Starting The Engine - Troy-Bilt ZT50 Operator's Manual

• 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!
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!
be sitting in the tractor seat when starting the
engine.
LH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
ZT50 - Pull Choke
ZT42 - Move Throttle
Control to Choke
ZT50 - Move Throttle
Control to "FAST"
• 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.
Model ZT42 ONLY
1. Move the throttle control lever fully forward into the
"CHOKE" position. NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may
not be necessary to place the throttle control in the choke
position.
2. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the "START" position
and release it as soon as the engine starts; however, do not
16 s 5— O
ectiOn peratiOn
This tractor is equipped with a safety
For personal safety, the operator must
RH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Parking Brake
Engaged
PTO Switch in Down
(Disengaged) Position
Figure 5-1
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 a minute. Try again after waiting.
3. After the engine starts, gradually pull the throttle control
lever rearward past the choke detent position to the FAST
position. Do not use the choke to enrich the fuel mixture,
except as necessary to start the engine.
Model ZT50 ONLY
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.
2. Move the throttle control lever fully forward to the "fast"
position.
3. 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 a minute to allow the engine's starter
motor to cool. Try again after waiting.
4. 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 comes on, immediately stop the engine.
Have the tractor inspected by your 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:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. A warm battery
has much more starting capacity than a cold battery.
2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade gasoline has
higher volatility to improve starting. Do not use gasoline
left over from summer.
3. 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:
1. 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.