14
Setting the Cutting Height
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. 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.
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.
Refer to
Leveling the Deck
on page 17 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
Starting the Engine
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:
Refer to the
TRACTOR SET-UP
on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
•
Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
•
Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever) in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
•
Engage the tractor’s parking brake.
•
Move the throttle/choke control into the CHOKE
position.
•
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the NORMAL MOWING position.
IMPORTANT:
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 electric starter.
•
After the engine starts, move the throttle/choke
control out of the CHOKE position and into the
FAST position.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the throttle control in the
CHOKE position while operating the 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
•
If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade
Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
•
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
STOP
position.
•
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
Driving The Lawn Tractor
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. Always place the PTO (blade
engage) lever in the disengaged (PTO OFF)
position, place speed control lever in neutral,
set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended starting.
•
Move the throttle/choke control into the FAST
(rabbit) position.
NOTE:
Always operate the tractor with the throttle/
choke control in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most
efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments.
•
Release the parking brake by depressing the brake
pedal.
•
Position the speed control lever in desired position.
The further forward or rearward that the lever is
moved, the faster the tractor will travel. The lever
will return to the
N
(Neutral) position when the
brake pedal is depressed.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT attempt to change the direction of
travel when the tractor is in motion. Always bring the
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
tractor’s transmission.
IMPORTANT:
First-time operators should use slower
speeds. Become completely familiar with the tractor’s
operation and controls before operating the tractor in at
higher speed.
•
The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing
the brake pedal.
