13
NOTE:
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 into the
FAST position) to open up the choke plate on the
engine’s carburetor.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control out while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
• Move the throttle control into the SLOW
(turtle) position and allow the engine to "idle
down" for ten seconds. Failure to do so may
result in an engine afterfire.
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
OFF position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT:
If you think you’ve struck a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately. Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tractor.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
WARNING:
Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:
Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO lever,
or PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF)
position, depressing the brake pedal and
engaging the parking brake. If leaving the
tractor unattended, also turn the ignition
key off and remove the key.
• Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake and let the pedal up. Move the
throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT use the shift lever to
change the direction of travel when the tractor is in
motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the
tractor to a complete stop before shifting.
• To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the
AutoDrive
™
pedal until the desired speed is
achieved.
• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly depress the
AutoDrive
™
pedal.
SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL
NOTE:
The cruise control feature should only be
utilized in the forward direction.
• Place the shift lever in the FORWARD
position, then slowly depress the AutoDrive
™
pedal until the desired speed is achieved.
• Lightly depress the cruise control button.
• While continuing to hold the cruise button in,
lift your foot from the AutoDrive
™
pedal (you
should feel the cruise latch engage).
• If properly engaged, the cruise control button
and the AutoDrive
™
pedal should lock in the
down position, and the tractor will maintain the
same forward speed.
• Disengage the cruise control using one of the
following methods:
•
Depress the brake pedal to disengage the
cruise control and stop the tractor.
•
Lightly depress the
AutoDrive
™
pedal.
To change to the reverse direction when operating
with cruise control, depress the brake pedal to
disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to
a complete stop. Then place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position and depress the AutoDrive
™
pedal.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 6 to help
determine slopes where you may not operate safely.
WARNING:
Do not mow on inclines with
a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
The tractor could overturn and cause
serious injury.
Operate the tractor up and down slopes, never
across slopes. Do not drive so that the tractor may
tip over sideways.
Before operating the tractor on any slope, walk the
slope to look for possible hazards such as rocks.
mounds, ruts, stumps or other surface irregularities
which could cause the tractor to be upset.
