15
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if
the interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your
safety and protection.
Reverse Caution Mode
(If Equipped)
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.
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.
To use the
REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT: The operator MUST be seated in the
tractor seat.
1. Start the engine as instructed on page 16 under
Starting The Engine.
2. Turn the key from the
NORMAL MOWING (Green)
position to the
REVERSE CAUTION MODE (Yellow)
position of the key switch module. See Figure 4-5.
3. Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange,
Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key
switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left
corner of the key switch module will be
ON while
activated. See Figure 4-5.
4. Once activated (indicator light
ON), the tractor can
be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO)
engaged.
5. Always look down and behind before and while
backing to make sure no children are around.
6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the
NORMAL MOWING position.
IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will
remain activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the
NORMAL MOWING
position or
STOP position.
b. The operator engages the parking brake by fully
depressing the clutch-brake pedal and holding it
down while moving the speed control lever into the
PARK BRAKE position.
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fully depress the clutch-brake pedal and hold it down
with your foot.
2. Move the speed control lever all the way down and
into the parking brake position.
3. Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking
brake to engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and move the speed
control lever out of the parking brake position and into
a desired speed.
Setting the Cutting Height
1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by
placing the deck lift lever in any of the different cutting
height notches on the right side of the fender.
2. Adjust the deck wheels, if equipped, so that they are
between ¼-inch and ½-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 opening of the
cutting deck.
NOTE: On models so equipped, 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
Leveling the Deck in the Adjustment section
of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding
various deck adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if
the interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your
safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to
the ON position.
WARNING
Do not operate
the tractor if the
interlock system is
malfunctioning. This
system was designed
for your safety and
protection.
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.
3TART
0OSITION
3TOP
0OSITION
2EVERSE
0USH"UTTON
2EVERSE
#AUTION-ODE
0OSITION
)NDICATOR
,IGHT
Figure 4-5
Keep hands and
feet away from the
discharge opening of
the cutting deck.
