Checking The Engine Oil Level; Starting The Engine; Operating The Blades - Exmark QUEST 408 Operator's Manual

Checking the Engine Oil
Level
Before you start the engine and use the machine,
check the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to
Checking the Oil Level in Engine Maintenance
section.

Starting the Engine

1. Sit down on the seat and move the motion
controls out to engage the parking brake.
2. Disengage the blades by pushing down the blade
control switch to "OFF".
1. Ignition
2. Off
3. Run
4. Start
3. Engage the choke before starting a cold engine
(if applicable).
Note: A warm or hot engine may not require
choking.
4. Turn the ignition key to "START" to energize the
starter. When the engine starts, release the key.
Important: Do Not engage the starter for
more than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine
fails to start, allow a 60 second cool-down
period between attempts. Failure to follow
these instructions can burn out the starter
motor.
5. Once the engine starts, gradually move the choke
control rearward (if applicable) as the engine
Figure 10
5. Blade control
switch–OFF position
6. Choke control
7. Throttle lever
warms. If the engine stalls or hesitates, slightly
move the control forward for a few seconds.

Operating the Blades

The blade control switch, represented by a power
take-off (PTO) symbol, engages and disengages
power to the mower blades. This switch controls
power to any attachments that draw power from the
engine, including the mower deck and cutting blades.
Engaging the Blades
1. Move the motion control levers outward from the
center T-slot position to engage the parking brake.
2. Move the throttle midway between the "SLOW"
and "FAST" positions.
Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle
in the midway position.
3. Pull out on the blade control switch, to the "ON"
position, to engage the blades.
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1. Throttle–Midway position 2. Blade control
4. Move throttle to full forward position before
mowing.
Disengaging the Blades
Set the throttle to the midway position. Push the
blade control switch to "OFF" to disengage the
blades.
Stopping the Engine
1. Bring the machine to a full stop.
21
Operation
Figure 11
switch—ON position
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