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 brake pedal and holding it down while moving the parking brake lever into the PARK BRAKE position.

Engaging the Parking Brake.

To engage the parking brake:

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

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

ON position.

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

To release the parking brake:

1.Depress the brake pedal and move the parking brake lever out of the ON position and into the OFF position.

Setting the Cutting Height

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

2.Adjust the deck wheels, 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 the Deck in the Maintenance & Adjustments 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 TRACTOR SET-UP on page 11 of this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

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.

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, 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.

Driving The Tractor

Warning! Always look down and behind before and while traveling in reverse to avoid a back-over accident.

Warning! Before leaving the operator’s position. Always place the PTO (blade engage) lever in the disengaged (PTO OFF) position, place speed control lever in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Depress the parking brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the pedal up.

1.Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the throttle control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.

2.Depress the parking brake pedal to release the parking brake.

3.Slowly move the speed control lever in desired “F” forward or “R” reverse position. The further forward or rearward that the lever is moved, the faster the tractor will travel. Refer to Figure 4-4.

Warning! Do NOT attempt to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before moving the speed control lever from forward to reverse or vice versa. Failure to do so could result in serious damage to your tractor’s transmission.

16Section 5— Operation