12
Operating
the Rider
GENERAL OPERATING SAFETY
Be sure to read all information in the Safety and
Operation sections before attempting to operate this unit.
Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop
the unit.
CHECKS BEFORE STARTING
• Check that crankcase is filled to full mark on dipstick.
See the engine Operator’s Manual for instructions
and oil recommendations.
• Make sure all nuts, bolts, screws and pins are in
place and tight.
• Adjust the seat position, and make certain you can
reach all controls from operator’s position.
• Fill the gasoline tank with fresh fuel. Refer to engine
manual for fuel recommendations.
• Make certain proper wheel or counterweights are
installed if required, and use extra caution if you will
be operating the unit on sloping ground.
ADDING FUEL
To add fuel:
1. Remove the fuel cap (A, Figure 4).
2. Fill the tank. Do not overfill. Leave room in the tank
for fuel expansion. Refer to your engine manual for
specific fuel recommendations.
3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.
SAFETY INTERLOCK
SYSTEM TESTS
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and
other safety devices. These safety systems are pre-
sent for your safety: do not attempt to bypass safety
switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check
their operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Your unit is equipped with a seat switch safety system.
Check the seat switch operation every fall and spring
with the following tests.
Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if:
• PTO switch is ON, OR
• Brake pedal is NOT fully depressed (parking brake
OFF), OR
• The cruise control lever is NOT in NEUTRAL.
Test 2 — Engine SHOULD crank and start if:
• Operator is sitting in seat, AND.
• PTO switch is OFF, AND
• Brake pedal is fully depressed (parking brake ON),
AND
• The cruise control lever is in NEUTRAL
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
• Operator rises off seat.
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO
switch is turned OFF (or operator rises off seat). If mower
drive belt does not stop within five seconds, readjust the
PTO clutch as described in the ADJUSTMENTS section
or see your dealer.
Test 5 — Reverse Mow Option (RMO) Check
• Engine should shut off if reverse travel is attempted if the
PTO has been switched on and RMO has not been acti-
vated.
• RMO light should illuminate when RMO has been activat-
ed.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety interlock system.
