Yard-Man 604 series, Operator'S Manual

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 protec-
tion.

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 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 12.

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 12.

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 MOW-

ING

 position or 

STOP

 position.

  b. The operator leaves the seat (Models with Electric 

PTO ONLY).

  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).

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Figure 12

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

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.

Setting the Cutting Height

1.  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.

2.  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.