SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an authorized MTD service dealer.
•The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator engages the PTO with the parking brake ON.
•With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.
Models without Reverse Caution Mode
•The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.
Models with Reverse Caution Mode
•With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.
Reverse Caution Mode (if equipped)
WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT:The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.
1.Start the engine (Refer to Starting the Engine page 15 of this Operator’s Manual for detailed instructions).
2.Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module. See Figure 10.
3.Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated. See Figure 10.
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
| 2EVERSE |
)NDICATOR | 0USH "UTTON |
| |
,IGHT | 2EVERSE |
| |
3TOP | |
0OSITION | |
0OSITION |
|
| 3TART |
| 0OSITION |
Figure 10
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