Stopping The Engine; Driving The Machine - Exmark Vantage Operator's Manual

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.
3. Move the right side motion control lever to the
center, operate position.
4. Continue holding the right side motion control
lever in the center, operate position and pull up
on the blade control switch (PTO) and release.
The clutch should engage and the mower blades
begin rotating.
5. Place the throttle in the "FAST" position to begin
mowing.
Disengaging the PTO
1. Set the throttle midway between the "SLOW"
and "FAST" positions.
2. Push down on the PTO switch to disengage the
blades.
Note: The PTO will be disengaged by releasing
the right side motion control lever and allowing
it to spring outward to the neutral lock position.
The PTO will not re-engage when the RH motion
control lever is moved out of the neutral lock
position without pulling up on the PTO switch.
To fully disengage the PTO, continue to push the
switch downward.

Stopping the Engine

1. Bring the unit to a full stop.
2. Move the motion control levers to the neutral
position; move the RH control lever out to the
neutral lock position.
3. Place the throttle midway between the "SLOW"
and "FAST" positions.
4. Push down on the PTO switch to disengage the
blades.
5. Engage the parking brake.
6. Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 15
seconds, then turn the ignition switch to the
"OFF" position to stop the engine.
7. Remove the key to prevent children or other
unauthorized persons from starting engine.
8. Close the fuel shut-off valve when the machine
will not be in use for a few days, when
transporting, or when the unit is parked inside
a building.

Driving the Machine

CAUTION
Machine can spin very rapidly by positioning
one lever too much ahead of the other.
Operator may lose control of the machine,
which may cause damage to the machine
or injury.
• Use caution when making turns.
• Slow the machine down before making
sharp turns.
19
Operation