Smithco V-Star 94-201 (Sn V192) Operator Manual - Manual (Page 10)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. OPERATOR’S PRESENCE CONTROL (On models equipped with this feature)
The Operator’s Presence Control (OPC) requires engagement to start or operate this machine. Operator
places hands on handlebar grips and grasps the OPC with fingers, then squeezes the OPC. This
completes the electrical circuit necessary to start or operate this machine. When the OPC is released,
the engine is shut down halting blade rotation and forward (or reverse) travel.
2. ENGINE SWITCH (KEY OPERATED) & 2a CHOKE
This switch turns the engine on or off and is operated with a key. Key must be removed when the
machine is stored or when the operators leaves the machine. The engine choke is located at the
(operator’s) left hand side of the engine. Fuel cut-off valve is also located at left hand side of the engine
and must be in the “Open” position for the unit to start or operate.
The ignition switch is a three-position. Insert key (A) and turn clockwise until engine starts (C). Release
key and it will return to run position (B). Use choke, located on the left side of the engine, as necessary.
3. ENGINE SPEED (and Blade Rotation Speed) CONTROL
This controls the throttle of the engine. Engine throttle should be set approximately half way between
slow and fast for starting.
TRANSPORT
Transport the V Star to the operating area using only the DIRECTION OF TRAVEL LEVER (No. 6). Do
not engage the blades or lower the blades into the turf until you have arrived at the location on which the
operation is to be performed.
4. BLADE ENGAGEMENT LEVER
Before engaging blades, slow engine speed to “Slow”. Engage the belt drive to the blades by pulling the
Blade Engagement Lever back towards the operator. Once the belt is engaged and the blades are
turning, increase engine speed slowly to desired speed.
To increase tension on the drive belt, with the belt DISENGAGED, turn the knob on the top of the Blade
Engagement Lever clockwise. If the Blade Engagement Lever is unreasonably tight or difficult to engage,
reduce tension on the drive belt by turning the know on the top of the Blade Engagement Lever counter-
clockwise. The drive belt has proper tension when the Blade Engagement Lever requires a firm, but not
difficult, motion to engage. If the blades stop spinning (cutting) once they are lowered into the ground,
tension on the belt is insufficient. Raise the blades to the “UP” position, disengage the Blade
Engagement Lever and increase tension on the belt as described above.
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