22Starting the Engine1. Sit in the operator’s seat, insert the key into the ignitionswitch, and rotate the key clockwise to the On position.Note: If the gear shift selector is in Reverse, the buzzer willsound to warn the operator.2. Move the gear shift selector to the desired position.3. Disengage the parking brake.4. Slowly step on the accelerator pedal.Note: If the engine is cold, depress and hold the acceleratorpedal about half-way down and pull the choke knob out tothe On position. Return the choke knob to Off after theengine warms up.Important Do not attempt to push or tow the vehicle toget it started.Stopping the VehicleTo stop the vehicle, remove your foot from the acceleratorpedal and slowly depress the brake pedal.Note: Stopping distance may vary depending on the vehicleload and speed.Parking the Vehicle1. Engage the parking brake and rotate the ignition key toOff.2. Remove the key from the switch to prevent accidentalstarting.Cargo BedRaising the Bed1. Slide the latch upward toward the top of the cutout inthe bed frame (Fig. 20).m–48501Figure 201. Latch2. Lift up on the latch with one hand while raising the bedwith the other hand.3. Raise the bed to its full height; then lower it slightly toengage the prop rod (Fig. 21).m–48651Figure 211. Prop rodLowering the Bed1. Lift up the bed slightly with one hand while pressingdown on the prop rod.2. Lower the bed until the latch engages.3. To secure the bed tightly to the bed frame, move thelatch to the lower section of the cutout (Fig. 20).Tailgate Latches1. To open the tailgate latches, lift the latch handles up(Fig. 22). The latches will spring out toward the centerof the tailgate. Slowly lower the tailgate.Note: You may need to push the end of the tailgate in(especially if there is a load against the tailgate) before thelatches will spring toward the center of the tailgate andrelease.