13
OPERATION
NOTE
: To protect hood from damage when transporting
your tractor on a truck or a trailer, ensure hood is closed
and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying
hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER AT TACH MENTS
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your trac-
tor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction with
the ground and cause you to lose control of your tractor.
REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)
Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System
(ROS). Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse
direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off
the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON"
position.
WARNING:
Backing up with the attachment clutch en-
gaged while mowing is strongly discouraged. Turning the
ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attachment
clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator
decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the
attachment engaged.
Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary
.
USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (See Fig. 13)
Only use if you are certain no children or other bystanders
will enter the mowing area.
• Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.
•
With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise
to ROS "ON" position.
• Look down and behind before and while backing.
• Slowly move motion control lever to reverse (R) po si-
tion to start movement.
• When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the
ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position.
ROS "ON"
POSITION
ENGINE "ON" POSITION
(NORMAL OPERATING)
02828
Fig. 13
TRANSMISSION ENGAGED
TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED
Fig. 14
TO TRANSPORT (See Fig. 14)
When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage
transmission by placing freewheel control in free wheel ing
po si tion. Free wheel control is located at the rear drawbar
of tractor.
•
Raise attachment lift to highest position with at tach ment
lift control.
•
Pull freewheel control out and into the slot and release
so it is held in the disengaged position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH.
• To reengage transmission, reverse above procedure.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
The engine in your tractor has been shipped from the fac-
tory already filled with sum mer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.
•
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until
“FULL” mark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.
• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting. (See “OIL VISCOSITY CHART” in the
Maintenance sec tion of this manual.)
• To change engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual.
CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas o hol
or using ethanol or methanol) can attract moisture
which leads to sep a ra tion and for ma tion of acids
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
problems, the fuel system should be emptied before
stor age of 30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank,
start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and
carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next sea son.
See Storage in struc tions for additional information.
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products
in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur.
ADD GASOLINE
• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck. Do not overfill.
Use fresh, clean, regular un lead ed gasoline with a
minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce
valve life.) Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel
in quan ti ties that can be used within 30 days to ensure
fuel freshness.
CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or
fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.
IMPORTANT:
WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW
32°F/0°C, USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE GAS O LINE
TO HELP ENSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER START ING.