18
OPERATION
Setting the Cutting Height
1.
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever
in any of the five different cutting height notches on the right side of the
fender.
2.
Adjust the deck wheels, if equipped, so that they are between ¼” and ½”
above the ground when the lawn tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as
a driveway.
WARNING
Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.
NOTE:
On models so equipped, the deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of
the deck and are not designed to support the weight of the cutting deck.
NOTE:
Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 26 for more detailed instructions
regarding various deck adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING
Do not operate the lawn tractor if the interlock system is malfunctioning.
This system was designed for your safety and protection.
NOTE:
Refer to Gas & Oil fill-up instructions on page 11.
1.
Insert the key into the ignition switch.
2.
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (PTO OFF) position.
3.
Engage the lawn tractor’s parking brake (if equipped).
4.
Activate the choke control.
5.
Turn the key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release
the key. It will return to the PTO ON (or NORMAL DRIVING MODE) position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT hold the key in the START position for longer than 10
seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to your engine’s electric starter.
6.
After the engine starts, deactivate the throttle/choke control lever and place
the throttle/choke control lever in the FAST position.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control on while operating the lawn tractor.
Doing so will result in a “rich” fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
Stopping the Engine
WARNING
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for
any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating.
1.
If the blades are engaged, place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position.
2.
Turn the key counter-clockwise to the STOP position.
3.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.
Driving the Lawn Tractor
IMPORTANT:
First-time operators should become completely familiar with the lawn
tractor’s operation and controls before operating the lawn tractor in higher speed
positions.
WARNING
Always look down and behind before and while traveling in reverse to
avoid a back-over accident.
WARNING
Before leaving the operator’s position, place the PTO lever in the disengaged
(PTO OFF) position, place speed control lever in NEUTRAL (N), set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting. Depress
the parking brake pedal to release the parking brake and let the pedal up.
Hydrostatic
1.
Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
NOTE:
Always operate the lawn tractor with the throttle control lever in the
FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments.
2.
Depress the parking brake pedal to release the parking brake.
3.
Slowly move the speed control lever in desired FORWARD (F) or REVERSE (R)
position. The further forward or rearward that the lever is moved, the faster
the lawn tractor will travel.
WARNING
Do NOT attempt to change the direction of travel when the lawn tractor is
in motion. Always bring the lawn tractor to a complete stop before moving
the speed control lever from forward to reverse or vice versa. Failure to do
so could result in serious damage to your lawn tractor’s transmission.
IMPORTANT:
First-time operators should use slower speeds. Become
completely familiar with the lawn tractor’s operation and controls before
operating the lawn tractor at higher speed.
4.
To stop
, move the speed control lever to the NEUTRAL (N) position.
IMPORTANT:
In a sudden situation, fully depress the brake pedal to bring the
lawn tractor to a stop and then immediately move the speed control lever to
the “N” neutral position.
5.
Set the parking brake by fully depressing the parking brake pedal and keeping
it depressed while placing the parking brake lever in the ON position. Release
the parking brake pedal to allow the parking brake to engage.
WARNING
Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the speed control lever in neutral, engage the parking brake,
shut engine OFF and remove the key.
