Mulching (if so equipped)

Select models come equipped with a mulch kit which incorporates special blades, already standard on the tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.

Observe the following points for the best results when mulching:

•Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass tends to stick to the underside of the cutting deck preventing proper mulching of the clippings.

•Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches. Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up beneath the deck and not be mulched effectively.

•Maintain a slow ground speed to allow the grass clippings more time to effectively be mulched.

•Always position the throttle control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position and allow it to remain there while mowing. Failing to keep the engine at full throttle places strain

on the tractor’s engine and does not allow the blades to properly mulch grass.

NOTE: It is not necessary to remove the discharge chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed.

Warning! Never operate the mower without the discharge chute properly attached.

To operate the cutting deck without mulching, simply remove the mulch plug by raising the discharge chute (A), unhooking the chute strap from the pin on the cutting deck (B) and removing the mulch plug from under the discharge chute hinge (C). This will allow the clippings to discharge out the side. See Fig. 5-2.

A

C

B

Figure 5-2

NOTE: For information regarding purchasing a mulch plug, or other accessories for your model of tractor, see the Attachments & Accessories section of this manual.

Moving The Tractor Manually

Your tractor’s transmission is equipped with a hydrostatic relief valve for occasions when it is necessary to move the tractor manually. Activating this valve forces the fluid in the transmission to bypass its normal route, allowing the rear tires to “freewheel.” To engage the hydrostatic relief valve, proceed as follows:

1.Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearofthetractor.See Fig. 5-3.

Figure 5-3

2.Pullthehydrostaticbypassrodoutward,thendownandtothe left, to lock it in place.

NOTE: The transmission will NOT engage when the hydrostatic bypass rod is pulled out. Return the rod to its normal position prior to operating the tractor.

IMPORTANT: Never attempt to move the tractor manually without first engaging the hydrostatic relief valve. Doing so will result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.

Headlights

•On some models, the lamps are ON whenever the tractor’s engine is running. On other models, the lamps are ON whenever the ignition key is moved out of the STOP position.

•On all models, the lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is moved to the STOP position.

18Section 5— Operation