Stopping The Engine; Moving Mower With Stalled Engine; Rops (Roll Over Protective Structure) - HUSTLER Sport Operator's Manual

unseated when the steering control levers are not in the park
brake position (park brake switches are disengaged) or the deck
clutch switch is engaged the engine will stop.
The following steps are the correct procedure for starting the
engine. If difficulty is encountered, contact the BigDog
Mowers Dealer in your area.
1. Before starting the mower each day, perform daily pre-
operation checking. (See Safety Start Interlock System
section)
2. Make sure the steering control levers are in the park
brake position and deck clutch switch is disengaged.
Only start the engine from the operator's position.
3. Units with integrated choke/throttle control – Use the
choke (choke/throttle control lever in full forward
position) when engine is cold, or if warm engine fails to
start within 5 seconds of cranking. Avoid flooding by
operating engine without choking as soon as possible.
Units with separate throttle and choke controls – Use
the choke, when engine is cold, or if warm engine fails to
start within 5 seconds of cranking. Avoid flooding by
operating engine without choking as soon as possible.
4. Set throttle at approximately 1/2 open position.
5. Insert key in ignition switch and rotate full clockwise to
engage starting motor. Release key when engine starts.
IMPORTANT: The engine starter should not be operated
for periods longer than 30 seconds at a time. An interval
of at least two minutes should be allowed between such
cranking periods to protect the starter from overheating
and burning-out.
6. Perform a test to make sure the safety start interlock
system is operating properly. Refer to Safety start
interlock system section.
7. As soon as the engine begins to run, check to make
certain the oil warning light (if applicable) is off. If not,
stop the engine immediately and check for the cause.
8. Allow the engine to idle a few minutes before advancing
the throttle and/or engaging the deck clutch.

Stopping the Engine

Use the following procedure to shut off the engine after
operating the equipment.
1. Place the steering control levers in the park brake
position.
2. Throttle the engine back to low idle, then disengage the
deck clutch. Refer to Mower deck operation section for
more details.
3. Let the engine run at low idle for a couple of minutes.
4. Rotate the ignition key counter-clockwise to the "OFF"
position. Remove the key from switch before leaving the
mower.

Moving Mower With Stalled Engine

If it becomes necessary to move the tractor when the engine is
inoperative, the transaxles are equipped with bypass valves.
Before moving the unit, pull up on the bypass valve rod and
slide it in the slot to the disengaged position. The valve rod is
located per Figure 3-5.
The steering control levers must be placed in the neutral
position, to release the park brakes, so that the mower can be
REV H
moved.
Do not tow the machine. Move it by hand or use a winch to
load on a trailer for transporting.
When transporting on another vehicle, the mower should be
facing forward and it must be secured.
®
IMPORTANT: Always make certain the two bypass valves
are returned to their operating position before running the
mower following repairs.
Bypass valve rod
(Right rod shown)
(Viewed from the rear right underneath side)
Allow engine exhaust manifold to cool before engaging
or disengaging the bypass valves. The bypass valve rods
are located close to the exhaust system.

ROPS (Roll Over Protective Structure)

ROPS when used with seat belt is effective in reducing
injuries during unit overturn accidents. Overturning the unit
without a ROPS can result in serious injury or death. Figure 3-6
Never operate the mower without the ROPS. Always
wear your seat belt when operating this mower.
Always pull from the mower hitch. Do not attach chains
or ropes to the ROPS for pulling purposes, as the machine
can tip backwards.
Inspect the area prior to being mowed for proper overhead
clearance (tree limbs, guy wires, doorways, etc).
Do not contact any overhead object with the ROPS.
Seat belt maintenance
3-6
Slot
Figure 3-5
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
602902