OPERATION
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE CLUTCH/ BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
•To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
•Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting.
•Make all turns slowly.
TO TRANSPORT (See Figs. 14 and 18)
When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling position. Free wheel control is located under the seat.
•Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment lift control.
•Raise seat and pull freewheel control up and back into the slot and release so it is held in the disengaged position.
•Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH.
•To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure.
TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED
01551
TRANSMISSION ENGAGED
Fig. 18
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac- tor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
SERVICE REMINDER/HOUR METER
Service reminder shows the total number of hours the engine has run and flashes to indicate that the engine or mower needs servicing. When service is required, the service reminder will flash for two hours. To service engine and mower, see the Maintenance section of this manual.
NOTE: Service reminder runs when the ignition key is in any position but "STOP". For accurate reading, be sure key remains in the "STOP" position when engine is not running.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
•Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
•Pull up and remove oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off. Reinsert the dipstick into the tube and push down firmly into place. Remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until “FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
•For cold weather operation you should change oil for easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the Maintenance section of this manual).
•To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
•Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW 32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GASOLINE TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER STARTING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois- ture which leads to separation and formation of acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next season. See Storage Instructions for additional information. Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 13)
When starting the engine for the first time or if the engine has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel from the tank to the engine.
•Be sure freewheel control is in the transmission engaged position.
•Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake pedal and set parking brake.
•Place motion control lever in neutral position.
•Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
•Move throttle control to fast position
•Pull choke control out for a cold engine start attempt. For a warm engine start attempt the choke control may not be needed.
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