Operation
General Safety
•RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Entirely read this operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor.
•Before starting the engine or beginning operation, be familiar with the controls. The operator should be in the operator’s seat. The PTO switch must be in the disengaged position, the parking brake engaged, and the RH and LH drive control levers moved fully outward in the neutral position.
•Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts.
•NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance away. Look behind and down to both sides of the tractor before and while backing up.
•DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people.
•Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater incline present dangerous operating conditions. Tractors can be rolled over.
•Before leaving the operator’s seat: Shut off the PTO, move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward in the neutral position, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine and remove the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop before servicing or cleaning.
•Operate the drive control levers smoothly and avoid any sudden movements of the levers when starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the control levers; do not allow the levers to return to neutral on their own.
•Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the tractor motion and wait for vehicles to pass before operating along the road.
•Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck removed. Removal of the deck will change the balance of the tractor, and could contribute to a tractor rollover.
•Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable; use extreme caution if the surface is slippery.
•Slow down before turning and come to a complete stop before any zero turn maneuver.
•Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris, etc.
•Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running or while the engine is hot. Allow the engine several minutes to cool before refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely.
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Before Operating Your Tractor
•Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
•This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh, unleaded regular gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
•Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves less combustion chamber deposits and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not recommended and must not be used where exhaust emissions are regulated.
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system.
•Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
•Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
•Check the engine oil level.
•Clean the air cleaner element if necessary. Refer to engine manual.
•Check the tire inflation pressures.
•Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum comfort, visibility and for maintaining complete control of the tractor.
Safety Interlock System
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact your authorized
•The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the RH and LH drive control levers are moved fully outward in the neutral position, the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO is disengaged.
•To avoid sudden movement when disengaging the parking brake, the safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the RH and/or LH drive control levers are moved to a position other than the fully out in the neutral position when the parking brake is engaged.
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