12
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is located on the dashboard. Start
the engine by turning the key to the START position.
When the engine is running, leave the key in the ON
position. To stop the engine, turn the key to the OFF
position.
WARNING: Remove the key from the
tractor, when the tractor is not in use, to
prevent accidental starting.
Throttle Control
The throttle control is located on the dashboard and is
used to regulate the engine speed. To get maximum
efficiency in cutting grass, the throttle should be in the
FAST position when operating the tractor.
Choke Control
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation are
covered in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit.
Hydrostatic Control Lever
The hydrostatic control lever is located on top of the
fender on the right side of the tractor. This single control
lever, connected to the hydrostatic transmission,
controls both the speed and direction of the tractor.
Infinite speed control is achieved by moving the control
lever forward or backward. The farther forward or
backward you move the control lever, the faster you will
travel. Pulling the control lever into neutral (N) area will
stop the tractor.
Clutch-Brake Pedal
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the
tractor. Depressing the pedal returns the drive unit to
neutral (N) and applies the brake. The clutch-brake
pedal must be depressed to start the engine.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal, pull up the parking brake knob and release the
clutch-brake pedal. It will stay in the raised position. To
release the parking brake, depress and release the
clutch-brake pedal while pushing down on the parking
brake knob. The parking brake must be set if the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running.
Relief Valve
A hydrostatic relief valve is provided so the unit can be
moved without the engine running. The lever which
operates the relief valve is located on the console.
To operate the relief valve, place the hydrostatic control
lever in neutral, release the parking brake, push the
lever forward and to the right to lock. Make sure to
release the lever by pushing it to the left before
operating the engine.
Lift Lever
The lift lever is used to raise and lower the cutting deck
and to engage and disengage the blades. Pulling it all
the way back and locking it disengages the blades.
NOTE: The lift lever must be in the BLADES STOP
position when starting the engine, when shifting into
reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.
Optional Features
NOTE: The controls listed below are optional features
and many tractor models may not be equipped with one
or more of these. Please use information pertinent to
your lawn tractor.
Indicator Lights
If your unit is equipped with indicator lights, two or three
indicator lights are located in the dash panel. If a light
illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed
as follows.
CLUTCH: Depress the clutch pedal.
PTO: Place lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.
OIL (Vanguard Twin and Intek Twin Engines Only):
Check the crankcase oil level, and add oil as required.
Deck Lift Indicator
The deck lift indicator (if so equipped) marks the
position being used for the lift lever. Select the lift lever
position desired, press the indicator lever outward,
move it to the position immediately below the lift lever
and release the indicator lever.
Light Switch
The head lamps are operated by pushing the light
switch located on the dashboard. The head lamps will
only operate when the engine is running.
Ammeter
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge or
discharge. While the engine starts, the ammeter will
register on the discharging side. It should register on
the opposite side (charging) when the engine is running
fast and the battery is not yet completely charged. With
a fully charged battery or with the engine idling, the
ammeter will not show a charge.