14
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil;
however you must check the oil level before
operating. Be careful not to overfill.
WARNING:
Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is hot.
STARTING THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT:
This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protection. The purpose of
the safety interlock system is to prevent the engine
from cranking or starting unless the clutch-brake
pedal is depressed and the lift lever is in the
BLADES STOP position. In addition, the lift lever
must be in the BLADES STOP position when the
unit is put into reverse or the engine will shut off. If
the operator leaves the seat with the lift lever
engaged and/or without setting the parking brake,
the engine will shut off.
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor
if the interlock system is malfunctioning
because it is a safety device, designed for
protection.
1.
Place the lift lever in the BLADES STOP
position.
2.
Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the
parking brake.
3.
Set the throttle control in the FAST position.
4.
Pull out the choke control (a warm engine may
not require choking).
5.
Turn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the
key. It will return to the ON position.
NOTE:
Protect the starter life by using short
starting cycles of several seconds. Cranking more
than 15 seconds per minute can damage the starter
motor.
6.
Push choke knob in gradually. Move the throttle
control to desired engine speed.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT:
If you strike a foreign object, stop
the engine. Remove wire from spark plug,
thoroughly inspect the unit for any damage, and
repair the damage before restarting and operating
the mower.
NOTE:
If any problems are encountered, refer to
the Trouble Shooting Guide on page 24.
OPERATING THE LAWN TRACTOR
1.
Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent
strain on the engine and to operate the cutting
blades.
2.
Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position.
3.
Release the parking brake by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal, pressing outward on the
speed control lever and moving to desired posi-
tion. Use first speed position when operating the
lawn tractor for the first time.
WARNING:
Look to the rear before
backing up.
4.
Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into
motion.
5.
The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depress-
ing the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE:
When operating the unit initially, there will
be little difference between the highest two speeds
until after the belts have seated themselves into the
pulleys during the break-in period.
Be sure that the lawn is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage lawn mower or
engine. For best results and to insure more even
grass distribution, do not mow when lawn is
excessively wet.
WARNING:
Before leaving the
operator’s position for any reason,
disengage the blades, place the shift lever
in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut
engine off and remove the key.
When stopping the unit to empty a grass bag, etc.,
follow the instructions above. This procedure will
also eliminate ‘‘browning’’ the grass, which is
caused by hot exhaust gases from a running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if
unit will not operate with speed control lever in a low
speed position, proceed as follows.
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in high speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or
REVERSE, and follow normal operating proce-
dures.
