Throttle Control
Pulling the round choke control knob (D) out fully chokes the engine for cold starts. (A warm engine may not require choking.) Moving the throttle control (C) fully forward is FULL throttle position. Always operate the unit at FULL throttle when mowing.
Choke
Close the choke for cold starting. Open the choke once the engine starts. A warm engine may not require choking. Pull the knob UP to close the choke. Push to knob DOWN to open the choke.
PTO (Power Take Off) Switch
The PTO Switch engages and disengages the mower blades.
To engage the mower blades, pull up on the switch. To disengage the mower blades, push down on the switch.
When the PTO engagement lever or switch is in the Engaged position, the Engine Kill system is activated.
Parking Brake
DISENGAGE | Releases the parking brake. |
ENGAGE | Locks the parking brake. |
Pull the parking brake lever back to engage the parking brake. Move the lever fully forward to disengage the parking brake. NOTE: To start the unit the parking brake must be engaged.
Cutting Height Adjust Handle
The cutting height adjust handle controls the mower cutting height. To adjust the mower cutting height, turn the crank handle clockwise to raise the cutting height. Turn the crank handle counterclockwise to lower the cutting height. Observe the cutting height indicator on the left side of the mower deck.
Features & Controls
Fuel Tank Cap
To remove cap, turn counterclockwise.
Transmission Release Valve
The transmission release valve deactivates the transmissions so that the unit can be pushed by hand.
Engages the transmission; the mower will move under its own power.
Disengages the transmission; the mower can now be pushed by hand.
See PUSHING THE MOWER BY HAND for operational information.
SAFETY
INTERLOCK SYSTEM
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and other safety devices. These safety systems are present for your safety, do not attempt to bypass safety switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check their operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Your unit is equipped with an operator presence switch safety system. Check the operator presence switch operation every fall and spring with the following tests.
Test 1 — Engine WILL NOT start if:
• PTO switch is engaged.
Test 2 — Engine WILL start if:
• PTO switch is NOT engaged.
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
•Operator releases the operator presence / parking brake handles with PTO engaged.
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO switch is turned off (or operator releases operator presence handles). If mower drive belt does not stop within five seconds, see your dealer.
NOTE: Once the engine has stopped, PTO switch must be turned off in order to start the engine.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under no circumstance should you attempt to defeat the purpose of the safety interlock system.
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