Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine; Practice Operation (Initial Use); Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine - Craftsman Z6000 SERIES Operator's Manual

Starting the Engine

This riding mower is equipped with a safety interlock system designed for
the protection of the operator. Do not operate the riding mower if any part
of the interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions
of the interlock system for proper operation.
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the riding mower seat
when starting the engine.
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with the control levers fully
outward in neutral (parking brake on).
2. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down) position. Refer to
"Figure 8".
LH Control Lever
Out in Neutral
Throttle/Choke Control
Ignition Switch module
3. Move the throttle/choke control lever fully forward into the CHOKE
position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to place the
throttle/choke control in the CHOKE
4. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
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 STOP and wait at least 15 seconds to allow the engine's
starter motor to cool. Try again after waiting. If after a few attempts the
engine fails to start, do not keep trying to start it with the choke closed as
this will cause flooding and make starting more difficult.
5. As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle/choke control lever
rearward past the choke detent position. Do not use the choke position to
enrich the fuel mixture, except as necessary to start the engine.
6. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid throttle before putting the
engine under load.
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:
WARNING
WARNING
RH Control Lever Out in
Neutral
to the Choke Position
PTO Switch in Down
(Disengaged) Position
Figure 8
position.
position and release it as
OPERATION
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. Also, 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

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 riding mower 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 riding mower battery's positive
terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the booster battery's
positive terminal.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the booster battery's negative
terminal; then connect the other end of that cable to the frame of the
disabled riding mower, as far from the battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled riding mower following the normal starting instructions
previously provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse
order of their connection.
4. Have the riding mower's electrical system checked and repaired as soon as
possible to eliminate the need for jump starting.

Stopping the Engine

1. Place the PTO switch in the OFF position.
2. Move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position
(parking brake on).
3. Move the throttle/choke control to midway between the SLOW
FAST positions.
4. Turn the ignition key to the STOP
ignition switch.
NOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental
starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.

Practice Operation (Initial Use)

Operating a zero-turn riding mower is not like operating a conventional type riding
mower. Because a zero turn riding mower is more maneuverable, getting used to
operating the control levers takes some practice.
We strongly recommend that you locate a reasonably large, level and open "practice
area" where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should practice
operating the riding mower for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move — or have an experienced user move — the riding mower to
the practice area. When performing the practice session, the PTO should not be
engaged. While practicing, operate the riding mower at approximately 1⁄2-3⁄ 4
throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and reverse.
Carefully practice maneuvering the riding mower and proceed to drive as described
in the following Driving the Riding mower Forward section.
14
WARNING
position and remove the key from the
and