12
S
ection
3 — c
ontrolS
& o
peration
Brake Pedal (Q)
The brake pedal is located on the left side of the
tractor, along the running board. It is used to stop
the forward or reverse motion of the tractor.
Park Brake/Cruise
Control Lock Pedal (R)
The park brake/cruise control
lock pedal is located at the
base of the steering column.
It is used to engage the park
brake when the tractor is at rest.
Engaging the lever while the
tractor is in motion allows the
tractor to remain at a constant
ground speed without applying
pressure to the forward drive
pedal. Refer to the Operation
section of this manual for
detailed instructions regarding
the parking brake as well as the
cruise control feature.
NOTE: Cruise control can NOT
be engaged at the tractor’s
fastest ground speed. If the
operator should attempt to do
so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal
mowing ground speed
NOTE: The park brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running or the
engine will automatically shut off.
WARNING
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always
disengage PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended starting.
Operation
General Safety
•
RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read
this operator’s manual. Learn to operate
this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or
DEATH. Allow only those who have become
competent in its usage to operate this tractor.
•
Before starting the engine or beginning
operation, be familiar with the controls. The
operator should be in the operator’s seat.
The PTO switch must be in the disengaged
position and the parking brake engaged.
•
Keep all shields in place. Keep away from
moving parts.
•
NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe
distance away. Look behind and down to
both sides of the tractor before and while
backing up.
•
DO NOT direct the mower discharge at
people.
•
Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate
on slopes greater than 15°. Slopes with a
greater incline present dangerous operating
conditions. Tractors can be rolled over.
•
Before leaving the operator’s seat shut off
the PTO and engage the parking brake,
shut off the engine and remove the ignition
key. Wait for all movement to stop before
servicing or cleaning.
PARK
BRAKE
CRUISE
CONTROL
•
Avoid any sudden movements of the steering
wheel when starting and stopping. Keep a
firm grip on the steering wheel.
•
Be careful when operating near roadways.
Stop the tractor motion and wait for vehicles
to pass before operating along the road.
•
Do not operate the tractor with the mower
deck removed. Removal of the deck will
change the balance of the tractor, and could
contribute to a tractor rollover.
•
Avoid operation on traction surfaces that
are unstable; use extreme caution if the
surface is slippery.
•
Slow down before turning and come to
a complete stop before any zero turn
maneuver.
•
Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor
over combustible materials such as dry
grass, leaves, debris, etc.
•
Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is
running or while the engine is hot. Allow
the engine several minutes to cool before
refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely.
Before Operating Your Tractor
•
Before you operate the tractor, study this
manual carefully to familiarize yourself
with the operation of all the instruments
and controls. It has been prepared to help
you operate and maintain your tractor
efficiently.
•
This engine is certified to operate only on
clean, fresh, unleaded regular gasoline.
For best results, fill the fuel tank with only
clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump
sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
•
Unleaded gasoline is recommended
because it leaves less combustion
chamber deposits and reduces harmful
exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not
recommended and must not be used where
exhaust emissions are regulated.
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities.
Do not use gasoline left over from the
previous season, to minimize gum deposits
in the fuel system.
•
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90%
unleaded gasoline by volume) is an
approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol
blends are not approved.
•
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and
unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum
of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved
fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not
approved.
•
Check the engine oil level.
•
Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
•
Check the tire inflation pressures.
•
Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum
comfort, visibility and for maintaining
complete control of the tractor.
Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock
system for the protection of the operator. If the
interlock system should ever malfunction, do
not operate the tractor. Contact your authorized
service dealer.
•
The safety interlock system prevents the
engine from cranking or starting unless the
parking brake is engaged, and the PTO knob
is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the
operator leaves the seat before engaging
the parking brake.
WARNING
Do not operate the riding mower if the safety interlock
system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for
your safety and protection.
Starting the Engine
WARNING
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the
tractor seat when starting the engine.
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for
oil fill-up instructions and refer to the Assembly &
Set-Up section for gasoline fill-up instructions.
1.
Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2.
Engage the parking brake by pressing
forward on the brake pedal (a), then press
down on the parking break/cruise control
lever (b) and then release the brake pedal (a).
Refer to Figure 3-2.
(a)
(b)
Figure 3-2
3.
Make certain the PTO switch is in the “OFF”
position. Move the choke control or throttle/
choke control into the full choke position.
Move the throttle control to midway between
its slow and fast positions on models with a
separate choke control.
Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not
be necessary to choke the engine.
4.
Turn the key clockwise to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the NORMAL MOWING/RUN
position.
CAUTION
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.
5.
As the engine warms up, gradually pull
the throttle/choke control lever rearward
past the choke detent position or slowly
disengage the choke on models with a
separate choke. Do not use the choke
position to enrich the fuel mixture, except
as necessary to start the engine.
6.
Allow the engine to run for a few minutes
at mid-throttle before putting the engine
under load.
Summary of Contents for Zero-Turn Tractor
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