Operating Instructions26STARTING THE ENGINE1. 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 areDISENGAGED.NOTE: Release parking brake to prevent extraload on the starter if the transmission neutral isslightly out of adjustment.2. Move the choke lever to the ON position andmove the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 open (toward FAST).Turn the ignition switch to the START position tostart the engine. Release the key to RUN posi-tion as soon as the engine starts.NOTE: The choke may not be required if theengine is warm.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.3. After the engine starts, gradually move thechoke to the OFF position, keeping enoughchoke on to allow the engine to run smoothly asit warms up. As soon as possible, move thechoke to the OFF position.IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in theOFF position during normal engine operation;running with the choke in the ON position CANdamage the engine.ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERINGCAUTIONBefore operating the mower, read and un-derstand all Safety Instructions and Operat-ing Instructions.WARNINGNEVER run the engine in an enclosed orpoorly ventilated area. Engine exhaustcontains carbon monoxide, an odorlessand deadly gas.CAUTIONA safety interlock switch system PRE-VENTS CRANKING the engine with eitherthe Forward Speed Control or the bladeclutch (PTO) out of neutral. If the enginecranks otherwise, the safety system is notworking and should be repaired or adjust-ed before operating the mower. DO NOTdisconnect safety switches; they are forthe operator's protection.CAUTIONLearn to START, STOP, and MANEUVERthe mower in a large, open area.If the operator has not operated a machinewith LEVER STEERING OR DUAL TRAN-SAXLES, steering and ground operationshould be learned and practiced until theoperator is completely comfortable han-dling the machine BEFORE ATTEMPTINGTO MOW.DANGERKeep feet on footrest at all times when themachine is moving. Never operate thetractor without a deck or implement in-stalled.