Setting the Cutting Height, Starting the Engine

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

•Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

•Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob 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 into the FAST position) to open up the choke plate on the engine’s carburetor.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control out while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

STOPPING THE ENGINE

•Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF) position

•Move the throttle control into the SLOW (turtle) position and allow the engine to "idle down" for ten seconds. Failure to do so may result in an engine afterfire.

•Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position.

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

IMPORTANT: If you think you’ve struck a foreign object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the unit for any damage, and repair the damage before restarting and operating the tractor.

DRIVING THE TRACTOR

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO lever, or PTO knob 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 AutoDrive™ 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 AutoDrive™ pedal.

SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL

NOTE: The cruise control feature should only be utilized in the forward direction.

•Place the shift lever in the FORWARD position, then slowly depress the AutoDrive™ pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

•Lightly depress the cruise control button.