13
Setting the Cutting Height
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. Then 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.
NOTE:
The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of
the deck and are not designed to support the weight of
the cutting deck.
Refer to
Leveling the Deck
on page 15 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:
Refer to the
TRACTOR SET-UP
on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
•
Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
•
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
•
Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
•
Pull the choke control outward (model G609G)or
move the throttle control lever into the CHOKE
position (model D609G).
•
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so
may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
•
After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING:
If you strike a foreign object,
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting
and operating
•
If the blades are engaged, place the PTO lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position.
•
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
•
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING:
Avoid sudden starts, ex-
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:
Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing
the brake pedal and engaging the parking
brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also
turn the ignition key off and remove the key.
•
Depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake and let the pedal up. Move the throttle lever
into the FAST (rabbit) position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT use the shift lever to change the
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always
use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete
stop before shifting.
•
To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.
•
To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area behind is
clear then slowly depress the drive pedal.
Engaging the Parking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
•
Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it there
while gently pushing the parking brake button
inward.
•
Hold the parking brake button in while removing
your foot from the brake pedal.
•
Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the “down” position.
To disengage the parking brake:
•
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.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the
SLOPE GAUGE
on page 7 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
