12
OPERATION
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of
fi
ller neck. Do not over
fi
ll.
Use fresh, clean, regular gasoline with a minimum of
87 octane. Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel
in quantities that can be used within 30 days to ensure
fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT:
WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid
engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied
before stor age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas
tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel
lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage In struc tions for additional
information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner
products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may
occur. Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable alternative
in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits
during stor age. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel
tank or storage container. Always follow the mix
ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at
least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow the
stabilizer to reach the carburetor. Do not empty
the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer.
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
fi
rst 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped from the fac-
tory already
fi
lled with sum mer weight oil.
•
Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
• Pull up and remove oil
fi
ll cap/dipstick; wipe oil off.
Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and push down
fi
rmly
into place. Remove and read oil level. If necessary,
add oil until “FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do
not over
fi
ll.
•
For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting. (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Maintenance sec tion of this manual.)
•
To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3)
When starting the engine for the
fi
rst 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.
•
Ensure 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 fast position.
• 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
fi
fteen sec onds per minute.
•
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.
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.
CAUTION: Do not run starter continuously
for more than fifteen sec onds per minute.
If the engine does not start after several
attempts, wait a few minutes and try again.
