Operation

Safety 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 an authorized Troybilt service dealer.

•The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.

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

•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.

•The engine will automatically shut off if the operator engages the PTO with the parking brake ON.

•The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in Reverse.

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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Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:

1.Fully depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down with your foot.

2.Move the speed control lever all the way down and into the parking brake position.

3.Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage.

To release the parking brake:

1.Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the speed control lever out of the parking brake position and into a desired speed.

Setting the Cutting Height

1.Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.

WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Maintenance & Adjustments section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.

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.

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

3.Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4.Activate the choke control.

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

IMPORTANT: 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 control and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

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