D21d
Operating Instructions
39
STARTING THE ENGINE
CAUTION
Before operating the mower, read and un-
derstand all Safety Instructions and Oper-
ating 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.
NOTE:
For starting in cold weather [below
40° F (4° C)], use the cold start lever to
release the jackshaft drive belt and remove
the hydrostatic transmission from the starter
cranking load. After the engine has been
started and warmed up, raise the lever to
re-engage the jackshaft drive belt.
Cold Start
Lever Engaged
Jackshaft Drive Belt Release
2. Turn and hold the ignition key in the
PRE-
HEAT
position to preheat the engine glow
plugs. For temperatures below 35° F (2° C),
the time required is approximately 10 seconds.
For temperatures 35° F (2° C) or higher, the
time required is approximately 5 seconds.
3.
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
engine should be checked before further
cranking. 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 Kubota dealer for addi-
tional help.
TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE:
If the engine
cranks but does not start, check the following:
● Is the fuel valve solenoid operating? Look
at the exhaust pipe when cranking the
engine - no smoke indicates no fuel is
reaching the cylinder. If the solenoid is not
operating, contact your Walker dealer.
● Are the glow plugs operating? Look at the
exhaust pipe when cranking the engine
- white smoke indicates improper glow
plug operation and inadequate preheat. If
the glow plugs are not operating, consult
the Kubota Engine Workshop Manual or
an authorized Kubota Engine Dealer to
check the glow plug function.
