Walker B23i Operator's Manual

Operating Instructions30STARTING THE ENGINECAUTIONBefore operating the mower, read and un-derstand all Safety Instructions and Operating Instructions.WARNINGNEVER run the engine in an enclosed orpoorly ventilated area. Engine exhaustcontains carbon monoxide, an odorlessand deadly gas.1. Before attempting to start the engine, makesure the operator is in the seat, the ForwardSpeed Control is in NEUTRAL-PARK position,and the blade clutch and parking brake are DIS-ENGAGED.NOTE: Release parking brake to prevent extraload on the starter if the transmission neutral isslightly out of adjustment.CAUTIONA safety interlock switch system PRE-VENTS CRANKING the engine with eitherthe Forward Speed Control out of neutral orthe blade clutch (PTO) engaged. If the en-gine cranks otherwise, the safety system isnot working and should be repaired or ad-justed before operating the mower. DONOT disconnect safety switches; they arefor the operator’s protection.2. Move the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (toward FAST)and turn the ignition switch to the START posi-tion to start the engine. Release the key to ON(RUN) position as soon as the engine starts.IMPORTANT: DO NOT crank the engine con-tinuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Ifthe engine does not start, turn the key to theOFF position and allow a 60 second cool-downperiod between starting attempts. Failure to fol-low these guidelines can damage the startermotor and shorten battery life. Contact yourWalker dealer or authorized engine dealer foradditional help.ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERINGCAUTIONLearn to START, STOP, and MANEUVER themower in a large, open area.If the operator has not operated a machinewith LEVER STEERING OR DUAL TRANS-AXLES, steering and ground operationshould be learned and practiced until theoperator is completely comfortable han-dling the ma chine BEFORE ATTEMPTINGTO MOW.DANGERKeep feet on footrests at all times whenthe machine is moving. Never operate thetractor without a deck or implement in-stalled.1. Move the FSC out of NEUTRAL-PARK positionto the desired forward speed. DO NOT holdforward on steering levers. It is not necessaryto hold the FSC lever in position since a frictionlock maintains the selected lever position (andforward travel speed).