13
OPERATION
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System
(ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse
direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off
the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON"
position.
WARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch en-
gaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the
ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attachment
clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator
decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the
attachment engaged. Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary.
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM -
Only use if you are certain no children or other bystanders
will enter the mowing area.
• Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and hold.
• With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise
to ROS "ON" position.
• Look down and behind before backing.
• Move gear shift lever to reverse (R) po si tion and slowly
release clutch/brake pedal to start movement.
• When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the
ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position.
ROS "ON"
POSITION
ENGINE "ON" POSITION
(NORMAL OPERATING)
0
2
8
2
8
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills
with slopes great er 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.
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift to highest position with at tach ment
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.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac-
tor. 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 sum mer 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
Maintenance sec tion of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill. Use
fresh, clean, regular un lead ed 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 quan ti ties
that can be used within 30 days to assure fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW
32°F (0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE
TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER START ING.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o hol
or using ethanol or methanol) can attract mois-
ture which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion 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 stor age 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 sea son. See Storage In struc tions
for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or
permanent damage may occur.