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13
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
Safety Interlock Switches
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 an authorized service dealer. The safety
interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the
PTO knob/lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
The engine will automatically shut off if
1. the operator leaves the seat before engaging the
parking brake;
2. the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO
knob/lever in the engaged (ON) position,
regardless of whether the parking brake is
engaged; and
3. the PTO knob/lever is moved to engaged (ON)
position with the shift lever in position for reverse
travel.
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 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.
NOTE: 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 on page 16 of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
NOTE: Refer to page 7 of this manual for gasoline and
oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the PTO knob/lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
• Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
• Place the throttle control in the FAST (rabbit)
position.
• Pull the choke control outward.
• 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 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
• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob/
lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system
was designed for your safety and protection.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING
WARNING:
Keep hands and feet away from
the discharge opening of the cutting deck.
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.