13
NOTE:
Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the
tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
Cargo Net
Conveniently located on the tractor’s dash panel, the
cargo net can be used to store personal items while
operating the lawn tractor.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender
and has three positions,
F
(FORWARD),
N
(NEUTRAL)
and
R
(REVERSE). The brake pedal must be
depressed and the tractor must not be in motion when
the moving the shift lever.
IMPORTANT:
Never force the shift lever. Doing so may
result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING:
Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
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. The safety
interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the
PTO lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO lever in the
engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the
parking brake is engaged.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO
lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with
the shift lever in position for reverse travel.
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
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 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:
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
on page 17 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.
•
Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
•
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
•
Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
•
Activate the choke control.
•
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, 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 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
