Operating Instructions
25
Engine Choke
The choke control lever (black knob) is located on
the left side of the seat. To start a cold engine, move
the choke control forward to the ON position. After
engine starts, move choke control toward the OFF
position, keeping enough choke to allow the engine
to run smoothly as it warms up. As soon as possible,
move the choke to the OFF position. A warm engine
requires little or no choke for starting.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFF
position during normal engine operation; running
with the choke in the ON position CAN damage the
engine.
Engine Throttle
The throttle control lever (red knob) is located on the
left side of the seat and is used to control engine
speed. Moving the lever forward toward the FAST
position increases engine speed; moving it back-
ward toward the IDLE position decreases engine
speed.
Choke and Throttle Location
Forward Speed Control (FSC)
Forward Speed Control (FSC) has two functions:
One is to set forward travel speed, and the other is
to establish the NEUTRAL-PARK position. When
the FSC lever is moved into the FORWARD position,
a friction lock holds any forward speed setting from
0 to 8 mph (0 to 12.9 km/h). The ground speed is pro-
portional to the lever position; the further the lever is
advanced forward, the faster the tractor moves. It is
not necessary to hold the FSC in position since the
friction lock maintains the selected lever position.
Pulling back on the steering levers overrides the
FSC setting and slows or stops forward travel.
Releasing the steering levers allows the tractor to
resume forward travel at the speed set by the FSC
lever. To stop and park the machine, the FSC lever
is moved backward to the NEUTRAL-PARK
position.
Steering Levers
Each drive wheel is controlled by its own indepen-
dent steering lever, for both steering function and
FORWARD/REVERSE motion. The FSC lever sets
the maximum forward speed, and also sets the for-
ward position of the steering levers. The steering
levers operate only with a backward pulling move-
ment of the lever, which causes the drive wheel for
that lever to first slow down, stop, and then reverse
with a full backward lever stroke. The levers are
released to the FORWARD position for “straight-
ahead” ground travel.
NOTE: Pushing forward on the steering levers will
not cause any change in tractor motion - there will be
no steering lever reaction and there will be no
machine damage.
Blade Clutch (PTO)
The blade clutch lever has two positions. Pulling the
lever UP engages the PTO that drives the mower
blades. Pushing the lever DOWN disengages the
PTO and engages the blade brake.
Choke
Throttle
