Owner's manual

Operating - 18
OPERATING
• Hour meter cannot be reset.
Using Key Switch and Headlights
M94336a
A- STOP Position
B- Headlights On Position
C- Run Position
D- Start Position
Engine Off
NOTE: Headlights will drain the battery rapidly if key switch is left in
headlights on position (B) with the engine off.
• To turn headlights on, turn key switch to headlights on position (B).
• To turn headlights off, turn key switch to STOP position (A).
Engine On
• To turn headlights on, start engine, then turn key switch from run position
(C) to headlights on position (B).
• To turn headlights off, turn key switch from headlights on position (B) to
run position (C).
Starting the Engine
1. On automatic models: Make sure bypass valve lever is pushed in.
2. Sit in seat.
3. Make sure mower is disengaged. (See Engaging and Disengaging
Mower in the OPERATING section.)
4. Lock the park brake.
5. For gear models, put transmission in neutral.
6. Check starting conditions:
MX16555
• If engine is cold: Move throttle/choke lever (A) up to the choke position.
• If engine is warm: Move throttle/choke lever (A) to the half-speed
position.
7. Turn key to start position for no more than five seconds.
8. Release key to run position when engine starts, and gradually move
choke lever down to the off position.
• If engine does not start, wait 10 seconds.
• Turn key to start position again for no longer than 5 seconds.
• Repeat procedure if necessary.
9. Let engine run at half-speed position for a couple of minutes to warm-up
before operating machine.
Idling the Engine
• Engine is air cooled and needs a large volume of air to keep cool. Keep
air intake screen on top of engine clean.
• Keep hood closed when engine is idling.
Stopping the Engine
1. Let engine run at high throttle without load for a few seconds.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The transmission might be damaged
if the bypass valve lever is not pushed back to operating position
before attempting to start the engine. Do not start or operate the
machine with the bypass valve lever in the push position.
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain
carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even
with doors or windows opened.
Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine.
A
B
C
D
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Starter may be damaged if starter is
operated for more than 20 seconds at a time:
• Wait two minutes before trying again if engine does not start.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine idling may
cause engine damage. Excessive idling can cause engine
overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage!
Unnecessary engine idling may cause engine or transmission
damage. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon
build-up, and poor performance.
Idling or low throttle operation while mowing, climbing hills, or
towing could result in transmission overheating. always operate
at full throttle once the engine is warm.
Do not operate machine with hood open. Hood must be closed for
proper engine cooling and exhaust.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not stop the engine by moving
choke control to the choke position. Backfire, fire or engine
damage can occur. Follow recommended procedure for stopping
engine.
A