
11
700433 12/2014
Dixie Chopper ▪ 6302 E. County Road 100 N. ▪ Coatesville, IN ▪ 46121 ▪ www.dixiechopper.com
Do not run the mower engine in
conned areas such as a closed
garage. Take care not to inhale
exhaust gases as they contain carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause
unconsciousness and is potentially lethal.
Controls and Operation
1. Place the steering speed control levers in the
neutral lock position.
2. Sit in the mower seat.
3. Pull the parking brake lever all the way up to
set parking brake.
4. Set fuel shut-off valve to desired fuel tank
position.
5. Set throttle to 3/4 power.
6. Pull choke knob out (if equipped).
7. Turn ignition switch to the START position.
Release key after engine starts. Key will
automatically return to the RUN position.
8. Push choke in (if equipped) as engine warms to
operating temperature.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start after 6-7 seconds of
continuous cranking, turn the key to the OFF position and
allow the starter motor to cool. See page 10 for location of
controls
Handle fuel with care. Use only
approved fuel containers. Never
add fuel while the engine is
running or hot. Fill fuel tanks outdoors, never
indoors. Replace fuel tank cap securely and wipe
up all spilled fuel. Failure to comply may result in
damage to the equipment and/or injury to
persons.
Before starting the engine,
become familiar with all con-
trols. Read and understand this
Operation Manual thoroughly. Always check for
proper engine oil level before starting engine.
Failure to comply may result in damage to the
equipment and injury to persons.
CAUTION
1. Ensure all shields and mower deck discharge
chute (OCDC) are in place (If equipped). Never
attempt to clear discharge areas or mower deck
blades without disengaging mower deck, setting
parking brake, shutting off engine, and removing
ignition key.
2. Conrm that mower deck blades are sharp and
balanced to ensure the optimum quality of cut.
NOTE: Refer to blade replacement
procedures for detailed instructions on how
to safely and properly maintain mower
blades.
3. Check tires for wear and proper ination.
4. Check levels of fuel, engine oil and hydraulic
system oil.
Before Starting the Mower:
To Start the Mower:
NOTE: Always set engine speed at full- throttle
when mowing. Maintain a minimum engine
speed of 3400 RPM and a maximum engine
speed of 3600 RPM while mowing.
This engine speed will provide the
necessary airow to the engine cowling to
prevent overheating, and will maintain blade
speed for a satisfactory quality of cut. If the
engine pulls below 3400 RPM when under
load, slow down the ground speed and allow
the engine to recover to the proper RPM.
Slow the mower for cutting tall grass or
when mowing uphill. If ground speed is too
fast, or blade speed is too slow, mowing will
be uneven because mower blades will not
be able to lift grass into cutting position as
mower passes over the ground.
1. Set mowing deck height to desired cut
height
2. To release parking brake, push parking
brake lever all the way down.
3. Set throttle to 3/4-power position.
4. Engage mower deck by pulling up on deck
engaging switch (PTO).
5. Set throttle at the full-throttle position.
6. Steer and accelerate mower using the
steering speed control levers as explained
in this manual.
To Mow:
Safety Interlock System
The mower has a system of safety interlock switches
that will not allow the mower to start unless these con-
ditions are met:
• Steering speed control levers are in neutral
lock position
• Parking brake is set and/or seat is
occupied.
• Deck engaging switch (PTO) off.
If the seat is vacated during mowing without positioning
the controls as previously outlined, the engine will be
stopped by the safety interlock system.