12
OPERATION

TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 6)

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with
the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will
shut off the engine.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch
control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment
clutch control.
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector
shield in place.

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes greater than 15° and do not
drive across any slope.
• Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down
hills.
• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
• If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to
slower position.
• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
• Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be sure you have
allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart
movement.
• To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and
clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all turns slowly.
FIG. 6
LOW
POSITION
ATTACHMENT LIFT
LEVER HIGH POSITION
"ENGAGED" POSITION
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-

MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a
load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction
with the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

• The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibilities
section in this manual.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment lift to highest position with attachment
lift control.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift
lever is in neutral (N) position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting your
tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying hood
to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded
gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30
days to assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING: Experience indicates that alcohol blended fuels
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract
moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of
an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the
fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or
longer. Drain the gas tank, start the engine and let it run until
the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel
tank or permanent damage may occur.
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank
filler neck. Do not overfill. Wipe off any
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or
use gasoline near an open flame.
ATTACHMENT
CLUTCH LEVER
"DISENGAGED"
POSITION