SECTION 2: OPERATION
GENERAL SAFETY
•RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Read the operator’s manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY. Don’t risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those who have become competent in its usage to operate this tractor .
•Familiarize yourself with the operations of all the instruments and controls.
•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.
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
•Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully. It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
•Familiarize yourself with the operations of all the instruments and controls.
•This engine is certified to operate on unleaded gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded regular or premium gasoline. DO NOt use leaded gasoline.
•Some fuels are gasoline blended with alcohols or ethers. The maximum alcohol percentage for eth- anol and gasahol blends is 10%. The maximum ether percentage for MTBE or ETBE blends is 15%. If undesirable operating symptoms occur, use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol or ether. Do not use gasoline that contains Methanol.
•Check the engine oil level. See Engine Manual. IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. The capacity of the engine and oil filter is approximately 62 oz. (1.83 liters) for the model ZT42 and 80 oz. (2.36 liters). for the model ZT50. Be careful not to overfill.
•Clean the air cleaner element if necessary. See 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 White Outdoor 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 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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