altitudes below 2,500 feet (762 meters) with the high altitude
adjustment is not recommended.
For Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) engines, no high altitude
adjustment is necessary.
Adding Fuel
WARNING
Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and
explosive.
Fire or explosion can cause severe burns or death.
When Adding Fuel
• Turn engine off and let engine cool at least 3 minutes
before removing the fuel cap.
• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.
• Fill fuel tank outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not overfill fuel tank. To allow for expansion of the
fuel, do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck.
• Keep fuel away from sparks, open flames, pilot lights,
heat, and other ignition sources.
• Check fuel lines, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for
cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
• If fuel spills, wait until it evaporates before starting
engine.
1. Clean the fuel cap area of dirt and debris. Remove the
fuel cap (A, Figure 5).
2. Fill the fuel tank with fuel. To allow for expansion of the
fuel, do not fill above the bottom of the fuel tank neck (B).
3. Reinstall the fuel cap.
Starting the Engine
WARNING
• If you do not understand how a specific control
functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the Features
& Controls section, do so now.
• Do NOT attempt to operate the tractor without first
becoming familiar with the location and function of all
controls.
1. While sitting in the operator's seat, make sure the PTO
switch is disengaged and the ground speed control levers
are locked in the START/PARK position.
Note: The parking brake is automatically engaged when the
ground speed levers are locked in the START/PARK position.
2. Set the engine speed control past the FAST position to
the CHOKE position.
Note: A warm engine does not require choking.
Note: Some engines are equipped with a separate choke
control.
Note: Some engines are equipped with a ReadyStart®
feature, and do not feature a choke.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to
START.
4. After the engine starts, turn off the choke (if equipped),
and warm up the engine by running it for at least a minute
before engaging the PTO switch or driving the rider.
5. After warming the engine, always operate the unit at full
engine speed when mowing.
In the event of an emergency the engine can be stopped
by simply turning the ignition switch to STOP. Use this
method only in emergency situations. For normal engine shut
down follow the procedure given in Stopping The Rider And
Engine .
Stopping the Rider
1. Return the ground speed levers to the middle (or neutral
'N') position to stop rider movement. Pivot the levers
outward to lock them in the START/PARK position.
Note: Moving the ground speed levers to the START/ PARK
position automatically engages the parking brake.
2. Disengage the PTO by pushing down on the PTO switch.
3. Move the engine speed control to the SLOW position and
turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove the key.
Driving
Zero Turn Driving Practice
Before attempting to drive the zero-turn riding mower make
sure you have read the Features and Controls section
and understand the location and function of all of the unit's
controls.
The ground speed control levers of this zero-turn riding
mower are responsive, and learning to gain a smooth and
efficient control of the unit's forward, reverse, and turning
movements will take some practice.
Spending some time going through the maneuvers shown
and becoming familiar with how the unit accelerates, travels,
and steers, before you begin mowing, is absolutely
essential to getting the most out of the zero-turn riding
mower.
Locate a smooth, flat area of your lawn, one with plenty of
room to maneuver. Clear the area of objects, people, and
animals before you begin. Operate the unit at mid-throttle
during this practice session (ALWAYS operate at full throttle
when mowing), and turn slowly to prevent tire slippage and
damage to your lawn.
We suggest you begin with the Smooth Travel procedure,
and then advance through the forward, reverse, and turning
maneuvers.
Smooth Travel
The lever controls of the Zero Turn rider are responsive.
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