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 (OFF) position.

•Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position.

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

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) knob (or 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 lever 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.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE 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.

Setting the Cruise Control

•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 can not 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:

•Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and stop the tractor.

•Lightly depress the drive pedal.

To change to the reverse direction when operating with cruise control, depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop. Then place the shift lever in the REVERSE position and depress the drive pedal.

Engaging the Blades

Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:

•Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.