13
Deck Lift Lever
Found on your tractor’s right fender, the deck lift lever is
used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use,
move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best
suited for your application.
Parking Brake Button
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the brake pedal and
push the parking brake button in.
Hold the button in while taking
your foot off the brake pedal.
Both the parking button and the
brake pedal will then stay
depressed. To release the
parking brake, depress the brake
pedal slightly. The parking brake
button will then return to its original position.
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.
Cruise Control Button
The cruise control button is
located on the tractor dash panel
to the left of the ignition switch.
Push the cruise control button
while traveling forward at a
desired speed. While holding the
button in, release pressure from
the drive pedal. This will engage
the cruise control and allow the
tractor to remain at that speed
without applying pressure to the drive pedal. Depress
the brake pedal or the drive pedal to deactivate cruise
control. Refer to
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN
TRACTOR
in this manual for detailed instructions
regarding the cruise control feature.
NOTE:
Cruise control can not be engaged at the
tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
SECTION 5: OPERATING YOUR GARDEN TRACTOR
WARNING:
Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
Safety Interlock Switches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Contact an authorized
MTD
service dealer. The safety
interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the
PTO knob is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO knob in the
engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the
parking brake is engaged.
•
The electric PTO clutch will automatically shut off if
the PTO knob is moved into the engaged (ON)
position with the shift lever in position for reverse
travel.
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
Setting the Cutting Height
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height
notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the
deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth,
flat surface such as a driveway.
P
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WITH BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-
ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE
BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
WARNING