Dixon D17KH38, Operator'S Manual

13

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 5)

When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine 

has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move 

fuel from the tank to the engine.
• 

Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission en gaged 

position.

•  Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal 

and set parking brake.

•  Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
•  Move throttle control to choke position.

NOTE: 

Before starting, read the warm and cold starting 

procedures below.
• 

Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” 

position and release key as soon as engine starts. 

Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen 

sec onds per minute. If the engine does not start after 

several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, 

wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does 

not start, move the throttle control back to the choke 

position and retry.

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and above)

•  When engine starts, move the throttle control to the 

fast position.

• 

The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If 

the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine 

and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke 

as described above.

COLD WEATHER STARTING (50°F/10°C and below)
•  When engine starts, allow engine to run with the 

throttle control in the choke position until the engine 

runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast posi-

tion. This may require an engine warm-up period from 

several seconds to several minutes, depending on the 

tem per a ture.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP

• 

Before driving the unit in cold weather, the trans mis sion 

should be warmed up as follows:

•  Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
•  Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly 

return to operating position.

•  Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This 

can be done during the engine warm up period.

• 

The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-

up period after the transmission has been warmed up.

NOTE:

 If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold 

temperatures (below 32°F/0°C) the carburetor fuel mixture 

may need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See 

“TO ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjust-

ments section of this manual.

OPERATION

PURGE TRANSMISSION

CAUTION: Never engage or disengage 
freewheel lever while the engine is run ning.

To ensure proper operation and performance, it is rec om-

 mend ed that the transmission be purged before operating 

tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any 

trapped air inside the transmission which may have de vel-

 oped during shipping of your tractor.

IMPORTANT:

  SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION RE QUIRE 

REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD 

BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLATION BEFORE OPERATING 

THE TRACTOR.

1.  Place tractor safely on a level surface - that is clear 

and open - with engine off and parking brake set.

2.  Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control 

in disengaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this 

section of manual).

3.  Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the en-

gine is running, move throttle control to slow position. 

Dis en gage parking brake

CAUTION:  At any time, during step 4, there 

may be movement of the drive wheels.

4.  Depress forward drive pedal to full forward position, 

hold for five (5) seconds and release pedal. Depress 

reverse drive pedal to full reverse position, hold for five 

(5) seconds and release pedal. Repeat this procedure 

three (3) times.

5.  Shut- off engine and set parking brake.
6.  Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in 

engaged position (See “TO TRANSPORT” in this sec-

 tion of manual).

7.  Sitting in the tractor  seat, start engine. After the engine 

is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed. 

Disengage parking brake.

8.  Drive tractor forward for approximately five feet then 

backwards for five feet. Repeat this driving procedure 

three times.

Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal 

op er a tion.