MTD ZT 42 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
15
SECTION 2: OPERATION
GENERAL SAFETY
RECEIVE INSTRUCTION - Read the operator’s
manual. Learn to operate this machine SAFELY.
Don’t risk INJURY or DEATH. Allow only those
who have become competent in its usage to
operate this tractor .
Familiarize yourself with the operations of all the
instruments and controls.
Before starting the engine or beginning operation,
be familiar with the controls. The operator should
be in the operator’s seat. The PTO switch must
be in the disengaged position, the parking brake
engaged, and the RH and LH drive control levers
moved fully outward in the neutral position.
Keep all shields in place. Keep away from moving
parts.
NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe
distance away. Look behind and down to both
sides of the tractor before and while backing up.
DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people.
Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate on
slopes greater than 15°. Slopes with a greater
incline present dangerous operating conditions.
Tractors can be rolled over.
Before leaving the operator’s seat: Shut off the
PTO, move the RH and LH drive control levers
fully outward in the neutral position, engage the
parking brake, shut off the engine and remove
the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop
before servicing or cleaning.
Operate the drive control levers smoothly and
avoid any sudden movements of the levers
when starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on
the control levers; do not allow the levers to
return to neutral on their own.
Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop
the tractor motion and wait for vehicles to pass
before operating along the road.
Do not operate the tractor with the mower deck
removed. Removal of the deck will change the
balance of the tractor, and could contribute to a
tractor rollover.
Avoid operation on traction surfaces that are
unstable; use extreme caution if the surface is
slippery.
Slow down before turning and come to a
complete stop before any zero turn maneuver.
Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor over
combustible materials such as dry grass, leaves,
debris, etc.
Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is
running or while the engine is hot. Allow the
engine several minutes to cool before refueling.
Tighten the fuel cap securely.
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
Before you operate the tractor, study this manual
carefully. It has been prepared to help you
operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
Familiarize yourself with the operations of all the
instruments and controls.
This engine is certified to operate on unleaded
gasoline. For best results, fill the fuel tank with
only clean, fresh, unleaded regular or premium
gasoline. DO NOt use leaded gasoline.
Some fuels are gasoline blended with alcohols or
ethers. The maximum alcohol percentage for eth-
anol and gasahol blends is 10%. The maximum
ether percentage for MTBE or ETBE blends is
15%. If undesirable operating symptoms occur,
use gasoline with a lower percentage of alcohol
or ether. Do not use gasoline that contains
Methanol.
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Manual.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with motor
oil in the engine. However, you MUST check the
oil level before operating. The capacity of the
engine and oil filter is approximately 62 oz. (1.83
liters) for the model ZT42 and 80 oz. (2.36 liters).
for the model ZT50. Be careful not to overfill.
Clean the air cleaner element if necessary. See
Engine Manual.
Check the tire inflation pressures.
Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum comfort,
visibility, and for maintaining complete control of
the tractor.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Contact your authorized White Outdoor Dealer.
The safety interlock system prevents the engine
from cranking or starting unless the RH and LH
drive control levers are moved fully outward in the
neutral position, the parking brake is engaged,
and the PTO is disengaged.
To avoid sudden movement when disengaging
the parking brake, the safety interlock system will
shut off the engine if the RH and/or LH drive
control levers are moved to a position other than
the fully out in neutral position when the parking
brake is engaged
The safety interlock system will shut off the
engine if the operator leaves the seat before
engaging the parking brake.