi International, LLC
Heavy Duty Power Equipment
Operating Instructions
Starting the Engine
WARNING
DANGER: DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE IN A CONFINED
SPACE WHERE DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES
CAN COLLECT. CARBON DIOXIDE IS ODORLESS, TASTE-
LESS AND CAN BE FATAL.
NOTE: Check to make sure you have added fresh unleaded gasoline
and filled the engine with SAE 5W30 motor oil
before starting your
mower.
1.
Check to make sure the
shut off valve, located at
the bottom of the tank is in
the “ON” position.
(Figure 1)
Note: there is also an fuel
valve on the carburetor of the
Honda powered 36” mowers.
2.
Check to make sure the
brake is set. (Figure 2)
3.
Check to make sure the
gear shift lever is in the
neutral position. The lever
should be on “N” -
belt
drive model only.
There
is a safety switch that pre-
vents the mower from
starting when in gear. If
the lever is not firmly on
the “N” the engine will not
start. (Figure 3)
Figure 1
Figure 2a) Belt drive models 2b) Hydro models
Figure 3
4.
Make sure that the blade control lever is in the “OFF” position.
NOTE: The safety interlock system will prevent the engine
from being started if the blade control lever is not in the
“OFF” position and the gear shift lever is not in the neutral
“N” position.
5.
Slide the engine speed control to the top
position or to “CHOKE”
if the engine is cold (some models have a separate choke lever
to pull out).
6.
Turn the key clockwise to the “Start” position for electric start
models or “On” for pull start models.
7.
Slowly pull the start cord on the engine until just past compres-
sion. STOP! Return the start cord and then pull firmly with a
smooth, steady motion to start the engine.
8.
When the engine starts to run, slowly return the engine speed
control out of “CHOKE” to the desired engine speed (or push
choke lever “off” on some models).
Going Forward (belt drive models):
CAUTION
Before attempting to use your DEK mower, please make sure you
are familiar with all of the components and have read the manual.
To Turn the Mower (for belt drive models)
In order to turn your DEK mower in the desired direction, gently
squeeze the side’s traction control (brake / clutch lever) lever that
corresponds with the direction in which you would like to turn. The
To Stop the Mower (for belt drive mowers)
In order to stop your DEK mower, gently and evenly squeeze up on
both of the traction control levers (brake / clutch levers) until the
mower comes to a complete stop. Then, using your thumbs, push
down on the traction lever locks “B” until the levers are securely
locked in the neutral position. While still holding down with one
hand the operator presence controls, move the gear shift lever to
the “N” position with the other hand) or your knee as you become
more proficient). When leaving from behind the mower, disengage
the blades, shut the engine off, and remove the key.
To Reverse the Mower (for belt drive mowers)
1.
Slowly and evenly squeeze up on both control levers until the
mower comes to a complete stop. Then, with your thumbs,
push down on the brake locks until the levers are securely
locked.
2.
While still holding down the operator presence control with
one hand, use the other hand and pull the blade control lever
to the “OFF” position — turning the blades off.
3.
Shift the gear shift lever to the reverse “R” position.
4.
Release the brake control lever locks by squeezing both
traction control levers as much as needed while at the same
time, applying forward pressure on the brake control lever
locks with your thumbs.
5.
Slowly and evenly, let both traction control (brake / clutch)
levers down simultaneously and the mower will start to go in
reverse.
Always use extreme caution when moving the
mower backwards and never move the mower downhill
backwards.
6.
To stop the mower, slowly and evenly squeeze on both control
levers until the mower comes to a complete stop, and then
with your thumbs, push down on the brake lever locks until the
levers are securely locked. Return the gear shift lever to neu-
tral “N”.
1.
With your hand (or your knee as you become more profi-
cient), move the gear shift lever to the desired speed with at
least one operator presence switch held down. “1” is slow
2.
Disengage the parking brake de-
tent levers using your thumbs
while pushing down and holding
the operator presence control
levers on the handle grips and
squeezing the hand brake lever.
(Figure 4).
Figure 4
3.
Slowly and evenly, release the hand brake levers simultaneously
and the mower will start moving forward.
NOTE: If the operator
lets go of both operator presence control levers “A” while
either the blade control lever is in the “ON” and/or the gear
shift control lever is out of the neutral position, and safety
interlock system will stop the engine. To restart the mower,
reset all controls to the “OFF” position and neutral “N” posi-
tion.
