Operation 5
13

General Safety

RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Entirely read this operator’s
manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Do
not risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have
become competent in its usage to operate this tractor.
Before starting the engine or beginning operation,
be familiar with the controls. The operator should be
in the operator’s seat. The PTO switch must be in the
disengaged position, the parking brake engaged,
and the RH and LH drive control levers moved fully
outward in the neutral position.
Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving parts.
NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe distance
away. Look behind and down to both sides of the
tractor before and while backing up.
DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people.
Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on slopes
greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater incline present
dangerous operating conditions. Tractors can be rolled
over.
Before leaving the operator’s seat: Shut off the PTO,
move the RH and LH drive control levers fully outward
in the neutral position, engage the parking brake, shut
off the engine and remove the ignition key. Wait for all
movement to stop before servicing or cleaning.
Operate the drive control levers smoothly and avoid
any sudden movements of the levers when starting
and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the control levers; do
not allow the levers to return to neutral on their own.
Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the
tractor motion and wait for vehicles to pass before
operating along the road.
Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck
removed. Removal of the deck will change the balance
of the tractor, and could contribute to a tractor rollover.
Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are unstable;
use extreme caution if the surface is slippery.
Slow down before turning and come to a complete
stop before any zero turn maneuver.
Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over
combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves, debris,
etc.
Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is running
or while the engine is hot. Allow the engine several
minutes to cool before refueling. Tighten the fuel cap
securely.
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Before Operating Your Tractor

Before you operate the tractor, study this manual
carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all
the instruments and controls. It has been prepared to
help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with only
clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker
octane rating of 85 or higher. Unleaded gasoline is
recommended because it leaves less combustion
chamber deposits.
Some fuels are gasoline blended with alcohols or
ethers. Excessive amounts of the these blends can
damage the fuel system or cause engine performance
problems. If undesirable operating symptoms occur,
use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or
ether. Do not use gasoline that contains Methanol.
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use
gasoline left over from the previous season, to minimize gum
deposits in the fuel system.
Check the engine oil level.
Clean the air cleaner element if necessary. Refer to
engine manual.
Check the tire inflation pressures.
Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum comfort,
visibility and for maintaining complete control of the
tractor.

Safety Interlock System

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 your authorized MTD Service Dealer.
The safety interlock system prevents the engine
from cranking or starting unless the RH and LH drive
control levers are moved fully outward in the neutral
position, the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO is
disengaged.
To avoid sudden movement when disengaging the
parking brake, the safety interlock system will shut
off the engine if the RH and/or LH drive control levers
are moved to a position other than the fully out in the
neutral position when the parking brake is engaged.
The safety interlock system will shut off the engine
if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the
parking brake.
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