Before First Time Operation; Pre-Start; Starting The Machine - Ferris Venture Series Operator's Manual

• Engine ignition switch: The engine ignition switch is
located on the right side of the console and controls the
ignition circuit of the engine. The engine will only run
when the switch is in the "ON" position. The engine will
not start or will shut down if the switch is in the "OFF"
position. The engine will start when the key is rotated to
the "START" position.
• Spray pressure relief valve: The spray pressure relief
valve is located in front of the left side of the console. This
relief valve controls the spray system pressure. Screwing
in the adjustment knob increases pressure as noted on
the pressure gauge. Unscrewing the adjustment knob
decreases pressure as noted on the pressure gauge. For
a normal spray rate of ¼ gallon per thousand square feet,
the system pressure should be adjusted to 20 psi when
spraying.
• Spray toggle valves: The spray toggle valves control
which spray nozzles receive flow from the pump. The left
toggle valve controls the left spray nozzle, the right toggle
valve controls the right nozzle, and the middle toggle
valve controls the middle nozzle(s). Spray liquid flows to
a specific nozzle when its corresponding toggle valve is
flipped down.
• Gate stop: The gate stop controls the maximum open-
ing of the hopper gate and is located on the front of the
hopper. The knob is rotated one direction or the other
until the desired maximum gate opening is obtained.
• Parking brake: The parking brake is located on the left
side of the console pedestal. Actuating this brake engag-
es a locking feature in the transmissions. To engage the
brake the park brake lever is rotated forward. To disen-
gage the brake the park brake lever is rotated rearward.

Before First Time Operation

• Be sure to read all information in the Operator Safety
and Operation sections before attempting to operate this
unit.
• Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop
the unit.
• Drive in an open area without operating the spreader to
become accustomed to the unit.
WARNING
Never operate on slopes greater than 12°.
• Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope.
Use extra caution when operating on slopes with any
accessories attached to the unit.
16
Operator Instructions
• Operate across slopes, NOT up and down, use caution
when changing direction on slopes and do NOT start or
stop on a slope.

Pre-Start

• Fill the fuel tank. For best results use only fresh, clean
regular grade unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
87 or higher. Do not add oil to the gasoline.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Never fill the fuel tank so
that the fuel level rises above a level that is ½" below the
bottom of the filler neck. This will allow for fuel expansion
and will help to prevent fuel spillage.
• Understand the controls, their locations, their functions,
and their safety requirements.
• Refer to Maintenance, Storage, and Safety Section to
learn how to perform all the necessary inspection and
maintenance steps.

Starting the Machine

• Position the machine on a flat and level surface.
• Ensure that the motion control levers are in the neutral
position and that the parking brake is engaged.
• Open the fuel shut-off valves located on the engine and
below the fuel tank.
• If the engine is cold, activate the choke lever located on
the engine. If the engine is warm, it may not be necessary
to activate the choke lever.
• Turn the key switch to the "ON" position and then to the
"START" position to engage the engine starter. Do not
run the starter for more than 5 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start after several attempts, see the trou-
bleshooting section in this manual. Operating the engine
starter for excessive amounts of time can damage the
starter and the engine.
• Once the engine has started, gradually deactivate the
choke lever.
• Carefully step onto the operator platform.
• Disengage the parking brake.
• Slowly squeeze the motion control levers towards the
stationary handlebar to start the machine moving.
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