Stopping The Engine; Cold Weather Starting - DeWalt X536 Instruction Manual

English
CONTROLS & OPERATION, cont'd
Safety Interlock System
WARNING: Do not operate the mower if the safety interlock system is
malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.
This mower is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator.
If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the mower. Contact an
authorized service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the
parking brake is engaged, and the PTO lever is in the DISENGAGED (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the operator's platform
before engaging the parking brake.
• The PTO will automatically shut OFF if the operator leaves the operator's platform
with the PTO switch in the ENGAGED (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking
brake is engaged.
nOTE: The PTO must be disengaged to restart the engine.
Standing on The Operator's Platform
WARNING: Only one person at a time may occupy the operator's platform -
Otherwise injury may occur.
nOTE: Stepping off of the operator's platform without engaging the parking brake will
cause the safety interlock system to stop the engine.
When standing on the operator's platform:
• Do not turnaround or face away from the controls.
• When operating the mower, lean forward into the leg pad.
nOTE: The operator's platform is equipped with an adjustable leg pad. If necessary,
adjust the leg pad height. Refer to Adjustments, Leg Pad Height in the Assembly &
Set-Up section.
Starting the Engine
WARNING: This machine is equipped with a safety interlock system designed
for protection of the operator. Do not operate the machine if any part of the
interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions of the
interlock system for proper operation.
WARNING: For personal safety, the operator must be standing on the
operator's platform when starting the engine.
1. Operator must be standing on the operator's platform with both drive control levers
in the neutral/start position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Make certain the PTO is in the disengaged (down) position.
4. Lift the choke knob (if equipped) into the ON position.
nOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the engine.
5. Move the throttle control to midway between the SLOW
positions.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position and release it as 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 OFF
and wait at least 30 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.
7. Once the engine starts, push the choke (if equipped) halfway down and as the engine
warms, push the choke all the way down.

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:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition. 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
WARNING: 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 mower must be started, the aid of a booster battery will
be necessary. Connect the booster battery as follows:
12
1. Connect the end of one cable to the disabled 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 mower, as far from
the battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled mower following the normal starting instructions previously
provided; then disconnect the jumper cables in the exact reverse order of
their connection.
4. Have the mower's electrical system checked and repaired as soon as possible to
eliminate the need for jump starting.

Stopping the Engine

1. Move the RH and LH drive control levers neutral position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Disengage the PTO.
4. Move the throttle control to the SLOW position.
5. Allow the engine to run for one minute then turn the key to STOP
the from the ignition module.
nOTE: Always remove the key from the ignition module to prevent accidental
starting or battery discharge if the equipment is left unattended.
Practice Operation (Initial Use)
Operating a zero-turn mower is not like operating a conventional type riding mower.
Although and because a zero turn mower is more maneuverable, getting used to
operating the drive control levers takes some practice.
It is strongly recommended that you locate a reasonably large, level and open "practice
area" where there are no obstructions, pedestrians, or animals. You should practice
operating the mower for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Carefully move (or have moved) the mower to the practice area. When performing the
practice session, the PTO should not be engaged. While practicing, operate the mower at
approximately 1⁄2-3⁄4 throttle and at less than full speed in both forward and reverse.
Carefully practice maneuvering the mower using the instructions in the following
procedure Driving the Mower. Practice until you are confident that you can safely
operate the mower.
Driving the Mower
WARNING: Keep all movement of the drive control levers slow and smooth.
Abrupt movement of the control levers can affect the stability of the mower
and could cause the mower to flip over, which may result in serious injury or
death to the operator.
1. Ensure the RH and LH drive control levers are in the neutral position and the parking
brake is disengaged. See Figure 10.
and FAST
nOTE: If the drive control levers are not even in the neutral position, refer to Product
Care for instructions to adjust the drive control levers so that they are even.
2. Move the throttle to the full throttle position.
WARNING: Always maintain a firm grip on the control levers. DO NOT
release the control levers to slow or stop the mower; move levers to neutral
position using your hands.
3. To drive the mower, firmly grasp the respective drive control levers with your right
and left hands.
Driving the Mower Forward
1. Slowly and evenly move both drive
control levers forward. The mower
will start to move forward. See
Figure 10.
2. As the drive control levers are
pushed farther forward the speed
of the mower will increase.
3. To slow the mower move the drive
controls lever rearward to attain
the desired speed, or move the
drive control levers to the neutral
position to stop the mower.
and remove
Driving Forward
Neutral Position
Figure 10
Faster
Slower