MTD 769-11837A, Operator'S Manual

Page: 14 / 40

14 S
ection
3 — c
ontrolS
& o
peration
Reverse Caution Mode (If equipped)
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the
ignition module allows the tractor to be operated in
reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
Note: 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 :
Note: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor
seat.
1.
Start the engine as previously instructed.
2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING
(a) position to the REVERSE CAUTION
MODE (b) position of the ignition
module. See Figure 3-1.
(d)
(e)
(c)
(a)
(b)
Figure 3-1
3. Press the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (c) at
the top, right corner of the ignition module.
The red indicator light (d) at the top, left
corner of the ignition module will be ON
while activated. See Figure 3-1.
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. After resuming forward motion,
return key to the NORMAL MOWING
(a)
position.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE
(b)
will remain
activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the
NORMAL MOWING
(a) position
or STOP (e) position or
b. The operator leaves the seat.
Driving on Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe
Operation Practices section to help determine slopes
where you may operate the riding mower safely.
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 12 degrees
(a rise of approximately 2 feet for every 10 feet). The riding
mower could overturn and cause serious injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER
across.
• Exercise extreme caution when
changing direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks,
or other hidden objects. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope.
If a turn must be made, turn down
the slope. Turning up a slope greatly
increases the chance of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up
a slope. If it is necessary to stop
while driving up a slope, start up
smoothly and carefully to reduce
the possibility of flipping the riding
mower over backward.
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting
deck. To engage the blade, proceed as follows:
1.
Move the throttle/choke control (if
equipped) or throttle control (if equipped)
into the FAST position.
2. Grasp the PTO lever and pivot it all the way
forward into the engaged (ON) position.
Note: Keep the throttle/choke control (if
equipped) or throttle control (if equipped)
in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most
efficient use of the cutting deck.
Important: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever
must be in the disengaged (OFF) position
when starting the engine, when traveling in
reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat.
Refer to Safety Interlock Switches section of
this manual.
Mulching (If equipped)
Mulching is a process of recirculating grass
clippings repeatedly beneath the cutting deck.
The ultra-fine clippings are then forced back into
the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer. Refer
to the Assembly & Set-up section of this manual
for instructions on how to install the mulch kit (if
equipped).
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever
to the left, then place it in the notch best suited
for your application. Refer to Setting the Cutting
Height in this section.
Mowing
WARNING
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from
the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
WARNING
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
The following information will be helpful when
using the cutting deck with your riding mower:
• Do not mow at high ground speed,
especially if a mulch kit or grass
collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended
that the first two laps be cut with
the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps,
reverse the direction to throw the
discharge to the outside for the
balance of cutting. This will give a
better appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short
grass invites weed growth and
yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with
the engine at full throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be
necessary to go back over the cut
area a second time to get a clean cut.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy
brush and weeds and extremely tall
grass. Your riding mower is designed
to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blade sharp and replace
the blade when worn. Refer to
Cutting Blade in the Service section
of this manual for proper blade
sharpening instructions.