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Safety start interlock system
The machine is equipped with a safety start interlock system
consisting of the park brake switches, seat switch, and deck
clutch switch.
Check mower safety start interlock system daily, prior to
operation. This system is an important mower safety feature. It
should be repaired immediately if it malfunctions. The machine
incorporates a separate seat switch which will stop the engine
when the operator is unseated for any reason while the mower is
operating. This is a safety feature designed to prevent runaway
or accidental entanglement. To inspect the system:
1. The operator must be on the seat when testing the seat
switch.
2. Set both steering control levers in the park brake position.
3. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating
temperature.
4. With the deck clutch switch down and the steering
control levers in the park brake position, slowly raise off
of the seat. The engine should continue to run.
5. With the deck clutch switch up and/or the steering control
levers in the neutral, slowly raise off of the seat. The
engine should stop.
6. If the engine fails to stop when the deck clutch switch is
up or one or both of the steering control levers are in
neutral and the operator is off the seat, check the function
of the seat switch. If the seat switch is not operating
properly (is not opening or closing) and if the cause can
not be determined, replace the seat switch.
If the problem can not be located, contact your BigDog™
Mowers Dealer.
WARNING: The safety interlock system should
always function per steps 4 and 5. If it does not func-
tion properly, it should be corrected immediately. Do
not operate machine without properly functioning seat
safety switch.
Engine starting
The mower’s safety start interlock system is also designed to
protect the operator and others from accidental injury due to
unintentional engine starting. The engine starting motor will not
engage until:
A. Steering control levers are in the park brake position.
B. Deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF) position.
WARNING: The safety interlock system must not be
disconnected or bypassed. Doing so could cause the
machine to operate unexpectedly resulting in personal
injury.
NOTE: The operator’s seat is equipped with a separate
safety switch. If for any reason the operator should become
unseated when the steering control levers are not in the park
brake position (park brake switches are disengaged) or the deck
clutch switch is engaged the engine will stop.
The following steps are the correct procedures for starting the
engine. If difficulty is encountered, contact the BigDog™
Mowers Dealer in your area.
1. Before starting the mower each day, perform daily pre-
operation checking. (See “Safety start interlock system”
on page 3-4.)
2. Make sure the steering control levers are in the park
brake position and deck clutch switch is disengaged.
Only start the engine from the operator’s position.
3. Use choke (choke/throttle control lever in full forward
position) when engine is cold, or if warm engine fails to
start within 5 seconds of cranking. Avoid flooding and
operate engine without choking as soon as possible.
4. Set throttle at approximately 1/2 open position.
5. Insert key in ignition switch and rotate full clockwise to
engage starting motor. Release key when engine starts.
IMPORTANT: The engine starter should not be operated
for periods longer than 30 seconds at a time. An interval of at
least two minutes should be allowed between such cranking
periods to protect the starter from overheating and burn-out.
6. Perform test to make sure safety start interlock system is
operating properly. Refer to Safety start interlock system
section.
7. Allow the engine to idle a few minutes before advancing
the throttle and/or engaging the deck clutch.
8. Before stopping the engine, place the steering control
levers in the park brake position, disengage the deck
Fig. 3-3
Fig. 3-4
Steering control levers in
park brake position
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