•The operator must remain in the tractor seat at all times. If the operator should leave the seat without pushing the PTO knob inward into the disengaged (OFF) position, the tractor’s engine will shut off.
IMPORTANT: The PTO knob cannot be in the engaged (ON) position when the tractor is driving in the reverse direction. The PTO knob must be in the disengaged (OFF) position when the shift lever is in REVERSE or the PTO will automatically shut off. Refer to SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCHES in this section.
MOWING
This tractor is equipped with one of MTD’s high quality cutting decks. The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.
WARNING: To avoid possible injury, do not allow anyone in the area of the tractor while mowing. Even if the area to be mowed has been cleared of foreign objects, small objects may be picked up and discharged by the mower.
WARNING: Never direct the discharge of material toward bystanders or allow anyone near the machine while in operation.
•For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn.
•Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
•Mowing should always be done with the engine at full throttle.
•Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
•Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.
•Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
•Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. Refer to the MAINTENANCE section of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
SECTION 9: ADJUSTMENTS
LEVELING THE DECK
WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp. Always protect hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to grasp blades.
NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to TIRES in the maintenance section of this manual for further information regarding tire pressure.
Front to Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabi- lizer bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be 1/4" to 3/8" lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:
WARNING: Turn the tractor’s engine off, remove the key from the ignition switch and apply the tractor’s parking brake before making any adjustments to the cutting deck.
•With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.
•Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The first measurement taken should be between 1/4" and 3/8" less than the second measurement. Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
•Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of the deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 8A.
•Locate the two lock nuts on the opposite side of the stabilizer bracket. See Figure 8A. Tighten the lock nuts to raise the front of the deck; loosen the lock nuts to lower the front of the deck.
•Retighten the two jam nuts loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.
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