Using The Machine; Important - ST F 72 FL Manuel D'utilisation

the grass and causes the lawn to turn yel-
low.
– A loose cutting means causes abnormal
vibrations and can be dangerous.
WARNING! Do not use the machine if
you are unsure whether it is working safely
or efficiently. If in doubt, contact your Dealer
immediately to make the necessary checks
or repairs.

5.4 USING THE MACHINE

5.4.1 Ignition
To start the engine (Fig. 5.7):
– open the fuel stopcock (1) (if fitted) accessing
it from the left rear wheel compartment;
– p ut the transmission into neutral («N»)
(see 4.22);
– d isengage the cutting means (see 4.6);
– a pply the parking brake on sloping ground;
– f or a cold start, use the choke (see 4.2);
– i f the engine is already warm, just put the lever
between «SLOW» and «FAST»;
– i nsert the ignition key and turn to «ON» to
make electrical contact, then turn to «START»
to start the engine;
– r elease the ignition key once the engine has
started.
When the engine has started, put the accelera-
tor in the «SLOW» position.

IMPORTANT

The choke must be closed as
soon as the engine is running smoothly. Using
it when the engine is already warm can foul the
spark plugs and cause the engine to run errati-
cally.
NOTE If there are engine starting problems,
do not insist as you can risk running the battery
flat and flooding the engine. Turn the key to the
«OFF» position, wait for a few seconds and then
repeat the operation. If the malfunction persists,
refer to the engine manual and chapter «7» in
this manual.
IMPORTANT Always bear in mind that the
safety devices prevent the engine from starting
if safety requirements have not been met (see
5.2). In these cases, once the situation has been
corrected, the key must first be turned back to
«OFF» before the engine can be restarted.
5.4.2 Forward gear and riding without
mowing
When moving the machine:
– d isengage the cutting means;
– b ring the cutting-means assembly to the high-
est position (position «7»);
– p ut the accelerator control between the
«SLOW» and «FAST» positions.
Mechanical transmission
Push the pedal down as far as possible (see
4.22.1) and move the gear change lever into
1st gear (see 4.22.2).
Keep the pedal pressed down and disen-
gage the parking brake. Slowly release
the pedal which will turn from «brake» to
«clutch», thus operating the rear wheels (see
4.11).
WARNING!
leased gradually, as a sudden engage-
ment may cause the vehicle to tip over
and the driver to lose control.
Gradually reach the desired speed using
the throttle and gear lever. To change gear,
press the clutch halfway down (see 4.22.1).
IMPORTANT Forward gear must only be
engaged when the machine has stopped.
Hydrostatic transmission:
Disengage the parking brake and release
the brake pedal (see 4.21.1).
Move the speed change lever (see 4.21.2)
to position «F» and use the lever and accel-
erator to reach the desired speed.
WARNING!
as described below (see 4.21.2) to pre-
vent sudden engagement from causing
tipping up and loss of control of the vehi-
cle, particularly on slopes.
5.4.3 Braking
Mechanical transmission
To use the brake, press the brake pedal to
the floor (see 4.22.1), after reducing speed
using the accelerator so as not to overload
the braking system.
Hydrostatic transmission
First reduce the machine's speed by reduc-
ing the engine's r.p.m., and then press the
brake pedal (see 4.21.1) to slow down the
machine until it stops.
10
The pedal has to be re-
Drive must be engaged