Safety Start Interlock System; Engine Starting - HUSTLER Raptor X Operator's Manual

A. Deck lift pedal
Figure 3-4

Safety Start Interlock System

The mower's safety start interlock system consists of the
park brake switches, seat switch, and deck clutch switch.
IMPORTANT: Repair this important safety feature
immediately if it malfunctions.
This safety feature prevents mower runaway or accidental
entanglement during operation.
Check the mower's safety start interlock system daily,
prior to operation.
To inspect the system:
1. Sit on the seat when testing the seat switch.
2. Set both steering control levers in the park brake
position.
3. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating
temperature.
4. With the deck clutch switch down and the steering
control levers in the park brake position, slowly rise off
of the seat. The engine should continue to run.
5. With the deck clutch switch up and/or the steering
control levers in the neutral position, slowly rise off of
the seat. The engine should stop.
6. If the engine fails to stop when:
• the deck clutch switch is up, or
• one or both of the steering control levers is in the
up (out of neutral position), and
• the operator is off the seat, then
• check the function of the seat switch. Replace
the seat switch if it is not operating properly (is
not opening or closing) and if the cause can not
be determined.
If you cannot locate the problem contact your Hustler
Dealer.
REV A
The safety interlock system should always
function per steps 4 and 5. If it does not function
properly, correct it immediately. Do not operate
machine without a properly functioning seat
safety switch.
A

Engine Starting

The mower's safety start interlock system is also designed
to protect the operator and others from accidental injury due
to unintentional engine starting. The engine starting motor
will not engage until:
1. Steering control levers are in the park brake position.
2. Deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF) position.
The
disconnected or bypassed. Doing so could cause
the machine to operate unexpectedly resulting in
personal injury.
NOTE: The operator's seat is equipped with a separate
safety switch. If for any reason the operator should become
unseated when the steering control levers are not in the park
brake position (park brake switches are disengaged) or the
deck clutch switch is engaged, the engine will stop.
The following steps are the correct procedures for starting
the engine. If difficulty is encountered, contact the Hustler
Dealer in your area.
1. Before starting mower each day, perform daily pre-
operation checking. (See Safety Start Interlock System
section.)
2. Make sure the steering control levers are in the park
brake position and deck clutch switch is disengaged.
Only start the engine from the operator's position.
3. Use the choke, if the unit is equipped with one, when
engine is cold, or if warm engine fails to start within 5
seconds of cranking. Avoid flooding and operate
engine without choking as soon as possible.
4. Set throttle at approximately 1/2 open position.
5. Insert key in ignition switch and rotate full clockwise
to engage starting motor. Release key when engine
starts.
IMPORTANT: The engine starter should not be
operated for periods longer than 30 seconds at a time.
An interval of at least two minutes should be allowed
between such cranking periods to protect the starter
from overheating and burn-out.
6. Perform test to make sure safety start interlock
®
system is operating properly. Refer to Safety Start
Interlock System section.
3-2
safety interlock system must not be
®
607768