Troy-Bilt 31/2 HP - Manual (Page 18)

OPERATION
ENGINE
THROTTLE
LEVER
BLADE
DRIVE
LEVER
RECOIL
STARTER
ROPE
WHEEL DRIVE
LEVER
ELECTRIC
START
KEYSWITCH
Photo 4-1: Mower Controls.
Starting the Mower
^WARNING
Do not operate the mower when children or others
are around.
Failure to follow this instruction could result in
personal injury or property damage.
1. Before starting the mower, thoroughly inspect the
area where you’ll be using the mower. Remove all
metal debris and other hazards from this area. Aiso
inspect this area for hidden hazards, holes, ruts, or
bumps.
2. Before you start the mower’s engine, be sure to per­
form the following pre-start checklist:
a. Check to make sure that there is gas in the
mower’s gas tank. See Page 15 for gas tank filling
instructions and safety cautions.
b. Check the engine oil level.
c. Check the spark arrester screen (on the muffler)
for looseness and damage.
A warning
Avoid fires due to sparks.
Do not operate engine if spark arrester screen is
loose or damaged.
d. Make sure that both handlebar levers are not
engaged (make sure that they are released).
e. Check to make sure the blade cutting height is
adjusted to the desired cutting height.
f. Remove the plastic cutter bar protector from the
front of the blade.
g. Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark
plug.
3. Start the engine as follows:
For electric start engines:
a. Stand behind the mower in the operator’s position.
b. Move the Engine Throttle Lever to START.
c. Grasp the right-hand handlebar grip with your
right hand.
d. Turn the Engine Ignition key to START
NOTE
Do not continuously crank the engine with the
Engine Ignition key. Use the key only for 15
seconds. If the engine doesn’t start, allow it to
rest for 45 seconds before again trying to start
the engine.
e. When the engine starts, release the key. It will
automatically return to its RUN position.
For standard start engines:
a. Stand behind the mower in the operator’s posi­
tion. (See Photo 3-5 on Page 14.)
b. Move the Engine Throttle Lever to START
c. Place your left hand on the left handlebar to
stabilize the mower when you pull the recoil starter
rope.
d. Grasp the black plastic starter rope handle with
your right hand. Slowly pull the rope until you feel
some resistance. Then rapidly pull the rope to start
the engine. Repeat this step as necessary until the
engine starts.
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