Starting The Engine - Troy-Bilt Mustang RZT Operator's Manual

• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine
if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the
parking brake.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if
the operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged,
regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the "OFF"
position to restart the engine.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO and
the mower blades will stop if both drive control levers
are moved into the reverse position. The PTO will re-
engage when one or both of the levers are moved back
to the neutral or forward position.

Starting the Engine

WARNING!: This unit is equipped with a
safety interlock system designed for the
protection of the operator. Do not operate
the tractor if any part of the interlock system
is malfunctioning. Periodically check the
functions of the interlock system for proper
operation.
WARNING!: For personal safety, the operator
must be sitting in the tractor seat when
starting the engine.
• Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
• Engage the parking brake. Refer to Figure 5-1.
• Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged
(down) position. Refer to Figure 5-1.
• Pull the choke control knob upward to the full choke
position. NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be
necessary to choke the engine.
• Move the throttle control to midway between its SLOW
and FAST positions.
LH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Throttle Control
to `Mid' Position
14 s 5— O
ectiOn peratiOn
RH Control Lever
Parking Brake
Out in Neutral
Engaged
Pull Choke Up
to Full Choke
PTO Switch in Down
(Disengaged) Position
Figure 5-1
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the "START" position
and release it as soon as the engine starts; however,
do not crank the engine continuously for more than 5
seconds at a time. If the engine does not start within
this time, turn the key to "OFF" and wait at least 15
seconds to allow the engine's starter motor to cool.
Try again after waiting. If after a few attempts the
engine fails to start, do not keep trying to start it with
the choke closed as this will cause flooding and make
starting more difficult.
• As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke
knob downward to open the choke. Do not use the
choke to enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to
start the engine.
• Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid
throttle before putting the engine under load.
• Observe the hour meter / indicator panel. If the
battery indicator light or oil pressure light come
on, immediately stop the engine. Have the tractor
inspected by your Troy-Bilt Service dealer.
Cold Weather Starting
When starting the engine at temperatures near or below
freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used
in the engine and the battery is fully charged. Start the
engine as follows:
• Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm
battery has much more starting capacity than a cold
battery.
• Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline
has higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use
gasoline left over from summer.
• Follow the previous instruction for STARTING THE
ENGINE.
Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine
WARNING!: Batteries contain sulfuric acid and
produce explosive gasses. Make certain the
area is well ventilated, wear gloves and eye
protection, and avoid sparks or flames near
the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the engine,
recharge the battery. If a battery charger is unavailable
and the tractor must be started, the aid of a booster
battery will be necessary. Connect the booster battery as
follows:
• Connect the end of one cable to the disabled tractor
battery's positive terminal; then connect the other end
of that cable to the booster battery's positive terminal.
• Connect one end of the other cable to the booster
battery's negative terminal; then connect the other end
of that cable to the frame of the disabled tractor, as far
from the battery as possible.