Operating Instructions

Engine Choke

The choke control lever (black knob) is located on the left side of the seat. To start a cold engine, move the choke control forward to the ON position. After engine starts, move choke control toward the OFF position, keeping enough choke to allow the engine to run smoothly as it warms up. As soon as possible, move the choke to the OFF position. A warm engine requires little or no choke for starting.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFF position during normal engine operation; running with the choke in the ON position CAN damage the engine.

Engine Throttle

The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on the left side of the seat and is used to control engine speed. Moving the lever forward toward the FAST position increases engine speed; moving it backward toward the IDLE position decreases engine speed.

Throttle Choke

Choke and Throttle Location

Forward Speed Control (FSC)

Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions: One is to set forward travel speed, and the other is to establish the NEUTRAL-PARKposition. When the FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD position, a friction lock holds any forward speed setting from 0 to 9 mph (0 to 14 km/h). The ground speed is proportional to the lever position; the further the lever is advanced forward, the faster the tractor moves. It is not necessary to hold the FSC in position since the friction lock maintains the selected lever position. Pulling back on the steering levers overrides the FSC setting and slows or stops forward travel. Releasing the steering levers allows the tractor to resume forward travel at the speed set by the FSC lever. To stop and park the machine, the FSC lever is moved backward to the NEUTRAL-PARKposition.

Steering Levers

Each drive wheel is controlled by its own independent steering lever, for both steering function and FORWARD/REVERSE motion. The FSC lever sets the maximum forward speed, and also sets the forward position of the steering levers. The steering levers operate only with a backward pulling movement of the lever, which causes the drive wheel for that lever to first slow down, stop, and then reverse with a full backward lever stroke. The levers are released to the FORWARD position for “straight- ahead” ground travel.

NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers will not cause any change in tractor motion - there will be no steering lever reaction and there will be no machine damage.

Blade Clutch (PTO)

The blade clutch lever has two positions. Pulling the lever FORWARD engages the PTO that drives the mower blades. Pulling the lever BACKWARD disengages the PTO and engages the blade brake.

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