Full Product Manual

15Section 3 — controlS & operation
Reverse Caution Mode (If equipped)
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the
ignition module allows the tractor to be operated in
reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
Note: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING
Use extreme caution while operating the tractor in the
REVERSE CAUTION MODE . Always look down and
behind before and while backing. Do not operate the
tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor
immediately if someone enters the area.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE
:
Note: The operator MUST be seated in the tractor seat.
1. Start the engine as previously instructed.
2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING
(a) position to the REVERSE CAUTION
MODE
(b) position of the ignition
module. See Figure 3-4.
(d)
(e)
(c)
(a)
(b)
Figure 3-4
3. Press the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON
(c) at
the top, right corner of the ignition module.
The red indicator light (d) at the top, left
corner of the ignition module will be ON
while activated. See Figure 3-4.
4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the
tractor can be driven in reverse with the
cutting blades (PTO) engaged.
5. Always look down and behind before and
while backing to make sure no children are
around. After resuming forward motion,
return key to the NORMAL MOWING (a)
position.
6. The REVERSE CAUTION MODE B will
remain activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the
NORMAL MOWING (a) position
or STOP (e) position or
b. The operator leaves the seat.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the slope gauge in the Safe Operation
Practices section to help determine slopes where
you may not operate safely.
WARNING
Do not operate on inclines with a slope in excess of 15
degrees (a rise of approximately 2-⁄ feet every 10 feet). The
tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or
other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide
obstacles.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary;
then turn slowly uphill and use extra care
while turning. Turning up a slope greatly
increases the chance of a rollover.
• 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.
Mowing
WARNING
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep
bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from
the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
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.
WARNING
Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of materials
toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also,
avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction
which may cause discharged material to ricochet back
toward the operator.
WARNING
Be careful when crossing gravel paths or driveways.
Disengage the PTO and raise the deck to the highest
position before crossing.
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.
• Mow across slopes, not up and down. If
mowing a slope, start at bottom and work
upward to ensure turns are made uphill.
• Do not mow at high ground speed,
especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is
installed.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass is
prone to weed growth and yellows quickly
in dry weather.
• Always operate the tractor with the throttle
in the FAST position while mowing.
• On the first pass pick a point on the
opposite side of the area to be mowed.
• Engage the PTO clutch using the PTO switch
and move the throttle control or throttle/
choke control to the FAST position.
• Lower the mower deck to the desired height
setting using the lift handle.
• Slowly and evenly push the forward drive
control pedal forward to move the tractor
forward, and keep the tractor headed
directly toward the alignment point.
• For best results it is recommended that
the first two laps be cut with the discharge
thrown towards the center. After the first
two laps, reverse the direction to throw the
discharge to the outside for the balance of
cutting. This will give a better appearance
to the lawn.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and
weeds or extremely tall grass. Your tractor is
designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the
blades when worn.
• 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.
• Align the mower with an edge of the
mowed strip and overlap approximately 3”.
• Direct the tractor on each subsequent strip
to align with a previously cut strip.
• 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.
Note: When stopping the tractor for any
reason while on a grass surface, always:
• Engage the parking brake,
• Shut 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.
Manual Lift Lever
To raise or lower the cutting deck, move the lift
lever to the left, then place it in the notch best
suited for your application.
Operating the PTO
Operate the PTO clutch as follows:
1. Move the throttle to approximately the mid-
throttle position.
2. Pull the PTO switch upward to the “ON”
position.
3. Advance the throttle to the operating speed
(full engine speed).
4. The operator must remain in the tractor seat
at all times. If the operator should leave the
seat without turning off the PTO switch, the
tractor’s engine will shut off.
NOTE: Always operate the tractor with the
throttle lever in the FAST position for the
most efficient use of the cutting deck or
other (separately available) attachments.