Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help determine slopes
where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING! Do not mow on inclines with a slope in
excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-⁄
feet every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be
made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly
increases the chance of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor
over backward.
Engaging the Parking Brake/
Setting the Cruise Control
NOTE: The parking break and cruise control are controlled by
the same lever. If using the brake when engaging the parking
brake/cruise control lever, the parking brake will engage. If using
the drive pedal when engaging the parking brake/cruise control
lever, the cruise control will engage.
Parking Brake
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator leaves the
seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically
shut off.
To set the parking brake:
1. Press the brake pedal completely down with your left foot
and hold it in that position.
2. Push the parking brake/cruise control lever downward and
hold it in that position.
3. Remove your foot from the brake pedal.
4. Release pressure from the parking brake/cruise control
lever.
After completing step 3, the brake pedal should remain in the
down position. If it doesn’t, the parking brake is not engaged.
Repeat steps 1-4 to engage the parking brake.
To disengage the parking brake, lightly press the brake pedal .
WARNING! Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always disengage PTO, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
Cruise Control
WARNING! Never engage the cruise control lever
while traveling in reverse.
To set the cruise control:
1. Slowly press the drive pedal with your right foot until the
desired speed is achieved.
2. Lightly press the parking brake/cruise control lever
downward and hold it in that position.
3. Remove your foot from the drive pedal.
4. Release pressure from the parking brake/cruise control
lever.
After completing step 3, the drive pedal should remain in the
down position and the tractor will maintain the same forward
speed. If it doesn’t, the cruise control is not engaged. Repeat
steps 1-4 to engage the cruise control.
To disengage the cruise control, lightly press the drive pedal or
the brake pedal.
NOTE: Cruise control can not be set at the tractor’s fastest
ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so, the
tractor will automatically decelerate to the fastest optimal
mowing ground speed.
To change the direction of travel from forward to reverse when
cruise control is engaged, press the brake pedal to disengage
the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop. Then
slowly press the reverse pedal with the ball of your foot to travel
in reverse.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then
place it in the notch best suited for your application.
Operating the Headlights
The lamps are ON whenever the ignition key is rotated out of
the STOP position. The lamps turn OFF when the ignition key is
moved to the STOP position.
17Section 5 — operation