OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
Safety interlock system incorporates two switches,
for safe starting.
Two starting switches are actuated by left foot
pedal and PTO clutch control. If tractor will not start,
check that PTO clutch is disengaged and left foot pedal
is depressed. Indicator lights will be on, if so equip�
ped, and engine will not start unless both switches
are properly actuated. Tractor is also equipped with
a seat switch. This switch shuts off engine if indicator
light is on, if so equipped, and driver rises off seat
while PTO is engaged.
CORRECT ENGINE OPERATION
&,CAUTION &.
Before starting engine, b ecome familiar with
all controls. R ead this Operator's Manual tho-
roughly. Always check engine oil level b efore
starting. Always check transmission oil level
(automatic transmission models) b efore starting.
WARNING
,
Care should b e taken. to avoid inhaling ex-
haust gases as they, contain carbon monoxide
. gas which is colorless and odo,rle,ss. Carbon
mc;moxide is
0'
dangerous gas ,that can cause "
unconsciousness and is potentially lethal.
,
Do
not run engine in confined ,areas such as
a
closed garage.
STARTING ENGINE
Because of a built�in safety interlock system, your
tractor will not start until clutch pedal is depressed
and PTO is disengaged. Indicator light(s) will be on,
if so equipped, when controls are not in correct posi�
fion for starting.
On
3 1 0, 3 1 2, 4 1 4
and
416
models, engine is
equipped with a low oil safety switch and will not
allow engine to start when oil is low or out. Oil in�
dicator light will be on when oil is low or out of oil
and key switch is in start position.
On
417
models, engine is equipped with a low oil
pressure switch. Engine will start and run when light
flashes and oil pressure is low.
To start engine depress left foot pedal and dis�
engage PTO.
Separate Throttle/Choke Controls :
Move throttle
control lever about half way to Operate position. Pull
choke control a II the way to Cold position.
Combined Throttle/Choke Controls:
Move throttle/
choke control lever to Choke position.
&'CAUTION &.
Mechanical Transmission: Always place trans ..
mission g ear shift lever in neutral position be
fore attempting to start engine.
Turn ignition key clockwise until starter engages.
When engine starts, release key. Switch is spring load
ed and will return to Run position automatically.
.
If
engine fails to start after 10 seconds
of
con
tinuous cran king, turn key to OH position and
allow s tarter motor to cool. Check for cause of
hard starting; consult Troubleshooting Chec klist.
Separate Throttle/Choke Controls:
Once engine has
started, slowly return choke control to its normal po
sition. If engine stalls at low speeds, or hesitates dur
ing acceleration, choke should be applied as neces�
sary until engine reaches normal operating tempera�
ture.
Combined Throttle/Choke Controls:
Once engine
has started, slowly return throttle/choke control
to Operate position. If engine stalls or hesitates during
operation, choke should be applied as necessary until
engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Automatic Transmission:
When starting engine dur
ing cold weather, be sure to follow special procedures
for warming up engine and transmission as described
under "Correct Automatic Transmission Operationll,
before placing tractor into operation.
STOPPING ENGINE
To stop engine, return throttle lever to Idle position
and turn ignition key to Off position. If engine has
been working hard, or is hot, allow engine to idle
a
short time before turning key off. This practice will
help to cool engine before stopping.
Note:
In case of emergency, engine may be stop�
ped by turning ignition key to Off position.
&,CAUTION &.
Always remove key and set parking brake
when leaving tractor unattendecl, even if for iust
a few minutes. Prevent accidents, don't -give
children or unauthorized persons an opportun ..
ity to operate this machine.
THROTTLE CONTROL
Throttle control regulates speed of engine as mea
sured in RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). This control
should not
be used .to regulate ground speed of trac
tor.
Engine in your new Wheel Horse has been designed
with a special governor that limits maximum RPM.
Governor allows engine to operate most efficiently
at a set speedr and protects it from damage caused
by excessive RPM. Always operate tractor with throttle
control set at
%
to full speed.
Engine MUST be operating at a minimum of
%
th
r
o
ttl
e
whenev er tractor is in use. Using tractor
while engine is operating at l ess than
%
throttle
may result in extensive transmission damage on
automatic models, as w ell as poor overall tractor
performance on all models.
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