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 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 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 on page 6 to help determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately
serious injury.
Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never across slopes. Do not drive so that the tractor may tip over sideways.
Before operating the tractor on any slope, walk the slope to look for possible hazards such as rocks. mounds, ruts, stumps or other surface irregularities which could cause the tractor to be upset.
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.
OPERATING THE HEADLIGHTS
To turn the tractor’s headlights on:
•Start the engine following the instructions earlier in this section.
•Turn the key one notch counterclockwise into the On/Lights position of the ignition switch.
Refer to Figure 4.
To turn the tractor’s headlights off:
•Turn the key either into the On position (to leave the engine running) or the Off position (to shut the engine off). Refer to Figure 4.
IMPORTANT: Never move the key into the Start position while the engine is running. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s starter.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
•Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•Move the throttle control into the SLOW position and allow the engine to "idle down" for ten seconds, then 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 mower.
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