SECTION 7: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
Safety Interlock System
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. Before each use, check the safety interlock system for proper operation. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact a Toro service dealer.
•The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is in the disengaged (OFF) position. To check for proper operation, move the PTO (Blade Engage) knob into the engaged (ON) position and release the parking brake. Attempts to start the tractor’s engine should fail.
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake. To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s engine, release the parking brake and momentarily raise yourself from the seat. The engine should stall.
•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s engine, move the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the engaged (ON) position and momentarily raise yourself from the seat. The engine should stall.
•With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the PTO clutch will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse and the drive pedal depressed. To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s engine with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, move the PTO (Blade Engage) knob into the engaged (ON) position, place the shift lever into REVERSE and depress the drive pedal. The cutting deck should disengage.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.
Reverse Caution Mode
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING: Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT:The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.
1.Start the engine as previously instructed in this Operator’s Manual.
2.Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module. See Figure 7.
3.Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated. See Figure 7.
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 leaves the seat.
| Reverse | |
Indicator | Push Button | |
| ||
Light | Reverse | |
| ||
Stop | Caution Mode | |
Position | ||
Position | ||
| ||
| Start | |
| Position |
Figure 7
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