13
Operating the Tractor
General Operating Safety
Be sure to read all information in the Safety and
Operation sections before attempting to operate this unit.
Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop
the unit.
Adding Fuel
To add fuel:
1. Remove the fuel cap (A, Figure 3).
2. Fill the tank. Do not overfill. Leave room in the tank
for fuel expansion. Refer to your engine manual for
specific fuel recommendations.
3. Install and hand tighten the fuel cap.
Starting The Engine
1. While sitting in the operator’s seat, fully depress the
brake pedal or set the parking brake.
2. Make sure that your feet are not depressing the
ground speed control pedals and that the cruise
control lever is in neutral.
3. Disengage the PTO clutch.
4. Set the throttle to FULL.
5. Close the choke.
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
6. Insert the ignition key and turn it to START.
7. After the engine starts, move the engine throttle
control to half speed. Warm up the engine by running
it for at least 30 seconds.
8. Set throttle to FULL.
NOTE: In the event of an emergency the engine can be
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to STOP.
Use this method only in emergency situations. For
normal engine shut down follow the procedure given in
STOPPING THE TRACTOR.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly flammable and must be
handled with care. Never fill the tank when the
engine is still hot from recent operation. Do not
allow open flame, smoking or matches in the
area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up any spills.
Do not use gasoline containing METHANOL,
gasohol containing more than
10% ETHANOL, gasoline additives, or white
gas because engine/fuel system damage
could result.
SAFETY INTERLOCK
SYSTEM TESTS
This unit is equipped with safety interlock switches and
other safety devices. These safety systems are
present for your safety: do not attempt to bypass safety
switches, and never tamper with safety devices. Check
their operation regularly.
Operational SAFETY Checks
Your unit is equipped with a seat switch safety system.
Check the seat switch operation every fall and spring
with the following tests.
Test 1 — Engine should NOT crank if:
• PTO switch is ON, OR
• Brake pedal is NOT fully depressed (parking brake
OFF), OR
• The cruise control lever is NOT in NEUTRAL.
Test 2 — Engine SHOULD crank and start if:
• Operator is sitting in seat, AND.
• PTO switch is OFF, AND
• Brake pedal is fully depressed (parking brake ON),
AND
• The cruise control lever is in NEUTRAL
Test 3 — Engine should SHUT OFF if:
• Operator rises off seat.
Test 4 — Blade Brake Check
Mower blades and mower drive belt should come to a
complete stop within five seconds after electric PTO
switch is turned OFF (or operator rises off seat). If mower
drive belt does not stop within five seconds, readjust the
PTO clutch as described in the ADJUSTMENTS section
or see your dealer.
Test 5 — Reverse Mow Option (RMO) Check
• Engine should shut off if reverse travel is attempted if the
PTO has been switched on and RMO has not been
activated.
• RMO light should illuminate when RMO has been
activated.
WARNING
If the unit does not pass a safety test, do not
operate it. See your authorized dealer. Under no
circumstance should you attempt to defeat the
purpose of the safety interlock system.
