Owners manual

17
OPERATION
Engaging the PTO (Manual PTO tractors)
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. Push the PTO handle forward into the engaged (ON) position. See Figure 14.
Figure 14
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.
To disengage the PTO, pull the PTO handle rearward 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 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 the slope smoothly and carefully to reduce the
possibility of flipping the tractor over backward
4. Place the throttle into the FAST position and engage the PTO.
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.
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 pedal is 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.