Bolens LT-185 - Manual (Page 13)

SECTION 7: Operation
A Warning
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
•GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
•AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
•DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SUP 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
PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
•BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BUVDE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK. SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Check the 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.
A
WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is hot.
STARTING THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT: 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 PTO switch is in
the OFF position. In addition, the PTO switch must
be in the OFF position when the unit is put into
reverse or the engine will shut off. If the operator
leaves the seat with the PTO switch engaged and/or
without setting the parking brake, the engine will
shut off.
A
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if
the interlock system is malfunctioning
because it is a safety device, designed for
protection.
1. Place the PTO switch in the OFF position.
2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
3. Place the hydrostatic control lever in the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Set the throttle control in the FAST position.
5. Pull out the choke control (a warm engine may
not require choking).
6. Turn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key.
It will return to the ON position.
NOTE: Protect the starter life by using short starting
cycles of several seconds. Cranking more than 15
seconds per minute can damage the starter motor.
7. 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 dam­
age before restarting and operating the mower.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to
the Trouble Shooting Guide.
OPERATING THE LAWN TRACTOR
1. Set the desired cutting height.
2. Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent
strain on the engine and to operate the cutting
blades.
3. Depress the clutch-brake pedal so the parking
brake is released, and then release the clutch-
brake pedal.
4. Place the hydrostatic control lever in either the
FORWARD or REVERSE position. The farther
forward you move the hydrostatic control lever,
the faster you will travel.
A WARNING:
backing up.
Look to the rear before
To stop the lawn tractor, pull the hydrostatic control
lever into NEUTRAL (N) or depress the clutch-brake
pedal.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn tractor or
engine. For best results and to insure more even
grass distribution, do not mow when lawn is
excessively wet.
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