Troy-Bilt 13A-344-563 - Manual (Page 12)

12
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR RIDER MOWER
Using Throttle/Choke Control
The throttle/choke control is used to increase or
decrease the speed of the engine.The FAST and the
SLOW positions are marked with illustrations of a rabbit
and a turtle respectively. See Figure 9.
• For normal operation and when using a grass
catcher, move the throttle/choke control to the
FAST position.
• For maximum charging of the battery and also for a
cooler engine while running, move the throttle/
choke control to the FAST position.
• For transport and to tow pull-behind attachments,
move the throttle/choke control to the SLOW
position.
NOTE: Do not adjust the governor to increase or
decrease the engine speed. The governor is set at the
factory for maximum engine performance, and should
not be altered.
Using Parking Brake
To engage parking brake
• Completely push the brake pedal down and stop the
unit.
• With your right foot on the brake pedal, move the
shift lever to the neutral position.
• Continuing to hold down the brake pedal with your
right foot, pull up the parking brake knob. Make sure
the parking brake holds the unit.
• Release the brake pedal. Stop the engine and
remove the ignition key. Now your rider mower is
parked.
To release the parking brake
• Depress the brake pedal. The parking brake will be
automatically disengaged.
Before Starting
Service the engine with oil and gasoline as described in
the engine manual. Check the oil level.
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors, or
when engine is running or hot. Do not
smoke while filling up the gasoline tank.
Battery
Ordinarily the battery is charged and ready for use; so
you will not have to charge it before starting. However, if
the battery is put into service for the first time after the
date shown on the side of the battery, you will have to
charge it for a minimum of one hour at 4-6 amps. Refer
to the battery supplement sheet for instructions on
charging the battery.
The battery is located under the hood assembly above
the left rear wheel. Refer to Figure 3 .
Starting Engine
• Attach the wire to the spark plug.
• Depress the brake pedal with your right foot.
• Set throttle/choke control in the CHOKE position (all
the way forward).
• Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
• Turn the ignition key to the START position. As
soon as the engine starts, let the key return to the
ON position.
• Move throttle/choke control out of CHOKE position
and into FAST throttle position.
NOTE: If engine floods, set choke to OPEN/RUN
position, place throttle in FAST and crank until engine
starts.
Starting Mower
• Depress the brake pedal so that the parking brake
is disengaged.
• Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position. Keep the throttle in the FAST position for
optimal use of the riding mower and blade
engagement.
• Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or the
REVERSE position as you desire. Look to the rear
and check before backing up.
• Release the brake pedal.
• Depress the "Go" Pedal.
• To stop, release the "Go" Pedal and depress the
brake pedal.
• Press the blade engagement pedal downward until
the blade is turning.The blade can be engaged
either while the mower is in motion or while it is
standing.
NOTE: Your rider mower is equipped with a blade lock
to keep the blade engaged without the operator having
to depress the blade pedal continuously. See Figure 8.
• To engage the blade lock: While pressing down
on the blade pedal, push the blade lock down with
your heel. It should click into the “blade engaged”
position. To disengage the blade lock, simply push
down on the blade pedal and the lock will release
itself.
WARNING: When the blades are engaged,
keep feet and hands away from the discharge
opening, the blades or any part of the deck.