Before Starting The Engine - Husqvarna 96045000411 Owner's Manual

SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number of hours the
engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine
or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the
service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine
and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in
any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure key
remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not running.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac-
tor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with sum mer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
"FULL " mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Maintenance sec tion of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use
fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a minimum
of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix
oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quan ti ties that can be
used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW
32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE
TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER START ING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or
using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which
leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion of acids during
storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an
engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems,
the fuel system should be emptied before stor age
of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the
engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor
are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage
In struc tions for additional information. Never use
engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
OPERATION
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3)
When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine
has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission en gaged
position.
• Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal
and set parking brake.
• Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.
• Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below.
• Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START"
position and release key as soon as engine starts.
Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen
sec onds per minute. If the engine does not start after
several attempts, move throttle control to fast position,
wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does
not start, move the throttle control back to the choke
position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
• When engine starts, move the throttle control to the
fast position.
• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)
• When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle
control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly,
then move throttle control to fast position. This may re-
quire an engine warm-up period from several seconds
to several minutes, depending on the tem per a ture.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP
• Before driving the unit in cold weather, the trans mis sion
should be warmed up as follows:
•
•
•
• The attachments can also be used during the engine
warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed
up.
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold
temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO
ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments
section of this manual.
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Be sure the tractor is on level ground.
Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly
return to operating position.
Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This
can be done during the engine warm up period.