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Operating Instructions
25
Ignition Switch
Engine Choke
The choke control lever (black knob) is located on
the left side of the seat. To start a cold engine, move
the choke control forward to the ON position. After
engine starts, move the choke control toward the
OFF position, keeping enough choke to allow the
engine to run smoothly as it warms up. As soon as
possible, move the choke to the OFF position. A
warm engine requires little or no choke for starting.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFF
position during normal engine operation; running
with the choke in the ON position CAN damage the
engine.
Engine Throttle
The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on the
left side of the seat and is used to control engine
speed. Moving the lever forward toward the FAST
position increases engine speed; moving it back-
ward toward the IDLE position decreases engine
speed.
Choke and Throttle Location
Forward Speed Control (FSC)
Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:
One is to set forward travel speed, and the other is
to establish the NEUTRAL-PARK position. When
the FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD posi-
tion, a friction lock holds any forward speed setting
from 0 to 5 mph (0 to 8 km/h). The ground speed is
proportional to the lever position; the further the le-
ver is advanced forward, the faster the tractor
moves. It is not necessary to hold the FSC in posi-
tion since the friction lock maintains the selected le-
ver position. Pulling back on the steering levers
overrides the FSC setting and slows or stops for-
ward travel. Releasing the steering levers allows
the tractor to resume forward travel at the speed set
by the FSC lever. To stop and park the machine, the
FSC lever is moved backward to the NEUTRAL-
PARK position.
Steering Levers
Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-
dent steering lever, for both steering function and
FORWARD/REVERSE motion. The FSC lever sets
the maximum forward speed, and also sets the for-
ward position of the steering levers. The steering le-
vers operate only with a backward pulling
movement of the lever, which causes the drive
wheel for that lever to first slow down, stop, and then
reverse with a full backward lever stroke. The levers
are released to the FORWARD position for “straight-
ahead” ground travel.
NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers will
not cause any change in tractor motion - there will
be no steering lever reaction and there will be no
machine damage.
Blade Clutch (PTO)
The blade clutch lever has two positions. Pulling the
lever UP engages the PTO that drives the mower
blades. Pushing the lever DOWN disengages the
PTO and engages the blade brake.
NOTE: On GHS equipped models, the Powerfil
®
motor and Grass-Pak
®
full signal switch are activat-
ed by engaging the blade clutch. Refer to Using the
GHS Catcher in this section for a complete descrip-
tion of GHS operation.
ON
OFF
START
Throttle
Choke