Filter
Top Products
17Section 5 — operation
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 engages the parking brake by fully
depressing the brake pedal and holding it down
while moving the parking brake lever into the PARK
BRAKE position.
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with your
foot.
2. Move the parking brake lever down into the parking brake
position.
3. Release the brake pedal to allow the parking brake to
engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the speed
control lever out of the parking brake position and into a
desired speed.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the five different cutting height
notches on the right side of the fender.
2. 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.
WARNING! Keep hands and feet away from the
discharge opening of the cutting deck.
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 in the Maintenance & Adjustments
section of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding
various deck adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING! Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was
designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the Assembly & Set-Up section of this manual for
gasoline and oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After
the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the ON (or
Normal Mowing) 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.
6. 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
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.
1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor
without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving
the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off
and remove the key.
WARNING! Always look down and behind before
and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident.
1. Depre ss the brake ped al to release the par king brake and l et the
pedal up.
2. Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
3. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE
position.
CAUTION: Do NOT use the shift lever to change
the direction of travel when the tractor is in motion.
Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a
complete stop before shifting.
IMPORTANT: First-time operators should become
completely familiar with the tractor’s operation and controls
before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
4. Gradually begin to apply pressure to the drive pedal. The
further down the pedal is pushed, the faster the tractor will
travel in the desired direction based on the position of the
shift lever.
5. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by releasing the drive
pedal and then depressing the brake pedal.