Stopping the Engine

WARNING! If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. 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) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

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

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

Driving The Tractor

WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, ex-cessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

WARNING! Always look down and behind before and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident.

1.Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the pedal up.

2.Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

3.Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE position.

CAUTION: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting.

4.Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake pedal and positioning the speed control lever in desired position.

IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use speed positions 1 or 2. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.

5.Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion

6.The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the clutch-brake pedal.

NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little difference between the highest two speeds until after the belts have seated themselves into the pulleys during the break-in period.

WARNING! Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, disengage the blades, place the shift lever in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut engine off and remove the key.

IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a grass surface, always:

1.Place the shift lever in neutral,

2.Engage the parking brake,

3.Shut engine off and remove the key.

Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.

If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit will not operate with speed control lever in a low speed position, proceed as follows:

1.Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.

2.Restart engine.

3.Place speed control lever in highest speed position.

4.Release clutch-brake pedal fully.

5.Depress clutch-brake pedal.

6.Place speed control lever in desired position.

7.Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow normal operating procedures.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

WARNING! Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.

•Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.

•Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over.

•Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.

Engaging the Blades

Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:

1.Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit) position.

2.Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.

3.Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck.

IMPORTANT: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches in the Operation section of this manual.

14Section 5— Operation