12
S
ection
3 — c
ontrolS
& o
peration
Driving the Rider
WARNING
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING
Do not leave the seat of the rider without first pressing the
PTO button to turn off the blade(s), depressing the brake
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the rider
unattended, also turn the power key to the OFF position.
WARNING
Always look down and behind before and while backing up
to avoid a back-over accident.
1.
To travel FORWARD, slowly press the forward
drive pedal to travel FORWARD until the
desired speed is reached.
2.
To travel in REVERSE, slowly press the
reverse drive pedal until the desired speed
is reached.
3.
The rider is brought to a stop by releasing
the forward or reverse drive pedal and/or
depressing the brake pedal.
WARNING
Before leaving the operator’s position for any reason,
disengage the blade(s), engage the parking brake, turn the
key switch to OFF position and remove the power key.
Reverse Caution Mode (RCM)
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE button
allows the
tractor to be operated in reverse with the blade(s)
(PTO) engaged.
Note: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING
Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the
REVERSE CAUTION MODE
.
Always look down and behind
before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when
children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately
if someone enters the area.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
Note: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor
seat.
1.
Start the rider as previously instructed.
2.
Press and hold the RCM button down for
three seconds until the red indicator light
illuminates. The red indicator will remain on
as long as the REVERSE CAUTION MODE is on.
3.
Once activated (indicator light ON), the rider
can be driven in reverse with the cutting
blade(s) (PTO) engaged.
4.
Always look down and behind before and
while backing to make sure no children are
around. After resuming forward motion, press
the RCM button to return to normal mowing
operation.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activate
until:
a.
The RCM button is pressed or
b.
The operator leaves the seat.
Driving on Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe
Operation Practices section to help determine slopes
where you may operate the rider safely.
WARNING
Do not mow or drive on inclines with a slope in excess of
12
°
/21% (a rise of approximately 2.1 feet for every 10 feet).
The rider could overturn and cause serious injury.
1.
Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
2.
Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
3.
Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or
other hidden objects. Uneven terrain
could overturn the rider. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
4.
Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a
turn must be made, turn down the slope.
Turning up a slope increases the chance of
a roll-over.
5.
Avoid stopping when driving up a slope.
If it is necessary to stop while driving up a
slope, start up slowly and carefully to reduce
the possibility of flipping the rider over
backward.
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting
deck. To engage the blade(s), proceed as follows:
Press the PTO button for one second. When
activated the green indicator light under the PTO
button is illuminated.
Mulching (If equipped)
Mulching is a process of recirculating grass clippings
repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine
clippings are then forced back into the lawn where
they act as a natural fertilizer. Refer to the Assembly
& Set-up section of this manual for instructions on
how to install the mulch kit (if equipped).
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever
to the left, then place it in the notch best suited
for your application. Refer to Setting the Cutting
Height in this section.
Mowing
WARNING
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from
the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
WARNING
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
The following information will be helpful when
using the cutting deck with your rider:
1.
Do not mow or drive at high ground speed,
especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is
installed.
2.
For best results it is recommended that
the first two laps be cut clockwise with the
discharge facing towards the center of your
lawn. After the first two laps, reverse the
direction to discharge to the outside for the
balance of cutting. This will give a better
appearance to the lawn.
3.
Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass
invites weed growth and yellows quickly in
dry weather.
4.
Under heavier conditions it may be
necessary to go back over the cut area a
second time to get a clean cut.
5.
Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and
weeds and extremely tall grass. Your rider is
designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
6.
Keep the blade sharp and replace the blade
when worn. Refer to Cutting Blade in the
Service section of this manual for proper
blade sharpening instructions.
