Starting the Engine, Driving The Tractor

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UPon page 9 of this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

•Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module.

•Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

•Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

•Activate the choke control.

•Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the NORMAL MOWING position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.

•After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex- cessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

•Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the pedal up.

•Move the throttle/choke control into the FAST (rabbit) position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting.

•To move forward, place the shift lever in the FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

•To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the REVERSE position, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the drive pedal.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating

•If the blades are engaged, place the PTO/Blade Engage lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

•Position the throttle/choke control between half- throttle and the FAST (rabbit) position

•Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.

•Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.

•Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.

•Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over.

•Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.