4.Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.

5.Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around.

6.After resuming forward motion, return the key to the NORMAL MOWING position.

IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until:

a.The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING position or STOP position.

b.The operator engages the parking brake by fully depressing the clutch-brake pedal and holding it down while moving the speed control lever into the PARK BRAKE position.

Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:

1.Fully depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down with your foot.

2.Move the speed control lever all the way down and into the parking brake position.

3.Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage.

To release the parking brake:

1.Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the speed control lever out of the parking brake position and into a desired speed.

Setting the Cutting Height

1.Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.

2.Adjust the deck wheels as instructed in the Assembly & Set- Up section earlier in this manual, if equipped, so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

NOTE: On models so equipped, the deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck. Refer to Leveling in the Maintenance section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.

Starting the Engine

WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

NOTE: Refer to the Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions in the Assembly & Set-up section of this manual.

1.Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

2.Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

3.Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4.Activate the choke control.

5.Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON (or Normal Mowing) position.

CAUTION: 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, deactivate the choke control and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the 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 the damage before restarting and operating

1.If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

2.Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.

3.Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

16Section 5— Operation