12
Choke Control
On some models, moving the
throttle lever all the way forward
activates the engine’s choke
control. On all other models, the
choke control can be found on
the left side of the dash panel and is activated by pulling
the knob outward. Activating the choke control closes
the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting
the engine. Refer to
Starting The Engine
on page 13 of this
manual for detailed starting instructions.
Throttle Control Lever
The throttle control lever is
located on the left side of the
tractor’s dash panel. This lever
controls the speed of the engine
and, on some models, when
pushed all the way forward, the
choke control also. When set in a
given position, the throttle will
maintain a uniform engine speed.
IMPORTANT:
When operating the
tractor with the cutting deck
engaged, be certain that the
throttle lever is always in the
FAST (rabbit) position.
Speed Control Lever
The speed control lever,
located on the right side of
the center console, allows
you to regulate the ground
speed of the lawn tractor.
To use, depress the clutch-
brake pedal and move the
lever out of the parking
brake notch and forward to
increase the tractor’s
ground speed. When a
desired speed has been
reached, release the lever
into an appropriate notch to
maintain that speed.
To slow the tractor’s
ground speed, depress the
clutch-brake pedal and move the speed control lever
rearward and release it into a notch.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, fully depress the clutch-brake
pedal. Move the speed control lever all the way to the
rear and release it into the parking brake position.
Release the clutch-brake pedal to allow the parking
brake to engage.
To release the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and move the speed control lever out of the
notches to the desired position. Release the speed
control lever and the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE:
The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine
will automatically shut off.
IMPORTANT:
Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.
Shift Lever
The shift lever is
located in the center of
the console and has
three positions, F
(Forward), N (Neutral)
and R (Reverse). See
Figure 8. The clutch-
brake pedal must be
fully depressed and the
tractor must not be in
motion when the moving shift lever.
IMPORTANT:
Never force the shift lever. Doing so may
result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.
NOTE:
If difficulty is encountered while attempting to
shift, release the clutch-brake pedal slightly before fully
depressing the pedal again.
Clutch-brake Pedal
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of the
lawn tractor, along the running board. Depress the
clutch-brake pedal part way down when slowing the
tractor by changing speeds (Refer to
Speed Control Lever
).
Depress the pedal all the way down to engage the disc
brake and bring the tractor to a complete stop.
NOTE:
The pedal must be depressed to start the
engine. Refer to
Safety Interlock Switches
on page 13.
Deck Engagement / Lift Lever
Found on the right side of the tractor, the deck
engagement/lift lever is used to set the mowing deck’s
cutting height and engage the power to the cutting deck
or other (separately available) attachments. To
operate, move the lever to the right and forward, before
placing it a notch for your desired cutting height. Moving
the lever to the right and all the way rearward placing it
into the BLADES STOP position disengages power to
the cutting deck/ attachment.
NOTE:
The deck engagement/lift lever must be in the
disengaged (BLADES STOP) position when starting
the engine, when traveling in reverse and if the operator
leaves the seat.
Slow
Choke
Fast
Position
Position
Position
P
6
5
4
3
2
1
6-Speed Model Shown
F
N
R
Shift
Knob
