Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine; Engaging The Drive; Operating On Slopes - DeWalt DW33 Instruction Manual

CONTROLS & OPERATION, cont'd
LCD Service Minder and Hour Meter
(Electric Start Models Only)
When the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP
position but not into the START position, the LCD
Service Minder and Hour Meter will briefly display
the battery voltage, followed by the tractor's
accumulated hours.
NOTE: Hours of mower operation are recorded
any time the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP
position, regardless of whether the engine is started.
Change Oil
The LCD will display the letters "CHG", followed
by the letters "OIL", followed by the letters "SOON", then finally followed by the meter's
accumulated time. "CHG/OIL/SOON/TIME" will alternate on the display for seven minutes
after the meter reaches 50 hours. This oil service minder interval will occur every 50 hours
for the following two hours. Before the interval expires, change the engine oil as instructed
in the engine operator's manual shipped with mower.
Low Battery
At startup, the battery voltage is briefly displayed then
changes to accumulated hours. The letters "LO" will display
followed by the letters "BATT" and then followed by the
meter's accumulated time. "LO/BATT/TIME" is displayed on
the LCD when the voltage drops below 11.5V. When this occurs, the battery is in need of
a charge or the engine's charging system is not generating sufficient amperage. Charge
the battery as instructed on page 17 in the Service section of this manual or have the
charging system checked by your local service dealer.
Accessory Switch/Power Bagger Assist/12 Volt Accessories Receptacles
The receptacles for optional accessories are on the control panel and right side of mower.
The receptacles are for a 12 volt outlet and head light.
Headlights (Not shown/If equipped)
The headlight located in front of the control panel. The headlights are ON whenever the
ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position and OFF when the ignition key is moved to
the STOP position.
Gas and Oil
The fuel tank has a capacity of two gallons. Remove the fuel cap by turning it counter-
clockwise. Use only clean, fresh (no more than 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill the tank
no higher than four inches below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel
expansion.
WARNING: Use extreme care when handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely
flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel the machine indoors or
while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition.
NOTE: Your lawn mower is shipped with oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the
oil level before operating. Refer to engine manual shipped with mower.
WARNING: Always check the engine oil level before each use as instructed
in the Engine Operator's Manual. Add oil as necessary. Failure to do so may
result in serious damage to your engine.

Starting the Engine

Refer to the Set-Up and Assembly section of this manual for gasoline and oil fill-
up instructions.
1. Release all controls on the mower.
2. Move the gear shift lever into the neutral (N) position.
3. Insert the key into the ignition switch.
4. If starting a cold engine, place the throttle/choke control all the way forward, into the
CHOKE position. If restarting a warm engine, place the throttle/choke control into the
FAST (rabbit) position.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release
the key. It will return to the RUN position.
CAUTION: Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than
five seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine's
electric starter.
6. Move the throttle/choke control into the FAST (rabbit) position.
NOTE:
Never leave the throttle/choke control in the CHOKE while operating
the mower. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel mixture and cause the engine to
run poorly.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine and remove the
ignition key (if so equipped). Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating
1. If the blades are engaged, release the blade control.
2. Turn the ignition key counter-clockwise to the STOP position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting for electric
start models.

Engaging the Drive

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
1. Start the engine as instructed earlier in this section and move the throttle/choke
control into the FAST (rabbit) position.
2. To travel FORWARD:
a. Place the gear shift lever in any of the four Forward ground speeds. Select a speed
appropriate for the conditions and a pace you're comfortable with.
b. Slowly squeeze the drive control against the left handle grip and the mower will
move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
To travel in REVERSE:
a. Check that the area behind is clear.
b. Place the gear shift lever in Reverse (R).
c. Slowly squeeze the drive control against the left handle grip and the mower will
move. Release it and drive motion will stop.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to change the direction of travel when the mower
is in motion. Always release the drive control and bring the mower to a
complete stop before repositioning the gear shift lever from a Forward gear
into Reverse. Failure to do so may result in serious damage to your
transmission.
WARNING: Do not leave the operator's position without first releasing the
blade control. If leaving the mower unattended, also turn the engine OFF and
remove the ignition key (if equipped).
Engaging the Blades
WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while
it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
1. Move the throttle/choke control to the FAST (rabbit) position.
2. Slowly squeeze the blade control against the right handle grip and the blades will
engage. Release it and the blades will stop.

Operating on Slopes

Refer to the Slope Gauge on page 8 to help determine slopes where you may operate the
mower safely.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The mower could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mow across the face of slopes; never up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, rocks, hidden objects, or bumps which can cause you to slip or
trip. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Always be sure of your footing. A slip and fall can cause serious personal injury. If you
feel you are losing your balance, release the blade control handle immediately and the
blade will stop rotating within three seconds.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments, you could lose your footing
or balance.
• Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Unstable footing could cause slipping.
ENGLISH
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