OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally positioned in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitat- ing or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough, rolling terrain or hills.
•Select desired height of cut with attachment lift lever.
•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 (S) in place. (See Fig. 11)
S
FIG. 11
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
WARNING: 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 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 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.).
11
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH- 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
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 Maintenance section of this manual).
•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. 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.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can at- tract 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 tank or permanent damage may occur.