Lawn Mower User Manual

OPERATION
FIG. 11
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-
MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac-
tor. Use common sense when towing.Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
• The engine inyour tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
"FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Maintenance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.
• Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel
in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or I
m
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
I
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
14
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called
gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at-
tract moisture which leads to separation and
formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas
can damage the fuel system of an engine while
in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel
system should be emptied before storage of
30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines
and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for additional
information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 7)
When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine
has run out of fuel, it willtake extra cranking time to move
fuel fromthe tank to the engine.
• Besurefreewheel controlis inthe transmissionengaged
position.
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal
and set parking brake.
• Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
• Move throttle controlto fast position
• Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt.
Fora warm engine start attempt the choke control may
not be needed.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
• Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to
"START" position and release key as seen as engine
starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than
fifteen seconds per minute•If the engine does not start
after several attempts, push choke control in, wait a
few minutes and try again. If engine stilldoes notstart,
pullthe choke control out and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and above)
• When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. If the engine starts
to run roughly, pull the choke control out slightly for a
few seconds and then continue to push the control in
slowly.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does notaccept the load, restart the engine
and allow itto warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F and below)
• When engine starts, slowly push choke control in until
the engine begins to run smoothly. Continue to push
the choke control insmall steps allowing the engine to
accept smallchanges inspeed and load, untilthechoke
control is fully in. Ifthe engine starts to run roughly,pull
the choke control out slightly for a few seconds and
then continue to push the control in slowly.This may
requirean engine warm-up period from several seconds
to several minutes, depending on the temperature.
NOTE: Inextreme cold conditions,if engine will notstart, you
may need to disengage the motion drive belt as follows:
• Be sure parking brake is engaged.