Safety Interlock System; Initial Run-In Procedures; Starting The Engine; Ground Travel And Steering - Scag Power Equipment Freedom Z SFZ52-691FS Operator's Manual

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16. Seat Belt (Figure 4-1). Used to secure the operator.
Seat belt must be worn at all times during operation.
17. Seat Hold Down Release Latch (Figure 4-1).
Located behind the seat. Used to secure the seat
in the operator's position. Release the latch to gain
access under the seat.

4.2 SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM

The mower is equipped with a safety interlock system that
prevents the engine from starting unless the deck drive is
disengaged, the steering control levers are in the neutral
position and the operator is in the seat. The interlock
system shuts off the engine if the operator leaves the seat
with the steering control levers not in the neutral position
and/or the cutter blades engaged and the parking brake
not engaged.
WARNING
Never operate the mower with the interlock
system disconnected or malfunctioning. Do not
disengage or bypass any switch; injury to yourself
and others or property damage could result.

4.3 INITIAL RUN-IN PROCEDURES

FIRST DAY OF USE OR APPROXIMATELY 20 HOURS
1. Check all belts for proper alignment and wear at 2, 4
and 8 hours.
2. Change the engine oil and oil filter after the first 20
hours of operation. (See Section 7.4.)
3. Check hydraulic oil level in reservoir. (See Section
7.3.)
4. Check for loose hardware. Tighten as needed.
5. Check interlock system for proper operation. (See
Section 4.2.)
6. Check tire pressure. Adjust pressure if necessary.
(See Section 7.10.)

4.4 STARTING THE ENGINE

CAUTION
DO NOT USE STARTING FLUIDS. Use of starting
fluids in the air intake system may be potentially
explosive or cause a "runaway" engine condition
that could result in engine damage and/or
personal injury.
1. Be sure the fuel shutoff valve, located behind the
operator's seat, is completely open.
2. Sit in the operator's seat, fasten seat belt and place
the steering control levers in the neutral position.
3. Engage the parking brake.
4. Place the PTO switch in the disengaged position.
5. If the engine is cold, choke the engine as needed.
6. Move the engine throttle control to about half engine
speed.
7. Turn the ignition key to the START position and
release the key as soon as the engine starts. Do
not hold the key in the START position for more
than 15 seconds at a time. Allow at least 60
seconds between each cranking attempt to prevent
overheating of the starter motor. Prolonged cranking
can damage the starter motor and shorten battery
life.
8. Allow engine to warm before operating the mower.

4.5 GROUND TRAVEL AND STEERING

- IMPORTANT -
If you are not familiar with the operation of a
machine with lever steering and/or hydrostatic
transmissions, the steering and ground speed
operations should be learned and practiced in
an open area, away from buildings, fences, or
obstructions.
Learn the operation on flat ground before operating
on slopes.
Start practicing with a slow engine speed and slow
forward travel.
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Section 4