13
Setting the Gauge Wheels
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height
notches on the right fender.
Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch
and ½-inch above the ground as follows.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the discharge opening of the cutting
deck.
Place the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably
pavement. Refer to Figure 5 and proceed as follows:
• Place the tractor’s deck lift handle in the normally
desired mowing height setting, then check the
gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance
with the surface below.
Figure 5
• If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:
a. Raise the deck lift handle to its highest
setting.
b. Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing
the lock nuts and shoulder screws which
secure them to the deck.
c. Remove the lock nuts and shoulder screws
which secure the front gauge wheels to the
deck.
d. Place the deck lift handle in the desired
mowing height setting.
e. Insert the shoulder screw with the rear gauge
wheel into the index hole that leaves
approximately 1/2" between the bottom of
the wheel and the pavement.
f. Note the position of the index hole used; then
install the other rear gauge wheel and the
front ball wheels into the corresponding index
hole of the other gauge wheel brackets.
• If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with
the surface below, lower the wheels to the index
hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance
as described above.
Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 17 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch
module.
• Place the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
• Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
• Activate the choke control.
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the NORMAL MOWING position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so
may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
• After the engine starts, deactivate the choke
control.
NOTE: Do NOT leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire(s). Thoroughly inspect the machine for
any damage. Repair the damage before
restarting and operating
• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO/Blade
Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• Place the throttle control near the FAST position
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Shoulder Screw
Lock Nut
Lock Nut
Shoulder Screw