Starting the Engine

CAUTION: Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.

Do not run an engine in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with doors or windows opened.

Move the machine to an outside area before running the engine.

1. Sit on the operator seat.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Push the mower engagement knob down to disengage the mower.

4. Set both motion control levers to the start/shutdown position.

5. Move throttle lever to set engine speed:

   • Cold start: Set throttle lever to the start position. Use the choke control as necessary (if equipped).
   • Warm start: Set throttle lever to the mow position.
   
   

6. IMPORTANT: Starter may be damaged if starter is operated for more than 20 seconds at a time:

   • Wait two minutes before trying again if engine does not start.
   
   

   Turn key switch to the start position.

7. After engine starts, release key switch to the run position, disengage the choke control (if equipped) and move throttle to mow position.

8. IMPORTANT: Unnecessary engine idling may cause engine damage. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance.

   Allow the engine to warm up for 20 seconds.

9. Release park brake.

10. Set both motion control levers to the neutral position.