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14
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING: Go up and down slopes, not
across. Avoid sudden turns. Do not
operate the unit where it could slip or tip
over. If the tractor stops while going
uphill, stop the blade(s) and reverse down
the hill slowly.
Do not mow when children or others are
around. Never carry children. Look down
and behind the tractor before and while
backing. Keep the pathway of the tractor
free of obstructions.
Keep safety devices like guards, shields
and switches in place and fully functional.
Make sure that the blade(s) and the engine
have stopped completely before you put
hands or feet near the blade(s).
Gas And Oil Fill-Up
• Check the oil level and add if necessary. Service
the engine with gasoline as instructed in the
separate engine manual packed with your tractor.
Read instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT:
Your tractor is shipped with oil; however
you must check the oil level always before operating.
Be careful not to overfill.
Starting Engine
IMPORTANT:
This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protection. The purpose of
the safety interlock system is to prevent the engine from
cranking or starting unless the clutch-brake pedal is
depressed and the lift lever is in the BLADES STOP
position. In addition, the lift lever must be in the
BLADES STOP position when the unit is put into
reverse or the engine will shut off. If the operator leaves
the seat with the lift lever engaged and/or without
setting the parking brake, the engine will shut off.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if
the interlock system is malfunctioning
because it is a safety device, designed for
protection.
• Place the lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.
• Depress clutch-brake pedal and set parking brake.
• Place the hydrostatic control lever in the NEUTRAL
(N) position.
• Set the throttle control in the FAST position.
• Pull out the choke control (a warm engine may not
require choking).
• Turn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
NOTE: Protect the starter’s life by using short starting
cycles of several seconds. Cranking more than 15
seconds per minute can damage the starter motor.
• Push choke knob gradually. Move the throttle
control to desired engine speed.
Stopping Engine
• Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT:
If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the unit for any damage, and repair the damage
before restarting and operating the mower.
WARNING: Before leaving the operator’s
position, disengage blade(s), place shift
lever in neutral, engage brake lock, shut
off engine and remove key.
Operating Lawn Tractor
• Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent strain
on the engine and to operate the cutting blades.
• Depress the clutch-brake pedal while pushing
down on the parking brake knob so the parking
brake is released, and then release the clutch-
brake pedal.
• Place the hydrostatic control lever in either the
FORWARD or the REVERSE position. The farther
forward you move the lever, the faster you will
travel. Look to the rear before reversing.
• To stop the lawn tractor, pull the hydrostatic control
lever into NEUTRAL (N) or depress the clutch-
brake pedal.
• Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn tractor or
engine. For best results and to insure more even
grass distribution, do not mow when the lawn is
excessively wet.
• Before leaving the operator’s position for any
reason, disengage the blades, place the
hydrostatic control lever in neutral, engage the
parking brake, shut engine off and remove the key.
• Follow the same procedure when stopping the unit
to empty a grass bag. This procedure will also
eliminate ‘‘browning’’ of the grass, which is caused
by exposure to hot exhaust gases from engine.