Operation, Safety Interlock Switches, Starting the Engine

SECTION 8: OPERATION

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 dealer in your area. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the PTO lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.

•The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the brake lock.

•The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the operator leaves the seat with the PTO lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the brake lock is engaged. The PTO lever must be in the disengaged (OFF) position to restart the engine.

•The safety interlock system will automatically shut off the engine if the PTO lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in the REVERSE position.

WARNING: Do NOT attempt to bypass or disconnect the tractor’s safety interlock. Doing so could result in serious personal injury or death.

IMPORTANT: Tampering with or attempting to bypass the tractors Safety Interlock Switches in any way WILL void your warranty.

WARNING

AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH

•GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

•AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

•DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.

•IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.

•DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.

•NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.

•LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.

•KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.

•REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).

•KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.

•BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC- ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

•BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL

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 at least 1/4 inch to 1/2 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 chute 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 the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.

STARTING THE ENGINE

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 lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

•Depress the brake pedal and set the parking brake.

•Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.

•Move the throttle control lever into the FAST (or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.

•Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped (a warm engine may not require choking).

•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 starter.

NOTE: If starting problems are encountered, refer to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual.

After the engine starts, slowly release the brake pedal. As the engine warms up, gradually push the choke control knob inward (or move the throttle control lever out of the CHOKE position) to open up the choke plate on the engine’s carburetor.