16
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
Do not operate
the tractor if the
interlock system is
malfunctioning. This
system was designed
for your safety and
protection.
c. The operator engages the parking brake by fully
depressing the brake pedal and holding it down
while gently pushing the parking brake button
inward (Models with Manual PTO ONLY).
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with
your foot while gently pushing the parking brake
button inward.
2. Hold the parking brake button in while removing your
foot from the brake pedal.
3. Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the “down” position.
To disengage the parking brake:
1. 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.
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) knob (or lever) in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
4. Activate the choke control.
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START posi-
tion. After the engine starts, release the key. It will
return to the ON position.
3TART
0OSITION
3TOP
0OSITION
2EVERSE
0USH"UTTON
2EVERSE
#AUTION-ODE
0OSITION
)NDICATOR
,IGHT
Figure 4-5
WARNING
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, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
• 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
PLACING 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
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.
6. 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 operat-
ing 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, discon-
nect the spark plug wire(s) and
ground against the engine. Thor-
oughly inspect the machine for
any damage. Repair the damage
before restarting and operating.
1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade
Engage) knob (or lever) in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
WARNING
Keep hands and
feet away from the
discharge opening of
the cutting deck.
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 im-
mediately if someone
enters the area.
