new owner question

[cmurf70]

I just purchased a 48/18 Fastrak.

After reading the owners manual I went to the garage to mess around a little.

The manual instructs me to ONLY engage the deck clutch with the engine at low rpm.

When I do this it promptly kills the engine. So I try a little higher rpm...kills the engine.

I tried it all the way up to full rpm before it did not kill the engine and it nearly does (kill engine) at full rpm.

Is there something wrong or is this normal (i hope not)?

I do not remember it doing that when I demo'd it. I tried to reach my dealer but he is at a farm show so I figured i would try here.

Thanks.

[mowerconsultant]

Its normal, cold weather and cold operating temps.
I would do it at half throttle and have your other hand on the choke, if its about to die, choke it a bit and it will be fine, take the choke off once its engaged.
Thanks for buying a Hustler, and welcome to the family !!

[DENNIS MOW]

I always turn engage mine at half thorttle then take it to full thorttle but if your rpm of moter is off that may have something to do with it but if it is cold out you do need to let it warm up.