Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The brake pedal must be depressed and the tractor must not be in motion when the moving shift lever. See Figure 10.
IMPORTANT: Never force the shift lever. Doing so may result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.
F
N |
Shift Knob
R 
Figure 10
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
Safety Interlock Switches
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 an authorized service dealer.
•The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.
Reverse Caution Mode
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
•With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
•The electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
•With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade
IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT:The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.
1.Start the engine as previously instructed in this Operator’s Manual.
2.Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module. See Figure 11.
14