Full Product Manual

14 Section 3 — controlS & operation
Starting the Engine
WARNING
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the
tractor seat when starting the engine.
Note: Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for
oil fill-up instructions and refer to the Assembly &
Set-Up section for gasoline fill-up instructions.
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat.
2. Engage the parking brake by pressing
forward on the brake pedal (a), then press
down on the parking break/cruise control
lever (b) and then release the brake pedal (a).
Refer to Figure 3-2.
(a)
(b)
(b)
Figure 3-2
3. Make certain the PTO switch is in the “OFF”
position. Move the choke control or throttle/
choke control into the full choke position.
Move the throttle control to midway between
its slow and fast positions on models with a
separate choke control.
Note: If the engine is warmed up, it may not
be necessary to choke the engine.
4. Turn the key clockwise to the START position.
After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the NORMAL MOWING/RUN
position.
CAUTION
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.
5. As the engine warms up, gradually pull
the throttle/choke control lever rearward
past the choke detent position or slowly
disengage the choke on models with a
separate choke. Do not use the choke
position to enrich the fuel mixture, except
as necessary to start the engine.
6. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes
at mid-throttle before putting the engine
under load.
7. Observe the hour meter/indicator panel.
If the battery indicator light or oil pressure
light come on, immediately stop the
engine. Have the tractor inspected by your
authorized service dealer.
Cold Weather Starting
When starting the engine at temperatures near or
below freezing, ensure the correct viscosity motor
oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully
charged. Start the engine as follows:
1. Be sure the battery is in good condition.
A warm battery has much more starting
capacity than a cold battery.
2. Use fresh winter grade fuel. Winter grade
gasoline has higher volatility to improve
starting. Do not use gasoline left over from
summer.
3. Follow the previous instruction for Starting
the Engine.
Using Jumper Cables To Start Engine
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid and produce explosive gasses.
Make certain the area is well ventilated, wear gloves and eye
protection, and avoid sparks or flames near the battery.
If the battery charge is not sufficient to crank the
engine, recharge the battery. If a battery charger
is unavailable and the tractor must be started, the
aid of a booster battery will be necessary. Connect
the booster battery as follows:
1. Connect the end of one cable to the
disabled tractor battery’s positive terminal;
then connect the other end of that cable to
the booster battery’s positive terminal.
2. Connect one end of the other cable to the
booster battery’s negative terminal; then
connect the other end of that cable to the
frame of the disabled tractor, as far from the
battery as possible.
3. Start the disabled tractor following the
normal starting instructions previously
provided; then disconnect the jumper cables
in the exact reverse order of their connection.
4. Have the tractor’s electrical system checked
and repaired as soon as possible to
eliminate the need for jump starting.
Stopping the Engine
1. Place the PTO switch in the disengaged
position.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Move the throttle control to midway
between the slow and fast positions.
4. Turn the key to the STOP position and remove
the key from the ignition module.
Note: Always remove the key from the ignition
module to prevent accidental starting or
battery discharge if the equipment is left
unattended.
Driving The Tractor
WARNING
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
1. Release the parking brake. Move the throttle/
choke control lever into the FAST position.
2. To travel FORWARD, slowly press the
forward drive pedal (a) forward until the
desired speed is achieved. See Figure 3-3.
(a)
(d)
(c)
(b)
(d)
Figure 3-3
3. To stop or slow down the tractor, take your
foot off of the forward (a) or reverse drive (b)
pedal. To lock the parking brake, press forward
on the brake pedal (c), then press down on the
parking break/cruise control (d) lever and then
release the brake pedal.
4. To use the cruise control:
a. Press down on the forward drive
pedal (a).
b. While maintaining the desired
speed press down on the parking
break/cruise control lever (d) then
release the forward drive pedal (a) to
activate the cruise control.
5. To release the cruise control, press the brake
pedal (c) or the forward drive pedal (a).
Note: The forward (a) and reverse drive
pedals (b) must not be used when the brake
is partially engaged. When the brake is
locked the drive belt is disengaged but if the
brake is only part way back then the brakes
are engaged but so is the drive belt so
transmission damage will occur if you push
forward or reverse.
6. To travel in reverse, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly push forward on
the reverse drive pedal with the ball of your
foot (NOT your heel) until the desired speed
is achieved. See Figure 3-3.
CAUTION
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 tractor from forward to reverse or
vice versa
WARNING
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without first placing the
PTO knob in the disengaged (OFF) position and engaging
the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also
turn the engine off and remove the key.