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17
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
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.
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or lever) in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to
the ON position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hold the key in the START posi-
tion for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may
cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
6. 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 operat-
ing 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, discon-
nect the spark plug wire(s)
and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine
for any damage. Repair the
damage before restarting and
operating.
1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade
Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING: 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.
1. Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake
and let the pedal up.
2. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the drive pedal to change the
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always
bring the tractor to a complete stop before pivoting the
drive pedal from forward to reverse or vice versa.
3. To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the upper por-
tion of the drive pedal forward until the desired speed
is achieved. See Figure 4-6.
4. To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind
is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the
drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your heel)
until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 4-6.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 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 approxi-
mately 2-1/2 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.
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.
Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and
sudden stops.
Figure 4-6
Reverse
Forward
Brake Pedal
Drive Pedal