Before Starting the Engine

OPERATION

•Select desired height of cut.

•Lower mower with attachment lift control.

•Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch control.

•TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment clutch control.

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower without either the entire grass catcher, on mowers so equipped, or the deflector shield in place.

"ENGAGED" POSITION

		ATTACHMENT
		LIFT LEVER
		HIGH
		POSITION
		LOW
	ATTACHMENT	POSITION
	ATTACHMENT
	CLUTCH LEVER	DEFLECTOR
	"DISENGAGED"	DEFLECTOR
	"DISENGAGED"	SHIELD
	POSITION	SHIELD
	POSITION

FIG. 7

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 8)

Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly off the ground when mower is at the desired cutting height in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain conditions.

NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.

•Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See “TO AD- JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT” in the Operation section of this manual).

•With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with shoulder bolt, 3/8 washer, and 3/8-16 locknut and tighten securely.

•Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole.

•If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking brake.

•Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart movement.

•To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.

•Make all turns slowly.

TO TRANSPORT

•Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.

•When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift lever is in neutral (N) position.

•Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood

to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

TOWING CARTS AND 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.

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 Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).

•To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities section in this manual.

GAUGE

WHEEL

MOUNT-

ING

BRACKET

3/8-16

LOCKNUT

	3/8 WASHER	SHOULDER
		BOLT
	GAUGE WHEEL

FIG. 8

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.

ADD GASOLINE

•Fill fuel tank. 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.

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.

WARNING: Experience indicates that 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

12tank or permanent damage may occur.