Yard Machines 400 - Manual (Page 13)

13
SECTION 7: OPERATION
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
NOTE: To open the hood, simply lift up on both
sides of the hood.
Check oil level and add if necessary. Service the
engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your tractor. Read
instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil;
however, you must check the oil level before
operating. Be careful not to overfill.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is hot.
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
2. Place the lift and disengagement lever in the
DISENGAGED position. See figure 12.
NOTE: : This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protection. The purpose
of the safety interlock system is to prevent the
engine from cranking or starting unless the clutch-
brake pedal is depressed and the lift and
disengagement lever is in the disengaged position.
In addition, the lift and disengagement lever must
be in the disengaged position when the unit is put
into reverse or the engine will shut off. If the
operator leaves the seat with the lift and
disengagement lever engaged and/or without
setting the parking brake, the engine will shut off.
Warning: Do not operate the lawn
tractor if the interlock system is mal-
functioning because it is a safety device,
designed for protection.
3. Set the throttle control in the FAST position.
See figure 11.
4. Pull out choke knob to choke engine. A warm
engine may not require choking.
5. Turn the ignition key to the START position.
When the engine is running, let the key return to
the ON position. See figure 11.
6. Push choke knob in gradually. Move the throttle
control to desired engine speed.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the unit for any damage, and repair the
damage before restarting and operating the mower.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to
the Trouble Shooting Chart on page 22.
OPERATING THE LAWN TRACTOR
1. Start the engine as instructed previously.
2. Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent
strain on the engine and to operate the cutting
blades.
3. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position
WARNING: Look to the rear before
backing up.
4. Release the parking brake by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal, pressing outward on the
speed control lever and moving to desired
position. Use first speed position when
operating the lawn tractor for the first time.
5. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit
into motion.
6. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by
depressing the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will
be little difference between the highest two speeds
until after the belts have seated themselves into the
pulleys during the break-in period. Be certain to
change oil in the crankcase after the first 5 hours of
operation.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. •AVOID SUDDEN
TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
WARNING