Product Manual

17
OPERATION
CAUTION
Do not hold the key in the START position for longer than
ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to
your engine’s electric starter.
4. As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle/choke
control lever rearward past the choke detent position or
slowly disengage the choke on models with a separate choke.
Do not use the choke position to enrich the fuel mixture,
except as necessary to start the engine.
5. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid-throttle
before putting the engine under load.
6. Observe the hour meter/indicator panel. If the battery
indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately stop
the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your authorized
service dealer.
COLD WEATHER STARTING
When starting the engine at temperatures near or below
freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the
engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the engine
as follows:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery has
much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has higher
volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline left over
from summer.
3. Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.
USING JUMPER CABLES TO START ENGINE
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive
gases. Make certain the area is well ventilated, wear
gloves and eye protection, and avoid sparks or flames
near the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine,
recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable and
the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster battery will be
necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:
1. Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor battery’s
positive terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to
the booster battery’s positive terminal.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the booster battery’s
negative terminal; then connect the other end of that cable
to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far from the battery
as possible.
3. Start the disabled tractor following the normal starting
instructions previously provided; then disconnect the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order of their connection.
4. Have the tractor’s electrical system checked and repaired as
soon as possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
1. Disengage the PTO.
2. Move lapbar drive control levers fully outward into the Park
Brake engaged position.
3. Move the throttle control to midway between the slow and
fast positions.
4. Turn the key to the STOP position and remove the key from
the ignition module.
NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition module to
prevent accidental starting or battery discharge if the equipment
is left unattended.
PRACTICE OPERATION INITIAL USE
Operating a zero-turn tractor is not like operating a conventional
type riding tractor. Although and because a zero-turn tractor is
more maneuverable, getting used to operating the lapbar drive
control levers takes some practice.
It is strongly recommended that you locate a reasonably large,
level and open “practice area” where there are no obstructions,
pedestrians or animals. You should practice operating the tractor
for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the tractor to the practice area.
When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be
engaged. While practicing, operate the tractor at approximately
1⁄2-3⁄4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward
and reverse.
Carefully practice maneuvering the tractor using the instructions
in the following section Driving the Tractor. Practice until you are
confident that you can safely operate the tractor.
Driving the Tractor
WARNING
Keep all movement of the lapbar drive control levers slow
and smooth. Abrupt movement of the control levers can
affect the stability of the tractor and could cause the
tractor to flip over, which may result in serious injury or
death to the operator.
1. Adjust the operator’s seat to the most comfortable position
that allows you to operate the controls. See Adjusting the
Seat in the Assembly section.