12
SECTION 8: OPERATION
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 in your area. The safety interlock system
prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless
the brake pedal is fully depressed, and the PTO
lever, or PTO knob is in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat before engaging the brake lock.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat with the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether
the brake lock is engaged. The PTO lever, or
PTO knob must be in the disengaged (OFF)
position to restart the engine.
• On units equipped with an electric PTO, the
safety interlock system will automatically shut
off the PTO if the PTO knob is moved into the
engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in
the REVERSE position.
• On units equipped with a manual PTO, the
safety interlock system will automatically shut
off the tractor’s engine if the PTO lever is
moved into the engaged (ON) position with
the shift lever in the REVERSE position.
WARNING:
Do NOT attempt to bypass
or disconnect the tractor’s safety interlock.
Doing so could result in serious personal
injury or death.
IMPORTANT:
Tampering with or attempting to
bypass the tractors Safety Interlock Switches in any
way WILL void your warranty.
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
Select the height position of the cutting deck by
placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different
cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.
Then adjust the deck wheels so that they are at least
1/4 inch to 1/2 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 chute 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
the
ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual for more
detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:
Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP section of
this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
• Depress the brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
• Move the throttle control lever into the FAST
(or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.
• Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped
(a warm engine may not require choking).
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the
key. It will return to the ON position.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING
