Purge Transmission; Mowing Tips - Husqvarna LTH18538 Owner's Manual

OPERATION
Insert key into ignitionandturn 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.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F/10°C and above)
• When engine starts, move the throttle control to the
fast position.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow itto warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING (50 ° F/10°C and below)
• When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle
control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly,
then move throttle control to fast position. This may
require an engine warm-up period from several seconds
to several minutes, depending on the temperature.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP
• Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission
should be warmed up as follows:
• Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
• Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release
the parking brake and let the clutch/brake slowly
return to operating position.
• Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This
can be done during the engine warm up period.
• Theattachmentscanalso beusedduringtheenginewarm-
up period after the transmission has been warmed up.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32 ° F) the carburetor fuel mixture may
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO
ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
PURGE TRANSMISSION
CAUTION: Never engage or disengage I
freewheelleverwhiletheengineisrunning.
To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom-
mended that the transmission be purged before operating
tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any
trapped air inside the transmission which may have devel-
oped during shipping of your tractor.
IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE
REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT SHOULD
BE PURGEDAFTER REINSTALLATIONBEFORE OPERATING
THE TRACTOR.
1. Place tractor safely on a level surface - that is clear
and open - with engine off and parking brake set.
2. Disengage transmission by placing freewheel control
in freewheeling position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in
this section of manual).
3. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine
is running, move throttle control to slow position. With
motion control lever in neutral position, slowly disengage
clutch/brake pedal.
14
may be movement of the drive wheels.
4. Move motion control lever to full forward position and
hold for five (5) seconds. Move lever to full reverse
position and hold for five (5) seconds. Repeat this
procedure three (3) times.
5. Move motion control lever to neutral position. Shut- off
engine and set parking brake.
6. Engage transmission by placing freewheel control in
engaged position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in this sec-
tion of manual).
7. Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine
is running, move throttle control to half (1/2) speed.
With motion control lever in neutral position, slowly
disengage clutch/brake pedal.
8. Slowly move motion control lever forward, after the
tractor moves approximately five (5) feet, slowly move
motion control lever to reverse position. After the trac-
tor moves approximately five (5) feet return the motion
control lever to the neutral position. Repeat this proce-
dure with the motion control lever three (3) times.
Your transmission is now purged and now ready for normal
operation.
MOWING TIPS
• Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing
is attached to tractor.
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in
the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
• The left hand side ofmower should be used for trimming.
• Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of
the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution
of clippings and more uniform cutting.
• When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right
so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs,
fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow
in the opposite direction making left hand turns until
finished (See Fig. 16).
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Fig. 16
• Ifgrassisextremelytall, itshouldbe mowedtwiceto reduce
load and possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make
first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height.
• Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug
mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to
dry before mowing.
• Always operate engine at full throttle when mow=
ing to assure better mowing performance and proper
discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by
selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting
performance as well as the quality of cut desired.
• When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used.