Full Product Manual

12
OPERATION
Operation
Before Operating Your Tractor
• Before operation, refer to Maintenance Schedule chart located in this manual
for regularly scheduled service items.
• This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline. Fill
only with clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating
of 87 or higher.
• Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in
the fuel system.
• Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an
approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
• Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a
maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether
blends are not approved.
Safety Interlock System
WARNING
Do not operate the tractor if the safety interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your safety and protection.
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator.
If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an
authorized service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO switch is in the
DISENGAGED (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the seat before
engaging the parking brake.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the tractor’s
seat with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED (ON) position, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged.
Checking the Safety Interlock Circuits
Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly.
If a safety circuit is not working as designed, contact an authorized Service dealer
to have the tractor inspected. DO NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is not
functioning properly. To check the safety circuits, proceed as follows:
1. Pull the PTO upward to the ENGAGED (ON) position. Momentarily turn the
ignition switch to the START position; the engine should not crank.
2. With the tractor running move both lapbar drive control levers fully inward
in the neutral position; then lift upward from the operator’s seat. The engine
should stop.
3. With both lapbar drive control levers fully outward in the parking brake
engaged position, engage the PTO. Lift upward from the operator’s seat; the
engine should stop.
Starting the Engine
CAUTION
The operator should be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the engine.
1. Operator should be
sitting in the tractor
seat with the lapbar
drive control levers
fully out and in the
park position. See
Figure 19. Refer to
Practice Operation for
further instructions.
2. Make certain the PTO
is in the “OFF” position.
Move the choke control
or throttle/choke control
into the full choke
position. Move the
throttle control to midway between its slow and fast positions on models with a
separate choke control.
Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the
engine.
3. Turn the key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release
the key. It will return to the RUN position.
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 gasses. 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.
Control Levers Moved
Outward & in the Park Brake Position
Figure 19