Univex 2348LS User Manual

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CAUTION:  Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol 
or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture 
which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion 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 
stor age 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 In struc tions for additional information.  
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in 
the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
OPERATION
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 en gaged 
position.
•  Sit on seat in operating position, depress brake pedal 
and set parking brake.
•  Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
•  Move throttle control to choke position.
NOTE:  Before starting, read the warm and cold starting 
procedures below.
• 
Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to “START” 
position and release key as soon as engine starts. 
Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen 
sec onds per minute. If the engine does not start after 
several attempts, move throttle control to fast position, 
wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does 
not start, move the throttle control back to the choke 
position and retry.
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)
•  When engine starts, move the throttle control to the 
fast position.
• 
The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If 
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine 
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke 
as described above.
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)
•  When engine starts, allow engine to run with the 
throttle control in the choke position until the engine 
runs roughly, then move throttle control to fast posi-
tion. This may require an engine warm-up period from 
several seconds to several minutes, depending on the 
tem per a ture.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP
•  Before driving the unit in cold weather, the trans mis sion 
should be warmed up as follows:
•  Be sure 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.
NOTE:  If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold 
temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may 
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See “TO 
ADJUST CARBURETOR” in the Service and Adjustments 
section of this manual.
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and 
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac-
tor. 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.
SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine 
has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower 
needs servicing. When service is required, the service 
reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and 
mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in 
any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure 
key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not 
running. 
ADD GASOLINE 
•  Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.  Use 
fresh, clean, regular un lead ed 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 quan ti ties 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 
BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE 
GAS O LINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER 
START ING.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor  has been shipped, from the 
factory, already filled with sum mer 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 sec tion of this manual).   
•  To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in 
this manual.