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17Section 5 — operation
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should use slower
speeds. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s
operation and controls before operating the tractor in at
higher speed.
4. To stop, move the speed control lever to the “N” neutral
position.
Important: In an sudden situation, fully depress the brake
pedal to bring the tractor to a stop and then immediately
move the speed control lever to the “N” neutral position
5. Set the parking brake by fully depressing the parking brake
pedal and keeping it depressed while placing the parking
brake lever in the ON position. Release the parking brake
pedal to allow the parking brake to engage.
WARNING! Before leaving the operator’s position
for any reason, disengage the blades, place the
speed control lever in neutral, engage the parking
brake, shut engine off and remove the key.
IMPORTANT: When stopping the tractor for any reason while
on a grass surface, always:
1. Place the speed control lever in N (neutral),
2. Engage the parking brake,
3. Shut engine off and remove the key.
Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your lawn
“browned” by hot exhaust from your tractor’s running engine.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Safe Operation section 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 approximately 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.
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (blade engage) transfers power to the cutting
deck. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Grasp the PTO (blade engage) lever and pivot it all the way
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the
most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments.
IMPORTANT: Models with Reverse Caution Mode:
The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is engaged with
the speed control lever in position for reverse travel with the
ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position.
Models without Reverse Caution Mode:
The PTO (blade engage) lever must be in the disengaged (OFF)
position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse, and
if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches
on page 15.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then
place it in the notch best suited for your application. Refer to
Setting The Cutting Height earlier in this section.
Mowing
WARNING! To help avoid blade contact or a
thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers,
children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine
while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting
deck with your tractor:
WARNING! Plan your mowing pattern to avoid
discharge of materials toward roads, sidewalks,
bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging
material against a wall or obstruction which may
cause discharged material to ricochet back toward
the operator.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit
or grass collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be
cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the
first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge
to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a
better appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed
growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at full
throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back
over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns,
NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn.
Refer to Cutting Blades in the Service section of this manual
for proper blade sharpening instructions.
17Section 5 — operation