Product Manual

19Section 5 — operation
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments. To engage the PTO:
1. Move the throttle to the FAST position.
2. Pull the PTO switch upward to the ENGAGED (ON) position.
See Figure 5-3.
ON
OFF
Figure 5-3
NOTE: When operating the tractor be certain that the
throttle is always in the FAST position. Operating with
the throttle at less than full throttle may lead to premature
battery wear and a poor quality cut.
3. To disengage the PTO, push the PTO switch downward into
the DISENGAGED (OFF) position.
Mowing
WARNING! Make certain the area to be mowed is
free of debris, sticks, stones, wire or other objects
that can be thrown by the rotating blades.
NOTE: Do not engage the mower deck when lowered in grass.
Premature wear and possible failure of the ‘V” belt and PTO
clutch will result. Fully raise the deck or move to a non-grassy
area before engaging the mower deck.
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
2. Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be
made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly
increases the chance of a roll over.
3. Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor
over backward
4. Engage the PTO and move the throttle into the FAST
position.
5. Lower the mower deck to the desired height setting using
the deck lift handle.
6. Slowly press the forward drive pedal with your right foot
until the desired speed is achieved.
NOTE: The speed of the tractor will affect the quality of the
mower cut. Mowing at full speed will adversely affect the cut
quality. Control the ground speed with forward drive pedal.
7. When approaching the other end of the strip, slow down
or stop before turning. A U-turn is recommended unless a
pivot or zero turn is required.
8. Align the mower with an edge of the mowed strip and
overlap approximately 3”.
9. Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip to align with a
previously cut strip.
10. To prevent rutting or grooving of the turf, if possible, change
the direction that the strips are mowed by approximately 45°
for the next and each subsequent mowing.
WARNING! Be careful when crossing gravel paths
or driveways. Disengage the PTO and raise the deck
to the highest position before crossing.
NOTE: When stopping the tractor for any reason while on a
grass surface, always:
• Make sure the drive pedals are in neutral.
• Engage the parking brake.
• Shut the engine off and remove the key.
• Doing so will minimize the possibility of having your
lawn ‘‘browned’’ by hot exhaust from your tractor’s
running engine.