Operating Instructions - MTD 136-390A Owner's Operating Service Instruction Manual

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
3.
4.
Keep all shields and guards in place.
Before leaving operator's position:
Shift controls into neutral
Set parking brake
Disengage attachment drive
Shut off engine
Remove ignition key
Wait for all movement to stop before servicing
machine.
Keep people and pets a safe distance away
from machine.
FIGURE 12. RECOIL STARTER
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Be sure the crankcase is filled with oil as
recommended in the engine manual and put
regular gasoline in the gasoline tank.
2. If the engine is equipped with a fuel shut off
valve, be sure it is open.
Electric Start Model. Turn the ignition key to the
START position. As soon as the engine starts let
the key return to the ON position. See figure 5.
Slowly return the throttle to the running position
as soon as the engine starts.
8. To stop either model, turn the ignition key to
the OFF position and remove the key when
the unit is not in use.
3. Attach the wire to the spark plug.
4. Depress the clutch pedal and lock it down
with the speed control lever.
5. Move the lift and disengagement lever
backward to the disengaged position and lock
it.
6. Set the throttle control lever in the CHOKE
position.
7. Recoil Model. Turn the ignition key to the ON'
position, twist the recoil starter handle until it
is free and pull it with a quick steady motion.
After the engine starts, return the recoil
starter handle and twist it until it iocks. See
figures 9 and 12.
NOTE
The engine will stop when clutch or
blades are engaged if this procedure
is not followed.
PUTTING THE RIDER IN MOTION
1. Advance the throttle control from % to full
throttle to prevent strain on the engine and to
operate the cutting blades.
2. Depress the clutch pedal so the clutch lock
releases.
3. Place the gear shift lever in the number 1
position on the four speed unit.
4. Slowly release the clutch pedal.
5. To stop the unit, depress the clutch pedal and
the brake pedal.
6. The blade can be engaged either while moving
or while standing still. Move the lift and
disengagement lever forward slowly until the
■ blade is running.
NOTE
As you become more familiar with
the four speed transmission, stop
the unit and shift into a higher gear.
9