DR Power Walk-behind 12.5 HP Tecumseh with 42 Lawn Deck - Manual (Page 24)

20 DR
®
WIDE-CUT LAWN MOWER
Checking the Wheel Clutch engagement:
1. Start your machine in the normal manner.
2. With the Operator Presence Lever depressed, shift into Low Gear.
3. Increase the Engine RPM but do not squeeze the Wheel Clutch Lever. The machine should not move
when you are NOT squeezing the Wheel Clutch Lever.
IF YOUR MACHINE “CREEPS” DURING THIS TEST, YOUR WHEEL CLUTCH CABLE NEEDS ADJUSTMENT.
CONSULT CHAPTER 5, PAGE 35 OF THIS SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL, AND
MAKE ALL NECESSARY CORRECTIONS BEFORE USING.
Before Starting the Engine
1. Check the oil level every time you use the machine.
2. Check the gas level.
3. Open the Fuel Shut-Off Valve, which is located on the bottom of the Fuel Tank and accessed from
the rear (Figure 1 on page 11).
Starting
1. Move the Shift Lever to N (Neutral). See Mower picture, Figure 1 on page 11 .
NOTE: The Shift Lever MUST be in NEUTRAL and the Blade Engage Knob pushed DOWN, or the Engine
will not start.
2. Move the Throttle (Figure 1 on page 11) to the CHOKE position (to the RUN position if the Engine
is already warm).
3.
Tu
rn the Key (Figure 1 on page 11) to the START position until the Engine starts, then release. The
Key will snap back to the RUN position and the Engine will continue to run.
4. Move the Throttle to the RUN position.
Engaging the Wheel Drive
The DR WIDE-CUT LAWN MOWER has a four-speed Forward and a single-speed Reverse
Transmission. Forward speeds range from 1.1 mph in 1st Gear to 4.5 mph in 4th Gear. Use the lower
gears for mowing in thick grass and the higher gears for lighter grass, or as "travel gears." Reverse is
ideal for maneuvering in tight spots.
NOTE: Always release the Wheel Clutch Lever (Figure 9 on page 21) when shifting gears.
1. Move the Shift Lever to the desired gear.
2. Disengage the Parking Brake.
3. Gently squeeze the Wheel Clutch Lever to engage the Wheel Drive.
4. Release the Wheel Clutch Lever if you need to slow down or stop.