Starting the Engine

Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can 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 the exhaust fumes out.

1. Sit on the operator seat.

2. Lock the park brake.

3. Push the back of PTO switch down to disengage the PTO.

4. Move throttle lever to set engine speed:

   • Cold engine: Set throttle lever at the 1/2 to 3/4 fast idle position.
   • Warm /Hot engine: Set throttle lever to the fast idle position.
   
   

5. Position choke knob (does not apply to EFI models):

   • Cold engine: Pull knob up and hold in the choke position.
   • Warm/Hot engine: If necessary, pull knob up and hold in choke position.
   
   

6. The starter will shutdown after 20 seconds of cranking. The key can be cycled from OFF to start and the starter will begin cranking again. After three cycles of cranking for 20 seconds (60 total seconds) the controller activates a thermal shutdown until components cool down.

   Turn key switch to the start position. If engine did not start:

   • Turn key to start position again for no more than 20 seconds.
   • Repeat the procedure if necessary.
   
   

7. Release key to the run position when the engine starts.

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

   With engine started:

   • Push choke knob down to the off position (does not apply to EFI models).
   • Move throttle lever to the fast idle position.
   • Unlock park brake.