GB - 15
Starting Engine
1. Stand on operator’s platform.
2. Lock park brake.
MX20091
3. Put motion control levers (A) in the NEUTRAL position.
4. Push PTO switch knob (B) down to disengage PTO.
5. Move throttle lever (C) to set engine speed at the 1/2 to 3/4
fast position.
6. Position choke knob (D):
• Cold engine: Pull knob up to the CHOKE position.
• Warm/Hot engine: If necessary, pull knob up to the CHOKE
position.
7. Turn key switch (E) to the START position.
8. Release key to the RUN position when engine starts.
9. With engine started:
• Push choke knob to the OFF position.
• Move throttle lever to the FAST position.
• Unlock park brake.
Engaging Mower
1. Adjust mower deck to desired cutting height.
2. Start engine.
MX20091
3. Move throttle lever (A) to the 1/2 to 3/4 fast position.
4. Unlock park brake.
NOTE: In cold weather or with a new machine, allow engine to
reach operating temperature before engaging PTO to prevent
engine from stalling.
5. Pull PTO knob (B) up to engage mower deck.
6. Move throttle lever to the fast position (C).
NOTE: The travel speed and turn rate will vary with the amount that
the motion control levers are moved.
7. Push motion control levers (D) forward slowly. Mow at a safe
travel speed.
Stopping the Engine
1. Lock park brake.
2. Reduce engine speed to half-throttle.
3. Turn key switch to STOP position (C).
4. Remove key.
Using Pump Free-Wheel Valves
NOTE: The pump free-wheel valves must be turned fully clockwise
(closed) during normal machine operation.
When the machine needs to be moved without starting the engine,
use the pump free-wheel valves:
1. Lock park brake.
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.
Move the machine to an outside area before running the
engine.
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without
adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe
to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.
• Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the
exhaust fumes out.
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clear mowing area of all
bystanders when operating this machine. Thrown objects
could cause serious injury or death.
Keep hands and feet away from blades and discharge
opening.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent damage to PTO
clutch:
• Do not engage PTO with throttle in the fast position.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent engine
backfiring, throttle lever should be set at the half-speed
position prior to stopping the engine.
Do not stop engine when mower is on a slope of more than 30
degrees for an extended period of time. Oil may run through
valve train into carburetor and muffler.
CAUTION: Avoid injury! With the free-wheeling valve
open, the machine will have unrestricted motion.
• The machine may free-wheel out of control if the
free-wheeling valve is opened with the machine on
an incline.
• Park the machine on a level surface before opening
the free-wheeling valve.
IMPORTANT: Avoid Damage! Transmission damage may
occur if the machine is towed or moved incorrectly:
• Move machine by hand only.
• Do not use another vehicle to move machine.
• Do not tow machine.
