12
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 deck engagement/lift lever in the
BLADES STOP position.
•
Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
•
Activate the choke control.
•
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the RUN 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.
IMPORTANT:
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.
NOTE:
If Starting problems are encountered, refer to
TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
on page 24.
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 deck
engagement/lift lever in the BLADES STOP
position.
•
Depress the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a
complete stop.
•
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
•
Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
•
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Operating The Lawn Tractor
WARNING:
Always look down and behind
before and while traveling in reverse to avoid
a back-over accident.
WARNING:
Before leaving the operator’s
position. Always place the deck engagement/
lift lever in the BLADES STOP position, place
speed control lever in neutral, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to
prevent unintended starting.
•
Move throttle control lever to full throttle.
NOTE:
Always operate the tractor with the throttle
control lever in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most
efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments.
•
Release the parking brake by depressing the brake
pedal.
•
Position the speed control lever in desired position.
The further forward or rearward that the lever is
moved, the faster the tractor will travel. The lever
will return to the
N
(Neutral) position when the
brake pedal is depressed.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT attempt to change the direction of
travel when the tractor is in motion. Always bring the
tractor to a
complete
stop before moving the speed
control lever from forward to reverse or vice versa.
Failure to do so could result in serious damage to your
tractor’s transmission.
IMPORTANT:
First-time operators should use slower
speeds. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s
operation and controls before operating the tractor in at
higher speed.
WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR
TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND
BACK DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE
AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND
SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE
BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE
PLACING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SPEED CONTROL LEVER IN NEU-
TRAL, ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND
REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
