12
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 9)

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the operator
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will
shut off the engine.
•Depress clutch/brake pedal into full “BRAKE” position
and hold.
•Place parking brake lever in “ENGAGED” position and
release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal should
remain in “BRAKE” position. Make sure parking brake
will hold tractor secure.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating your tractor or
performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision safety mask over spectacles
or standard safety glasses.
FIG. 9
“DRIVE”
POSITION
PARKING BRAKE
“ENGAGED” POSITION
IGNITION
KEY
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH
SWITCH PULL OUT TO
“ENGAGE”
PUSH IN TO
“DISENGAGE”
GEAR
SHIFT
LEVER
CLUTCH/BRAKE
PEDAL “BRAKE”
POSITION
CHOKE
CONTROL
THROTTLE
CONTROL
LEVER

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See

Fig. 9)

The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust-
ment knob in desired direction.
•Turn knob clockwise ( ) to raise cutting height.
•Turn knob counterclockwise ( ) to lower cutting
height.
The cutting height range is approximately 1-1/2" to 4-1/2".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approximate
and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of
grass and types of grass being mowed.
•The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months. For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.
•For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.

TO USE CHOKE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)

Use choke control whenever you are starting a cold engine.
Do not use to start a warm engine.
•To engage choke control, pull knob out. Slowly push
knob in to disengage.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 9)

Always operate engine at full throttle.
•Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the
battery charging rate.
•Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-
mance.
OPERATION
“DISENGAGED”
POSITION

STOPPING (See Fig. 9)

MOWER BLADES -
•To stop mower blades,move attachment clutch switch
to “DISENGAGED” position.
GROUND DRIVE -
•To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into
full “BRAKE” position.
•Move gearshift lever to neutral (N) position.
ENGINE -
•Move throttle control to slow position.
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and
allowing engine to idle before stopping may cause engine to
“backfire”.
•Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
•Never use choke to stop engine.
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE
BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).
NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing idle
with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-
pletely, as described above, before leav-
ing the operator's position; to empty
grass catcher, etc.

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See

Fig. 9)

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever.
•Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.
•Move gearshift and range shift levers to desired posi-
tion.
•Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.
IMPORTANT: BRING TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BEFORE SHIFTING OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE TO
DO SO WILL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRANSAXLE.