14
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender
and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and
REVERSE. The brake pedal must be depressed and
the tractor must not be in motion when the moving shift
lever. See Figure 10.
IMPORTANT: Never force the shift lever. Doing so may
result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.
Figure 10
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN 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 (Blade Engage) knob (or
lever) is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
Models with Manual PTO (Blade Engage)
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade
Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position,
regardless of whether the parking brake is
engaged.
• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the engine will automatically shut off if the
PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the
engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in
Reverse.
Models with Electric PTO (Blade Engage)
• The electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch 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.
• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch
will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade
Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON)
position with the shift lever in Reverse.
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 11.
N
F
R
Shift Knob