Operation; Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine - Troy-Bilt Pony ES Operator's Manual

Operation

Starting the Engine

Pre-Start Checklist
With the spark plug wire disconnected from the spark plug, make
the following checks and perform the following services before
starting the engine.
1. Read the Safe Operation Practices and Features & Controls
Sections in this manual. Read the separate Engine
Operator's Manual.
2. Check the machine for loose or missing hardware. Service
as required.
3. Check the engine oil level. See Engine Operator's Manual.
4. Check that all the safety guards and covers are in place.
5. Check air cleaner and engine cooling system. See Engine
Operator's Manual.
6. Attach the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
7. Fill the fuel tank with gasoline according to the directions
in the separate Engine Operator's Manual. Follow all the
instructions and safety rules carefully.
WARNING!
enclosed, poorly ventilated areas. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide, an odorless and deadly
gas. Avoid the engine muffler and nearby areas.
Temperatures in these areas may exceed 150° F.
Starting the Engine
1. Complete the "Pre-Start Checklist."
2. Put the Wheel Gear Lever in the ENGAGE position.
3. Put the Depth Regulator Lever in the "travel" position (lever
all the way down) so that the tines are clear of the ground.
4. Release all controls on the tiller.
5. Put the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the "FAST" setting.
6. On engines equipped with a fuel valve, turn the valve to
the open position as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator's Manual.
7. Choke or prime engine as instructed in the separate Engine
Operator's Manual.
8. For recoil (non-electric) starting models:
a. Place one hand on the fuel tank to stabilize the tiller
when you pull the starter handle.
b. Use the recoil starter rope to start the engine as
instructed in the separate Engine Operator's Manual.
When the engine starts, gradually move the choke
lever (on engines so equipped) to the "NO CHOKE",
"CHOKE OFF" or "RUN" position.
c. Leave the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the
"FAST" setting.
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Never run the engine indoors or in
9. For electric starting models:
a. Turn the engine ignition key to the "START" setting
and allow the starter motor to crank the engine for
several seconds. Avoid cranking the engine longer
than 15 seconds at a time as doing so could damage
the starter motor.
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator's Manual for detailed
starting instructions.
b. When the engine starts, release the key and it will
return to the "RUN" setting.
c. Gradually move the choke lever (on engines so
equipped) to "NO CHOKE", "CHOKE OFF" or "RUN"
position.
d. Leave the Engine Throttle Control Lever in the
"FAST" setting.
Recoil Starter
If necessary, the electric start engine can be started with the
recoil starter rope by following the steps below:
1. If the battery is not "dead" or damaged, leave it connected
to the tiller so it will be recharged during engine operation.
Make sure the battery cells are filled to the upper level line
with electrolyte.
2. If the battery is "dead" or damaged, remove it and have it
tested. Before starting the engine, cover the terminal on
the loose end of the positive (+) cable with the insulated
boot and secure it in place with electrical tape to prevent
electrical sparks.
3. Put the ignition key in the "RUN" position and then follow
Steps 1-8 of "Starting the Engine."

Stopping the Engine

1. To stop the wheels and tines, release the Forward
Clutch Control levers or the Reverse Clutch Control knob
(whichever control is engaged).
2. To stop the engine on the recoil start model, move the
Engine Throttle Control Lever to the "STOP" position.
3. To stop the engine on an electric start model, move the
ignition key to "OFF".
NOTE: After stopping an electric start engine, remove the
ignition key from the switch to reduce the possibility of
unauthorized starting of the engine.
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