Operatingthelawntractor, BeforeStartingEngine

SECTION5: OPERATINGTHELAWNTRACTOR

WARNING

AVOIDSERIOUSINJURYORDEATH

•GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

•AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

•DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE {T COULD SLIP OR TIR

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

•DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.

•NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN W{TH BLADES OPE

•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 PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

•BEFORE LEAVING OPERATORS POSITION, D{SENGAGE

BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

READOPERATOR'SMANUAL

SafetyInterlockSystem

all instructions and warnings on the machine

,_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow and in this manual before operating.

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 service dealer. The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the deck engagement/lift lever is in the disengaged (BLADES STOP) position.

,The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.

,The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor's seat with the deck engagement/ lift lever in ANY position other than BLADES STOP.

,The engine will automatically shut off if the deck engagement/lift lever is moved out of the BLADES STOP position with the shift lever in R (reverse).

BeforeStartingEngine

all instructions and warnings on the machine

,_WARNING: Read, understand, and follow and in this manual before operating.

Startingthe Engine

,_	interlock system is malfunctioning, This
	WARNING:	Do not operate the tractor if the

system was designed for your safety and protection,

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTORSET-UPon page 8 of this manual for Gasoline and Oit fill-up instructions.

,Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

,Place the deck engagement/lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.

,Engage the tractor's parking brake.

,Activate the choke control.

,Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It wilt 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 electric starter.

,After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

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

NOTE: IfStartingproblemsareencountered, referto TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDEon page 28.

Stoppingthe Engine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating

,If the blades are engaged, place the deck engagement/lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.

,Depress the clutch-brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop.

,Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position.