Husqvarna Fast TractorYTA24V48 Operation Manual - Page 13

OPERATION TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 4) The Briggs & Stratton Endurance engine equipped with your tractor features a Ready-Start automatic choke system to provide simplified starting in normal conditions. Please read the following starting instruction carefully. When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine. • Ensure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal, and set parking brake. • Move attachment clutch control to "DISENGAGED" position. NORMAL STARTING (32°F/0°C and above) • Move throttle control to fast position ( ) and click into place. • Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise ( ) to "START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. • When engine starts, the attachments and ground drive can now be used. If the engine does not accept the load and shuts off, restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute. • Leave throttle control in fast position ( ) while mowing. COLD WEATHER STARTING (32°F/0°C and below) • Move throttle control beyond fast position into the cold weather starting position ( ). CAUTION: Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start after several attempts, wait a few minutes and try again. • Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to "START" position and release key as soon as engine starts. • When the engine starts, move the throttle control back to the fast position ( ) to warm-up. The time required for warm-up will vary from a few seconds to a minute depending upon conditions and temperature. • Leave throttle control in fast position ( ) while mowing. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP • Before driving the unit in cold weather, the transmission should be warmed up as follows: • Ensure the tractor is on level ground. • Release the parking brake and let the brake slowly return to operating position. • Allow one minute for transmission to warm up. This can be done during the engine warm up period. • The attachments can also be used during the engine warm-up period after the transmission has been warmed up. MOWING TIPS • DO NOT use tire chains when the mower housing is attached to tractor. • Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing performance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual. • The left hand side of mower should be used for trimming. • Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the tractor. This will result in a more even distribution of clippings and more uniform cutting. • When mowing large areas, start by turning to the right so that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences, driveways, etc. After one or two rounds, mow in the opposite direction making left hand turns until finished (See Fig. 12). Fig. 12 • If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the desired height. • Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wet grass will plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow grass to dry before mowing. • Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing to ensure better mowing performance and proper discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by selecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting performance as well as the quality of cut desired. • When operating attachments, select a ground speed that will suit the terrain and give best performance of the attachment being used. 13