DR Power Walk-behind 12.5 Premier - Manual (Page 12)

12 PREMIER DR ® FIELD AND BRUSH MOWER
Before Starting the Engine
1. Check the oil level every time you use the machine. See Figure 2 on page 9.
2. Check the gas level.
Starting
1. Move the Shift Lever to N (Neutral) (Figure 5).
2. Move the Throttle to the RUN position.
NOTE: If the engine is cold, push the Throttle to “Choke”.
3. Turn the Key to START.
4. Grasp the recoil starter handle and slowly pull until you feel resistance. Let the cord retract a little bit, then pull the cord
rapidly to start the engine. One or two pulls usually starts the PREMIER DR FIELD and BRUSH MOWER.
5. As the engine warms up, slowly adjust the Throttle to the desired engine speed. Wait until the engine runs smoothly before
each Throttle adjustment.
Engaging the Wheel Drive
The PREMIER DR FIELD and BRUSH MOWER has a three-speed forward transmission and single-speed reverse. Forward speeds
range from 1.0 mph in first gear to 3.0 mph in third gear. Use the lower gears for mowing in thick, woody vegetation and the
higher gears for wide-open areas and lighter vegetation, or as "travel gears." Reverse is ideal for maneuvering in tight spots.
NOTE: Always release the Wheel Clutch Lever (Figure 5) when shifting gears.
1. Move the Shift Lever to the desired gear.
2. Gently squeeze the Wheel Clutch Lever to engage a gear.
3. Release the Wheel Clutch Lever if you need to slow down or stop.
Figure 5
Key Switch
Throttle/Choke
Control
Shift Lever
(shown in neutral)
Recoil Starter
Handle
Blade Control
Knob (up to
engage - down to
disengage)
Operator Presence
Control Lever
(top of handle)
Wheel Clutch Lever
(below handle)