General Operating Safety

Mower Height of Cut Adjustment

To adjust cutting height, rotate the turn crank clockwise to raise the mower deck and counterclockwise to lower the mower deck.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch starts and stops the engine; it has three positions:

OFF Stops the engine and shuts off the electrical system.

RUN Allows the engine to run and powers the electrical system.

START Cranks the engine for starting.

NOTE: Never leave the ignition switch in the RUN posi- tion with the engine stopped. This drains the battery.

Hour Meter

The hour meter measures the number of hours the key has been in the RUN position.

NOTE: The hour meter will register the passage of time when the key is in the RUN position, even if the engine is not running.

PTO Switch

The PTO (Power Take-Off) switch engages and disen- gages the mower deck. To turn the mower on, pull the switch UP. Push the switch DOWN to turn the mower off. Note that the operator must be seated firmly in the rider seat for the PTO to function.

Transmission Release Levers

The transmission release levers deactivate the transmis- sions so that the unit can be pushed by hand. See PUSHING THE UNIT BY HAND for operational informa- tion.

Fuel Tank

To remove the cap, turn counterclockwise.

Before first time operation:

•Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation sections before attempting to operate this rider and mower.

•Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop the unit.

•Drive in an open area without mowing to become accus- tomed to driving the unit.

WARNING

If you do not understand how a specific control functions, or have not yet thoroughly read the CONTROL FUNCTIONS section, do so now.

Do NOT attempt to operate the rider without first becoming familiar with the location and function of ALL controls.