General Operating Safety
Be sure to read all information in the Safety and Operation
sections before attempting to operate this unit. Become familiar
with all of the controls and how to stop the unit.
Adding Fuel
To add fuel:
1. Remove the fuel cap (A, Figure 2.1).
2. Fill the tank. Do not overfill. Leave room in the tank for fuel
expansion. Refer to your engine manual for specific fuel
recommendations.
3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.
Starting The Engine
1. While sitting in the operator’s seat, fully depress the brake
pedal or set the parking brake.
2. Make sure that your feet are not depressing the ground
speed control pedals and that the cruise control lever is in
neutral.
3. Disengage the PTO clutch.
4. Close the choke.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
5. Insert the ignition key and turn it to START.
6. After the engine starts, move the engine throttle control to
SLOW. Warm up the engine by running it for at least a
minute.
7. Set throttle to FULL.
NOTE: In the event of an emergency the engine can be
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to STOP.
Use this method only in emergency situations. For
normal engine shut down follow the procedure given in
STOPPING THE TRACTOR.
Stopping The Tractor & Engine
1. Return the ground speed control(s) to neutral.
2. Disengage the PTO and wait for all moving parts to stop.
3. Place the throttle control in the position specified in the
engine owner’s manual provided in the operator's packet
shipped with your tractor. Follow any recommended
stopping procedures.
4. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove the key.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and must be handled with
care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot
from recent operation. Do not allow open flame,
smoking or matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and
wipe up any spills.
Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL, gasohol
containing more than 10% ETHANOL, gasoline
additives, or white gas because engine/fuel system
damage could result.
Safety Interlock System Tests
WARNING
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches
and other safety devices. These safety systems are
present for your safety. Do not attempt to bypass
safety switches, and never tamper with safety
devices.
TEST 1 — ENGINE SHOULD NOT START IF:
• Blade rotation control is in the ENGAGE position, OR
• Brake pedal is NOT fully depressed (parking brake OFF).
TEST 2 — ENGINE SHOULD START IF:
• Operator is sitting in seat, AND
• Blade rotation control is in the DISENGAGE position, AND
• Brake pedal is fully depressed (parking brake ON).
TEST 3 — ENGINE SHOULD SHUT OFF IF:
• Operator rises off seat.
TEST 4 — BLADE BRAKE CHECK
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after blade rotation control is
moved to DISENGAGE position. If the mower drive belt does
not stop within five seconds, see your dealer.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not operate
it. See your authorized dealer.
Operating the Tractor
15
Not
for
Reproduction
