STARTING THE ENGINE
For throttle/choke or throttle/automatic EFI engines proceed below, for electronic
throttle/EFI engines, skip ahead to the Electronic Throttle/EFI (Electronic Fuel
Injection) Engines section.
Manual Throttle/Choke or Throttle/Automatic EFI (Electronic Fuel
Injection) Engines
This machine is equipped with a safety interlock system designed for
protection of the operator. Do not operate the machine if any part of the
interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions of the
interlock system for proper operation.
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the mower seat when
starting the engine.
1. Open the fuel valve(s).
NOTE: For dual valve models (if equipped), if both tanks are on, and one is empty,
the engine will not start. Be certain to make sure both tanks have fuel or that
the empty tank's fuel valve is closed. For single valve models (if equipped), if fuel
flow is shut off, the engine will not start.
2. Operator must be sitting in the mower seat with both drive control pedals in the
neutral/start position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged (down) position.
5. Lift the choke knob (if equipped) into the ON position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the engine.
NOTE: Some mowers are equipped with EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) engines
and are not equipped with a choke.
6. Move the throttle control to midway between the SLOW
positions.
7. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position and release it as soon as
the engine starts; however, do not crank the engine continuously for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn the key
to OFF and wait at least 30 seconds to allow the engine's starter motor to cool.
Try again after waiting. If after a few attempts the engine fails to start, do not
keep trying to start it with the choke closed as this will cause flooding and make
starting more difficult.
8. Once the engine starts, push the choke (if equipped) halfway down and as the
engine warms, push the choke (if equipped) all the way down.
Electronic Throttle (E-Governor)/EFI (Electronic Fuel
Injection) Engines
1. Open the fuel valve(s).
NOTE: For dual valve models (if equipped), if both tanks are on, and one is empty,
the engine will not start. Be certain to make sure both tanks have fuel or that
the empty tank's fuel valve is closed. For single valve models (if equipped), if fuel
flow is shut off, the engine will not start.
NOTE: To prime a dry fuel system, turn the ignition switch to the ON position for
one minute. Allow the fuel pump to cycle and prime the system. Turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position.
WARNING
WARNING
and FAST
OPERATION
2. Operator must be sitting in the mower seat with both drive control pedals in the
neutral/start position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged (down) position.
5. Place the Electronic Throttle lever in the START position.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position and release it as soon as the
engine starts; however, do not crank the engine continuously for more than 10
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within this time, turn the key to
OFF and wait at least 60 seconds to allow the engine's starter motor to cool. Try
again after waiting.
NOTE: Failure to follow these guidelines can burn out the starter motor.
NOTE: Upon start-up, a metallic ticking may occur. Run engine for 5 minutes. If
the noise continues, run the engine at the starting position for 20 minutes. If the
noise persists, take the mower to your authorized service dealer.
Cold Weather Starting
When starting the engine at temperatures near or below freezing, ensure the correct
viscosity motor oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the
engine as follows:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery has much more starting
capacity than a cold battery.
2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has higher volatility to
improve starting. Do not use gasoline left over from summer.
3. Follow the previous instruction for Starting the Engine.
Using Jumper Cables to Start Engine
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gases. Make certain
the area is well-ventilated, wear gloves and eye protection, and avoid sparks
or flames near the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine, recharge the battery. If a
battery charger is unavailable and the mower must be started, the aid of a booster
battery will be necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:
1. Connect one end of the red cable to the disabled mower battery's positive
terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the booster battery's
positive terminal.
2. Connect one end of the black cable to the booster battery's negative terminal;
then connect the other end of that cable to the frame of the disabled mower, as
far from the battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled mower following the normal starting instructions previously
provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of
their connection.
4. Have the mower's electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to
eliminate the need for jump starting.
Stopping the Engine
1. Place the PTO switch in the disengaged position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Move the throttle to the SLOW
about one minute.
17
WARNING
position and allow the engine to idle for