Driving Forward or Backward

The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Shift the throttle control lever into the Fast position for best performance.

To go forward or backward:

1.Release the parking brake; refer to Releasing the Parking Brake.

2.Place your foot on the traction control pedal and slowly press on the top of the traction control pedal to move forward or on the bottom of the pedal to move backward (Figure 23).

Note: The farther you move the traction control pedal in either direction, the faster the tractor will move in that direction.

Figure 23

1.	Traction control pedal	3. Backward
2.	Forward

Note: To slow down, release the pressure on the traction control pedal.

Important: To avoid transmission damage, always release the parking brake before moving the traction control pedal.

Note: To reverse the tractor with the blade control (PTO) engaged, deactivate the operating-in-reverse interlock using the reverse interlock switch located in front of and below the seat.

Stopping the Tractor

1.Release the traction control pedal.

2.Disengage the blade control (PTO).

3.Turn the ignition key to Off to stop the engine.

4.Set the parking brake if you leave the tractor unattended; refer to Setting the Parking Brake.

5.Remove the ignition key from the switch.

Children or bystanders may be injured if they move or attempt to operate the tractor while it is unattended.

Always remove the ignition and reverse interlock keys and set the parking brake when leaving the tractor unattended, even if just for a few minutes.

Side Discharge or Mulch Grass

Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or complete grass catcher assembly mounted in place, you and others are exposed to blade contact and thrown debris. Contact with rotating cutter deck blades and thrown debris will cause injury or death.

•Never remove the grass deflector from the cutter deck because the grass deflector routes material down toward the turf. If the grass deflector is ever damaged, replace it immediately.

•Never put your hands or feet under the cutter deck.

•Never try to clear discharge area or cutter deck blades unless you disengage the blade control (PTO) and rotate the ignition key to Off.

The cutter deck has a hinged grass deflector that disperses clippings to the side and down toward the turf.

To mulch grass clippings you must install the discharge cover into the opening in the side of the cutter deck; refer to Installing the Discharge Cover.

Installing the Discharge Cover

To convert from a side discharge to a mulching cutter deck, install the discharge cover into the opening at the side of the cutter deck.

1.Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove the key before leaving the operating position.