15
SECTION 7: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
Safety Interlock System
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. Before each use,
check the safety interlock system for proper operation.
If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not
operate the tractor. Contact a Toro service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine
from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is
engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is in
the disengaged (OFF) position. To check for proper
operation, move the PTO (Blade Engage) knob into
the engaged (ON) position and release the parking
brake. Attempts to start the tractor’s engine should
fail.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s
engine, release the parking brake and momentarily
raise yourself from the seat. The engine should
stall.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade
Engage) knob in the engaged (ON) position,
regardless of whether the parking brake is
engaged. To check for proper operation, start the
tractor’s engine, move the PTO (Blade Engage)
knob in the engaged (ON) position and momentarily
raise yourself from the seat. The engine should
stall.
• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the PTO clutch will automatically shut off if
the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is moved into the
engaged (ON) position with the drive pedal in
position for Reverse travel. To check for proper
operation, start the tractor’s engine with the ignition
key in the NORMAL MOWING position, move the
PTO (Blade Engage) knob in the engaged (ON)
position and place the the drive pedal in position for
Reverse travel. The cutting deck should disengage.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
Reverse Caution Mode
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key
switch module allows the tractor to be operated in
reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING: Use extreme caution while
operating the tractor in the REVERSE
CAUTION MODE. Always look down and
behind before and while backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children or others
are around. Stop the tractor immediately if
someone enters the area.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT:
The operator MUST be seated in the
tractor seat.
1. Start the engine as previously instructed in this
Operator’s Manual.
2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING
(Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION
MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module.
See Figure 6.
3. Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange,
Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key
switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left
corner of the key switch module will be ON while
activated. See Figure 6.
4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can
be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO)
engaged.
5. Always look down and behind before and while
backing to make sure no children are around.
6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the
NORMAL MOWING position.
IMPORTANT:
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will
remain activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL
MOWING position or STOP position.
b. The operator leaves the seat.
Figure 6
Start
Position
Stop
Position
Reverse
Push Button
Reverse
Caution Mode
Position
Indicator
Light