Husqvarna YTH2042 Owners Manual - Page 11

OPERATION TOWING CARTS & OTHER ATTACHMENTS Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor. REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System (ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON" position. WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch engaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attachment clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (See Fig, 12) Only use if you are certain no children or other bystanders will enter the mowing area. • Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position. • With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise to ROS "ON" position. • Look down and behind before and while backing. • Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) position to start movement. • When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position. BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil. • Check engine oil with tractor on level ground. • Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds, remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until "FULL" mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill. • For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the Maintenance section of this manual). • To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual. ADD GASOLINE • Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness. CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame. IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING. ROS "ON" POSITION 02828 ENGINE "ON" POSITION (NORMAL OPERATING) Fig. 12 TO OPERATE ON HILLS CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills with slopes greater than 15° and do not drive across any slope. • Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down hills. • Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills. • If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to slower position. • If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake. • Move motion control lever to neutral position. IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur. TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3) 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. • Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position. • Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake. • Place motion control lever in neutral position. • Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position. • Move throttle control to choke position. • To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal. • Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting. NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting procedures that follow. • Make all turns slowly. 11