Operation

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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 MANUAL

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 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.

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

Starting the Engine

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) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

3.Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4.Activate the choke control by moving the throttle/choke control all the way forward 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 control.

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.

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 lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

2.Place the throttle control 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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