11
SECTION 8: OPERATION
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 an authorized dealer in
your area. The safety interlock system prevents the
engine from cranking or starting unless the brake
pedal is fully depressed, and the PTO lever is in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat before engaging the brake lock.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat with the PTO lever in the engaged (ON)
position, regardless of whether the brake lock
is engaged. The PTO lever must be in the
disengaged (OFF) position to restart the
engine.
• The safety interlock system will automatically
shut off the engine if the PTO lever is moved
into the engaged (ON) position with the shift
lever in the REVERSE position.
WARNING:
Do NOT attempt to bypass
or disconnect the tractor’s safety interlock.
Doing so could result in serious personal
injury or death.
IMPORTANT:
Tampering with or attempting to
bypass the tractors Safety Interlock Switches in any
way WILL void your warranty.
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 at least
1/4 inch to 1/2 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 chute 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 the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
STARTING THE ENGINE
NOTE:
Refer to the
TRACTOR SET-UP
section 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.
• Depress the brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
• Move the throttle control lever into the FAST
(or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.
• Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped
(a warm engine may not require choking).
• 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 starter.
NOTE:
If starting problems are encountered, refer
to the
TROUBLESHOOTING
section of this manual.
After the engine starts, slowly release the brake
pedal. As the engine warms up, gradually push the
choke control knob inward (or move the throttle
control lever out of the CHOKE position) to open up
the choke plate on the engine’s carburetor.
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.
• 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 PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING
