NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual.
•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.
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 knob (or lever) in the disengaged (Blade Stop) position.
•Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.
•Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.
ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE
To engage the parking brake:
•Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it there while gently pushing the parking brake button inward.
•Hold the parking brake button in while removing your foot from the brake pedal.
•Once engaged, the parking brake button and the brake pedal will lock in the “down” position.
To disengage the parking brake:
•Slightly depress the brake pedal.
NOTE: The parking brake must be engaged if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.
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 knob (or lever) in the disengaged (Blade Stop) 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 lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
•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.
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.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately
•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.
SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL
NOTE: The cruise control feature should only be utilized while traveling in the forward direction.
•Place the shift lever in the FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved.
•Lightly depress the cruise control button.
•While continuing to hold the cruise button in, lift your foot from the drive pedal (you should feel the cruise latch engage).
•Once engaged, the cruise control button and the drive pedal will lock in the “down” position, and the tractor will maintain the same forward speed.
NOTE: Cruise control cannot be engaged at the tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
Disengage the cruise control using one of the following methods:
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