Exmark STARIS S Series Operator's Manual page 20

Operation
– Review and understand the slope instructions
in the manual and on the machine
– Evaluate the site conditions of the day to
determine if the slope is safe for machine
operation. Use common sense and good
judgment when performing this evaluation.
Changes in the terrain, such as moisture, can
quickly affect the operation of the machine
on a slope.
• Operate across slopes, never up and down. Avoid
operation on excessively steep or wet slopes. Poor
footing could cause a slip and fall accident.
• Identify hazards at the base of the slope. Do
not operate the machine near drop offs, ditches,
embankments, water or other hazards. The
machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or the edge collapses. Keep a safe
distance between the machine and any hazard.
Use a hand held tool to operate in these areas.
• Avoid starting, stopping or turning the machine
on slopes. Avoid making sudden changes in speed
or direction; turn slowly and gradually.
• Do not operate a machine under any conditions
where traction, steering or stability is in question.
Be aware that operating the machine on wet grass,
across slopes or downhill may cause the machine
to lose traction. Loss of traction to the drive
wheels may result in sliding and a loss of braking
and steering. The machine can slide even if the
drive wheels are stopped.
• Remove or mark obstacles such as ditches, holes,
ruts, bumps, rocks or other hidden hazards. Tall
grass can hide obstacles. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine.
• If you lose control of the machine, step away from
the direction of travel of the machine.
• Always keep the machine in gear when going
down slopes. Do not coast downhill.
Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve
Rotate the valve and align with the fuel line to open.
Starting the Engine
1. Move the motion control levers out to the neutral
lock position.
2. Pull the parking brake up and rearward to engage
the parking brake.
3. Push down on the PTO switch to the "disengage"
position.
4. Place the throttle midway between the "SLOW"
and "FAST" positions.
5. On a cold engine, push the choke lever forward
into the "ON" position (except Kohler EFI units).
On a warm engine, leave the choke in the "OFF"
position.
6. Turn ignition switch to the "START" position.
Release the switch as soon as the engine starts.
Important: Do Not crank the engine
continuously for more than ten seconds at a
time. If the engine does not start, allow a 60
second cool-down period between starting
attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines
can burn out the starter motor.
7. If the choke is in the "ON" position, gradually
return choke to the "OFF" position as the engine
warms up.
PTO Engagement
DANGER
The rotating blades under the mower deck are
dangerous. Blade contact can cause serious
injury or kill you.
Do Not put hands or feet under the mower or
mower deck when the blades are engaged.
DANGER
An uncovered discharge opening will allow
objects to be thrown in an operator's or
bystander's direction. Also, contact with the
blade could occur. Thrown objects or blade
contact can cause serious injury or death.
Never operate the mower with the discharge
deflector raised, removed, or altered unless there
is a grass collection system or mulch kit in place
and working properly.
The PTO switch engages the cutting blades. Be sure
all persons are clear of mower deck and discharge
area before engaging the PTO.
1. Set throttle to "MIDWAY" position.
2. Release the parking brake.
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