Starting the Engine
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR
1.Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2.Disengage the PTO (Blade Engage) lever.
3.Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4.Pull the Choke Control knob outward.
5.Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will 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.
6.After the engine starts, move the throttle control lever to the FAST position and Choke Control knob inward.
NOTE: Do not leave choke control on while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the 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 damage before restarting.
1.If the blades are engaged, disengage the PTO.
2.Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF position.
3.Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.
IMPORTANT
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without
1.disengaging PTO (Blade Engage) lever
2.depressing brake pedal
3.engaging parking brake
If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
Do not use the shift lever to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop before moving the shift lever.
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops while driving the tractor.
Do not mow on slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately
Keep hands and feet away from the opening of the cutting deck.
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
Driving The Tractor
•Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake.
•Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
•To move forward, place the shift lever in the FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved. To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the REVERSE position, check that the area behind is clear, then slowly depress the drive pedal.
Driving On Slopes
IMPORTANT: Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 6 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
•Mow up and down slopes, never across.
•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, attempt while going downward on the slope.
•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.
Mowing
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.
•Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
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