Operation

TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH•GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.•AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

•DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.

•IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.

•KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES, ETC.) IN PLACE AND WORKING.

•REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).

•KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.

•BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

•BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSITION, DISENGAGE BLADE(S), ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE, SHUT OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

READ OPERATOR'S MANUALSafety Interlock Switches

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 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.

•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.

•The electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch 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.

•With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the drive pedal in position for reverse travel.

WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

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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 Assembly & Set-Up section of this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.

1.Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module.

2.Place the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the disengaged (OFF) position.

3.Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4.Move the throttle/choke control upward into the full choke position.

NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to place the throttle/choke control into the choke position.

5.Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the

NORMAL MOWING position.

CAUTION: 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 by moving the throttle/choke control from the choke position into the fast (rabbit) position.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke 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 and disconnect the spark plug wire(s). 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 knob into the disengaged (OFF) position.

2.Place the throttle/choke control lever near the SLOW position.

3.Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.

4.Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

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