Before Starting The Engine - Ariens 936038 42" Hydro Tractor Operator's Manual

OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with
the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will
shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally
positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitat-
ing or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough,
rolling terrain or hills.
• Select desired height of cut with attachment lift lever.
• Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control.
TO STOP MOWER BLADES
• Disengage attachment clutch control.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so
equipped, or the deflector shield (S) in place
(See Fig. 12).
Fig. 12
TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 13)
When pushing or towing your tractor, ensure to dis-
engage transmission by placing freewheel control in
freewheeling position. Free wheel control is located at
the rear drawbar of tractor.
• Raise attachment lift to highest position with attach-
ment lift control.
• Pull freewheel control out and into the slot and release
so it is held in the disengaged position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH.
• To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting
your tractor on a truck or a trailer, ensure hood is closed
and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying
hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TRANSMISSION ENGAGED
TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED
Fig. 13
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
"FULL' mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Maintenance section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.
Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a
minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel
in quantities that can be used within 30 days to ensure
fuel freshness.
_ CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel.
Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an
open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW
32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE
TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol
or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damagethe fuel sys-
tem of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank,
start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season.
See Storage instructions for additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in
the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
12
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 4)
When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine
has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Ensure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged
position.
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set parking brake.
• Place motion control lever in neutral position.
• Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
• Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
• Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START"
position and release key as soon as engine starts.
Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen
seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, move throttle control to fast position,
wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does
not start, move the throttle control back to the choke
position and retry.