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Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 
 
2.3  STARTING & OPERATION 
2.3.1. STARTING ENGINE 
1.  Take a comfortable position in seat of machine, 
look around to make sure that the area you are going 
to mow is clear of people, children and pets. Take note 
of any stationary obstacles! 
 
NOTE:  The interlock system will prevent the engine from 
starting if the blade switch is in the "ON" (up) position or if 
the clutch/brake pedal is not fully depressed. If the interlock 
system ever fails to work, DO NOT OPERATE the tractor 
until the interlock has been repaired. 
 
2.  Push blade switch down to the "OFF" position. 
See Figure 2.4. 
 
 
FIGURE 2.4 
 
3.  Depress the clutch/brake pedal fully. See Figure 2.5.  
4.  Move speed control lever to neutral. 
 
NOTE:  The seat interlock will shut off the engine if the 
operator gets off the seat without setting the parking 
brake or if the blades are running. If the interlock ever 
fails to work, DO NOT OPERATE the tractor until the 
interlock has been repaired. 
 
FIGURE 2.5 
5.  Choke engine for cold starting by moving engine 
speed control to "CHOKE" position. NOTE:  Some 
models are equipped with a separate choke control, 
located on the dash of the tractor. Pull the control 
“OUT” to choke position to start a cold engine. Little 
or no choking will be needed when restarting a 
warm engine. Insert key in switch. Turn key to 
"START" position to crank engine and hold until 
engine starts, then release key to “RUN” position. 
See Figure 2.6. 
 
NOTE:  DO NOT crank engine for more than five 
seconds at a time. This will help prevent the starter from 
overheating and/or running down the battery. If cranking 
time is more than five seconds, locate and correct cause 
of starting problem. 
 
6.  After engine starts, release key, move the engine 
speed control to "FAST" position and allow engine to 
warm up before proceeding. See Figure 2.6. 
 
 
 
 
 
FIGURE 2.6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WARNING 
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. Stop 
engine. Stop blades. Set parking brake. Remove key. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PUSH PEDAL ALL THE 
WAY DOWN TO START 
ENGINE 
CLUTCH/BRAKE 
PEDAL 
DOWN 
FAST 
CHOKE 
POSITION 
SLOW 
ENGINE 
SPEED  
CONTROL 
KEY 
LIGHT 
SWITCH
BLADE 
SWITCH 
OFF 
PUSH BLADE SWITCH “DOWN” TO  
START MACHINE 
PARK 
BRAKE 
LEVER