Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help determine 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 approximately 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 Parking Brake

NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.

To set the parking brake:

1.Press the brake pedalcompletely down with your left foot and hold it in that position.

2.Lift the parking brake/cruise control leverupward and hold it in that position.

3.Remove your foot from the brake pedal.

4.Release pressure from the parking brake/cruise control

lever.

After completing step 3, the brake pedal should remain in the down position. If it doesn’t, the parking brake is not engaged. Repeat steps 1-4 to engage the parking brake.

To disengage the parking brake, lightly press the brake pedal .

WARNING! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting

Setting The Cruise Control

WARNING! Never engage the cruise control lever while traveling in reverse.

To set the cruise control:

1.Slowly press the forward drive pedalwith your right foot until the desired speed is achieved.

2.Lift the parking brake/cruise control leverupward and hold it in that position.

3.Remove your foot from the forward drive pedal.

4.Release pressure from the parking brake/cruise control

lever.

After completing step 3, the forward drive pedal should remain in the down position and the tractor will maintain the same forward speed. If it doesn’t, the cruise control is not engaged. Repeat steps 1-4 to engage the cruise control.

To disengage the cruise control, lightly press the forward drive

pedalor the brake pedal.

NOTE: Cruise control can not be set at the tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.

To change the direction of travel from forward to reverse when cruise control is engaged, press the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop. Then slowly press the reverse drive pedal with the ball of your foot to travel in reverse.

Using the Lift Lever

Manual Lift Lever (If so equipped)

To raise or lower the cutting deck, move the lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application.

Electric Lift Switch (If so equipped)

When operating the tractor’s electric lift switch, always complete the following steps.

1.Press down on the rear of the lift switch to raise the deck all the way into its highest position.

2.Position the cutting height lever in the desired setting.

3.Press down on the front of the lift switch to lower the deck into the position set in the previous step.

NOTE: The deck will automatically stop lowering when it reaches the point determined by the position of the cutting height lever.

CAUTION: Failure to follow these instructions when operating the tractor’s electric lift switch will result in premature wear of the tractor’s electric lift system.

16Section 5 — Operation