Starting the Engine

1. CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and cause serious illness or death.

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

   Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation:

   • Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.

   • Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear out the exhaust fumes.

   NOTE: Engine does not start unless the park brake is applied and the mower is disengaged.

   Sit on seat.

2. Make sure that the Mower and PTO engagement switch is disengaged.

3. Push the brake pedal down.

4. 
   MXT014344-UN-10JUN15

   Adjust throttle setting (ALL MODELS):
   • If engine is cold, move throttle lever (A) between the half throttle and fast throttle positions.
   • If engine is warm, move throttle lever (A) to slow throttle position.
   
   

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5. Adjust choke setting (X570, X580, X584):

   • If engine is cold, push and hold choke lever (B) all the way up to the choke position.
   • If engine is warm, push and hold up choke lever (B) half way, or do not use at all depending on engine temperature.
   
   

6. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If the starter is operated for more than 20 seconds at a time, starter damage occurs:

   • If engine does not start, wait two minutes before trying again.

   Turn key (C) to start position for no more than 5 seconds.

7. Release key to run position.

8. X570, X580, X584: Release choke lever when engine starts. If engine does not start:

   1. Wait 10 seconds.

   2. Hold choke lever in the choke position.

   3. Turn key to start position again for no longer than 5 seconds. Release key and choke lever when engine starts.

   4. Repeat procedure if necessary.

9. IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine idling causes engine damage. Excessive idling causes engine overheating, carbon buildup, and poor performance.

   To allow warm-up before operating, run engine at half throttle for 30—60 seconds.