14
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
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
• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO 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.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING:
Avoid sudden starts, ex-
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:
Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO 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.
• Depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake and let the pedal up.
• Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
IMPORTANT:
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.
• To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.
• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area behind is
clear then slowly depress the drive pedal.
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.
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
• Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with
your foot while gently pushing the parking brake
button inward.
• Hold the parking brake button in while removing
your foot from the brake pedal.
• Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the “down” position.
To disengage the parking brake:
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
The parking brake must be engaged if the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the
engine will automatically shut off.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 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.
Setting The Cruise Control
• Place the shift lever in the FORWARD position,
then slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired
speed is achieved.
• Lightly depress the cruise control button.
• While continuing to hold the cruise button in, lift
your foot from the drive pedal (you should feel the
cruise latch engage).
• Once engaged, the cruise control button and the
drive pedal will lock in the “down” position, and the
tractor will maintain the same forward speed.
NOTE:
Cruise control can not be engaged at the
tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.