Driving On Slopes, Engaging the Blades, Mowing

Operating

Your Lawn

Tractor

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.

To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop ma- chine if anyone enters the area.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help deter- mine 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 approxi- mately 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.

Engaging the Blades

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

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

2.Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.

3.Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments

IMPORTANT: Models with Reverse Caution Mode: The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged with the shift lever in position for reverse travel with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position.

Models without Reverse Caution Mode:

The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the disen- gaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on page 14.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your applica- tion. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section.

Mowing

WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor:

WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

•Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.

•For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn.

•Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.

•Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle.

•Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.