White Outdoor GT 954H, Operator'S Manual

13

SECTION 5:  

OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR

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 your 

White Outdoor 

dealer.

•

The safety interlock system prevents the engine 
from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is 
engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob (or 
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 electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will 
automatically shut off if the operator leaves the 
tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in 
the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether 
the parking brake is engaged.

•

With the ignition key in the 

NORMAL MOWING

position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch 
will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade 
Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON) 
position with the shift lever in Reverse.

WARNING: 

Do not operate the tractor if the

interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.

Reverse Caution Mode

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

. 

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.

To use the 

REVERSE CAUTION MODE

:

IMPORTANT:

The operator MUST be seated in the 

tractor seat.

1.

Start the engine as previously instructed in this 
Operator’s Manual.

2.

Turn the key from the 

NORMAL MOWING

(Green) position to the 

REVERSE CAUTION 

MODE

 (Yellow) position of the key switch module. 

See Figure 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 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 leaves the seat.

Figure 5

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

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