17sectiOn 5 — OperatiOn 17sectiOn 5 — OperatiOn
Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular
Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module.
The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key
switch module will be ON while activated. See Fig. 4-5.
Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be
driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.
Always look down and behind before and while backing to
make sure no children are around.
After resuming forward motion, return the key to the
NORMAL MOWING position.
IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain
activated until:
The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING
position or STOP position.
The operator leaves the seat (Models with Electric
PTO ONLY).
The operator engages the parking brake by fully
depressing the brake pedal and holding it down
while gently pushing the parking brake button
inward (Models with Manual PTO ONLY).
Engaging the Parking Brake.
To engage the parking brake:
Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your
foot while gently pushing the parking brake button inward.
Hold the parking brake button in while removing your foot
from the brake pedal.
Once engaged, the parking brake button and the brake
pedal will lock in the “down” position.
To disengage the parking brake:
Slightly depress the brake pedal.
NOTE: The parking brake must be engaged if the operator leaves
the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically
shut off.
Setting the Cutting Height
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 side of the fender.
Adjust the deck wheels, if equipped, so that they are
between ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground when the
tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the
discharge opening of the cutting deck.
NOTE: On models so equipped, the deck wheels are an anti-scalp
feature of the deck and are not designed to support the weight
of the cutting deck.
Refer to Leveling the Deck in the Maintenance & Adjustments
section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding
various deck adjustments.
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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 Assembly & Set-Up section of this manual for
Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating.
Be careful not to overfill. Refer to the separate Engine Operator/
Owner Manual packed with your tractor. Read instructions
carefully.
Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever (or 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 ON (or
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 and
place the throttle control in the FAST position.
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, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the
machine for any damage. Repair the damage before
restarting and operating
If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage)
lever (or knob) in the disengaged (OFF) position.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING: Always look down and behind before
and while traveling in reverse to avoid a back-over
accident. Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and
sudden stops.
WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the tractor
without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage)
knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position,
depressing the brake pedal and engaging the
parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also
turn the ignition key off and remove the key. Move
the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
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