8
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 
 
IMPORTANT: This SCRAMBLER is equipped with 
hydrostatic drive. The forward, rearward and 
steering movement of the machine is controlled by a 
joystick lever. Joystick operations should be 
performed only from the operator’s position in the 
seat. A small movement of the joystick can cause 
the machine to move instantly. Move joystick very 
carefully and slowly. 
1.  Always move the joystick to the center position to 
“STOP” machine. IMPORTANT: To stop machine 
always return the joystick with hand assistance to 
the neutral position. Always engage parking brake 
when leaving operator’s seat. 
2. Move the joystick forward to propel the machine 
forward.  
3.  Move the joystick rearward to propel the machine 
backward. 
4.  Move the joystick to the right to rotate the front of 
the machine in circular motion to the right, as in 
turning around to go in a different direction. 
5. Move the joystick to the left to rotate the front of 
the machine in circular motion to the left, as in 
turning around to go in a different direction. 
 
WARNING 
‘Zero-turning’ the machine at any speed can result in 
operator disorientation, or in operator being thrown 
from the machine.  Exercise extreme caution when 
executing a zero-turn. 
 
2.2  STARTING & OPERATION 
2.2.1.  ENGINE (ELECTRIC START) 
IMPORTANT: When the ignition key is turned to 
“START”, the engine will not turn over and will
 not 
start
 unless the Parking Brake is engaged and the 
Blade Switch is in the “Off” position. The operator 
should be in the seat. Start engine as follows: 
1.  Move joystick lever to (N) Neutral position. See 
Figure 2.5. 
2.  Make certain the blade switch is in the “Off” 
position. See Figure 2.6. 
3.  Make certain the parking brake is engaged. See 
Figure 2.5. 
4.  Open vent on fuel cap by turning 
counterclockwise. Open fuel valve located in fuel 
line.  IMPORTANT: Failure to open vent and fuel 
valve will cause engine to stall or not to start. 
5.  On 42” models, move engine speed control 
forward past the “Fast” (Rabbit) position to “Choke”. 
See Figure 2.6. 
6.  On 48” models, move engine speed control 
forward to the “Fast” (Rabbit) position and apply 
separate choke. See Figure 2.6. 
7.  Turn key to the “START” position until engine 
starts. See Figure 2.5. NOTE: If after 5 seconds of 
cranking the engine and it does not start, release the 
key. Attempt starting again after waiting for 
approximately 20 seconds. 
8.  After engine starts, turn off choke. Move engine 
speed control back to the desired speed position. 
Allow a brief warm-up until engine runs smooth. 
 
WARNING 
DO NOT leave machine with engine running. STOP 
engine. STOP blades. Engage park brake. Remove 
key. DO NOT park machine on slopes. 
 
 
 
 
FIGURE 2.5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIGURE 2.6 
 
 
 
(Continued on Next Page) 
 
 
RUN 
POSITION 
TURN KEY 
TO START 
POSITION 
JOYSTICK IN NEUTRAL 
POSITION 
STOP 
POSITION 
START 
POSITION 
PARKING BRAKE 
ENGAGED 
* 48” MODELS ARE 
EQUIPPED WITH 
SEPARATE CHOKE 
CONTROL BEHIND 
THROTTLE.  PULL 
CHOKE CONTROL UP 
TO APPLY, PUSH 
DOWN TO TURN OFF. 
MOVE ENGINE SPEED 
CONTROL FORWARD 
PAST FAST (RABBIT) 
DETENT TO “CHOKE” *