Engaging the Parking Brake

3.Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated. See Figure 11.

4.Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.

5.Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around.

6.After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position.

IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until:

a.The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING position or STOP position.

b.The operator leaves the seat (Models with Electric PTO ONLY).

c.The operator engages the parking brake by fully depressing the brake pedal and holding it down while gently pushing the parking brake button inward (Models with Manual PTO ONLY).

		Reverse
	Indicator	Push
	Indicator	Button
	Light	Button
	Light
		Reverse
	Stop	Caution Mode
	Stop	Position
	Position	Position
	Position
		Start
		Position

Figure 11

To engage the parking brake:

•Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your foot 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.

Setting the Cutting Height

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½- inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck.

Refer to Leveling the Deck, in the MAKING ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.

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-UPsection of this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

•Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

•Place the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or 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 ON 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 and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

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.