WARNING! Never leave a running machine unattended. Always disengage PTO, move speed control lever into neutral position, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to both Safety Interlock Switches and Starting The Engine in the Operation section of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
Speed Control Lever
The speed control lever, located on the left rear fender, controls the ground speed of the lawn tractor as well as the direction of travel. See Figure
To drive forward or in reverse, slowly move the speed control lever to the desired “F” forward or “R” reverse speed.
To stop, move the speed control lever to the “N” neutral position.
When mowing, place the speed control lever in the “Cutting Speed” position, or a slower forward speed for the best results.
Note: Do not use the parking brake pedal to control the ground speed of the lawn tractor. Always use the speed control lever to slow the ground speed of the lawn tractor. Depressing the parking brake pedal with the speed control lever engaged as part of regular operation will result in premature wear of the drive belt.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Serious damage to the tractor’s transmission could result. Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before moving the speed control lever from forward to reverse or vice versa.
Parking Brake Pedal and Lever
The parking brake pedal is located on the left side running board of the lawn tractor. It is used to both set the parking brake and to stop the lawn tractor in sudden situations.
The parking brake lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. To set the parking brake, fully depress the parking brake pedal. Move the parking brake lever all the way down and into the parking brake position and then release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage.
To release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal and the parking brake lever will automatically move out of the parking brake position.
In an sudden situation, fully depress the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a stop and then immediately move the speed control lever to the “N” neutral position
Important: Do not use the parking brake pedal to control the ground speed of the lawn tractor. Doing so will result in premature wear of drive belt. Always use the Speed Control Lever to control the ground speed of the lawn tractor and to stop the tractor under normal circumstances.
Note: The parking brake pedal must be depressed to start the engine. The parking brake must also be set if the operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on page 14
Figure
PTO (Blade Engage) Lever
Found on the tractor’s right fender, the PTO (blade engage) lever is used to engage power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.
To operate, move the lever all the way forward. Moving the lever all the way rearward into the PTO OFF position disengages power to the cutting deck/ attachment.
NOTE: The PTO (blade engage) lever must be in the disengaged (PTO OFF) position when starting the engine.
Deck Lift Lever
Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use, move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best suited for your application.
14Section 4— Controls and Features