Starting the Engine

IMPORTANT: Hydrostatic transmission might be damaged if the bypass rod is not pushed back to operating position before attempting to start the engine. Do not start or operate the machine with the bypass rod in the pulled-out position.

1. Make sure bypass rod is pushed in.

2. 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.

   Sit in seat.

3. Make sure mower is disengaged. (See Engaging and Disengaging Mower in the OPERATING section.)

4. Lock the park brake.

5. For automatic models, put transmission shifter into center slot.

6. 
   GXAL41993-UN-04MAR13

   Check starting conditions:
   • If engine is cold: Move throttle/choke lever (A) up to the choke position.
   • If engine is warm: Move throttle/choke lever (A) to the half-speed position.
   
   

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7. 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 to start position for no more than five seconds.

8. Release key to run position when engine starts, and gradually move choke lever down to the off position.

   • If engine does not start, wait 10 seconds.
   • Turn key to start position again for no longer than 5 seconds.
   • Repeat procedure if necessary.
   
   

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

   Let engine run at high idle for a couple of minutes to warm-up before operating machine.