14
The safe operation of this machine is the
responsibility of the operator. The operator
should be familiar with the tractor and all at-
tachments that will be used before starting
operation. Read all safety information on pag-
es 6 through 11.
CONTROLS AND SWITCHES
Know your controls and how to stop tractor,
engine and attachments quickly in an emer-
gency.
•
Stop tractor
by moving steering levers
to neutral position (
refer to section on
steering lever operation, page 18-19
).
•
Stop engine
by turning key to “OFF”
position.
•
Disengage
power to
attachments
by
moving PTO switch to “OFF” (down)
position.
Operating this unit is not difficult once you
master the use of the controls. We recommend
you equip the tractor with the attachment you
will be using and practice in a fl at open area
at a medium throttle setting until you are com-
fortable with the controls.
Before operating this machine be
sure the operator-presence safety
system works. Do not run the en-
gine without an operator in the seat
if the PTO switch is “ON” or either
steering lever is in the run position.
Several safety switches are incorporated in
the unit’s design to prevent it from being start-
ed out of neutral or with the PTO engaged. All
controls must be in the “OFF” or neutral posi-
tion before the unit can be started. There is a
safety switch under the operator’s seat that
will cause the engine to stop, should the oper-
ator leave the seat with any control engaged.
PRE-START CHECK LIST
•
Place tractor on level surface.
•
Check crankcase oil level (refer to “En-
gine Manual” for proper level and type of
oil used).
Never attempt to check oil while en-
gine is running.
•
Clean rotating air intake screen. When
mowing in dusty conditions, dry grass or
long grass it may be necessary to fre-
quently clean rotating air intake screen to
prevent engine overheating.
Never attempt to clean rotating air
intake screen while engine is run-
ning.
•
Check for grass wrapped around PTO
shaft. When mowing long grass, turn off
key and check for grass wrapped around
PTO shaft every 30 minutes of operation.
Remove spark plug wire to prevent
accidentally starting engine before
attempting to remove grass from
around PTO shaft.
•
Check air cleaner (refer to “Engine Manu-
al”). When mowing in dusty conditions, dry
grass or long grass it may be necessary to
frequently clean the foam precleaner and
paper cartridge.
•
Check to be sure engine is free of dirt and
debris.
•
Check fuel level. Refer to “Engine Manual”
for correct fuel for your requirements.
•
For best results, use only clean, fresh,
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•
Do Not
use ethanol blends of gasoline
(such as E15 or E85) with more than 10%
ethanol by volume. Performance prob-
lems and/or engine damage may result
which may not be covered under warranty.
•
Do Not
use gasoline containing methanol.
OPERATION
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
