Operating Instructions

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 posi- tion, a friction lock holds any forward speed setting from 0 to 5 mph (0 to 8 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- PARK position.

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 UP engages the PTO that drives the mower blades. Pushing the lever DOWN disengages the PTO and engages the blade brake.

NOTE: On GHS equipped models, the Powerfil ® motor and Grass-Pak®full signal switch are activated by engaging the blade clutch. Refer to Using the GHS Catcher in this section for a complete description of GHS operation.

Parking Brake

The parking brake functions by locking a pin into the hydrostatic transmission pinion gear teeth. Moving the lever FORWARD engages the parking brake; moving the lever BACKWARD releases the brake.

IMPORTANT: Stop the tractor completely before engaging the parking brake The parking brake uses a positive mechanical lock similar to the PARK position on an automotive automatic transmission. If the tractor is moving when the brake is engaged, it will result in sudden stoppage and possible internal damage to the axle drive.

NOTE: If pressure on the parking brake pin (e.g., parked on a hill) makes it impossible to release the parking brake with the parking brake lever, move the mower gently forward or backward to release the pin.

Transmission Lockout Levers

The transmission lockout levers disengage the hydrostatic transmissons. By lifting the lever on top of the transmission and locking it into place with the lockout cam, the hydrostatic transmissions are released to permit freewheeling. By releasing the cam and lowering the lever, the transmissions are engaged for normal operation. The transmission lever in the LOCKOUT position is used to enable moving the machine without the engine running (e.g., for service). Refer to TRANSMISSION LOCKOUT in this section for operating instructions.

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