Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 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
•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/
Setting the Cruise Control
NOTE: The parking break and cruise control are controlled by the same lever. If using the brake when engaging the parking brake/cruise control lever, the parking brake will engage. If using the drive pedal when engaging the parking brake/cruise control lever, the cruise control will engage.
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 pedal completely down with your left foot and hold it in that position.
2.Push the parking brake/cruise control lever downward 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
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.
Cruise Control
Warning! Never engage the cruise control lever while traveling in reverse.
To set the cruise control:
1.Slowly press the upper portion of the drive pedal with your right foot until the desired speed is achieved.
2.Lightly press the parking brake/cruise control lever downward and hold it in that position.
3.Remove your foot from the drive pedal.
4.Release pressure from the parking brake/cruise control lever.
After completing step 3, the 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
To disengage the cruise control, lightly press the drive pedal or 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. Shift the shift lever to the Reverse position. Then slowly press the drive pedal with the ball of your foot to travel in reverse.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application.
Operating the Headlights
The lamps are ON whenever the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position. The lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is moved to the STOP position.
Section 5 — Operation
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