Grasshopper 600 Series - Starting the Engine Oo; Cold Weather Starting Tips; Uneven Terrain; Stopping the Engine

STARTING THE ENGINE
A DANGER
Never start the engine in confined
rooms. Exhaust gases contain carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly
poison.
Do not allow children to approach the
machine while the engine is running.
Do not operate the machine around
open flames, i.e., trash fires.
Do not operate the engine when an
odor of fuel is present or other
explosive conditions exist.
e Position yourself on the tractor seat.
e Place both steering levers in swing-out neu-
tral position.
¢ Place electric clutch switch in “OFF” (down)
position.
¢ Set the throttle at '/3 open.
e Insert the key into the ignition switch.
e Turn the key to “START” position. Choke
as necessary to start. When engine starts
releasc kcy immediately. Return choke to
“OFF” position gradually until choke is
completely “OFF” and engine is running
smoothly.
e Warm the engine up at medium speed for
several minutes.
You will enhance the starter life by using short
starting cycles of several seconds. Engaging
starter motor more than 15 seconds per minute
can result in damage to starter.
COLD WEATHER STARTING TIPS
Use proper viscosity oil for temperature ex-
pected (see “Engine Manual’’).
Set throttle at half open.
13
A warm battery has better starting capacity than
a cold one.
Use fresh winter grade fucl. It is better for winter
starting than leftover summer grade fuel.
UNEVEN TERRAIN
A WARNING
Be careful when operating tractor and
mower on uneven ground.
Pass diagonally through sharp dips and avoid
sharp drops. Practice will improve your skills in
maneuvering rough terrain.
Avoid sudden starts and stops when traveling up
or down hill. Never mow down or back up steep
hills.
Slow down on sharp turns and slopes to prevent
tipping or loss of control.
A WARNING
Do not operate on steep slopes.
Operation on a steep slope could cause
loss of control, tractor to overturn and
personal injury or death.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
* Sct the throttle at idle. Allow cngine to idle
for several minutes.
¢ Move throttle to half speed before turning en-
gine off to prevent run-on.
e Turn ignition switch to “OFF” position and
remove key.
e Never use the carburetor choke to stop en-
gine.
A CAUTION
Always remove key from ignition
switch when leaving unit unattended
or when not in use.