Owners manual

14
OPERATION
Checking the Safety Interlock Circuits
Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are working properly.
If a safety circuit is not working as designed, contact your authorized service dealer
to have the tractor inspected. DO NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is not
functioning properly. To check the safety circuits, proceed as follows:
1. Pull the PTO switch upward to the engaged position. Momentarily turn the
ignition switch to the START position; the engine should not crank.
2. Move both control levers fully inward in the neutral position; then lift
upward from the operator’s seat. The engine should stop.
3. With both control levers fully outward in the neutral/parking brake engaged
position, engage the PTO. Lift upward from the operator’s seat; the engine
should stop.
• Start the tractor and move the control levers inward to the neutral operating
position. Engage the PTO and move both control lever slowly into the slow
reverse position with the key in the NORMAL MOWING
; the PTO
should disengage and the mower deck should stop.
Before Operating Your Tractor
1. Before you operate the tractor, study this manual carefully to familiarize
yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls. It has been
prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently.
2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump
sticker octane rating of 87 or higher and 10% ethanol maximum. When the
fuel reaches one inch from the top of the tank, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space
must be left for expansion.
3. Unleaded gasoline is recommended because it leaves less combustion chamber
deposits and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. Leaded gasoline is not
recommended and must not be used where exhaust emissions are regulated.
NOTE: Purchase gasoline in small quantities. Do not use gasoline left over
from the previous season, to minimize gum deposits in the fuel system.
4. Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by volume) is an
approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not approved.
5. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gas blends (up to a maximum
of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not
approved.
6. Check the engine oil level. Refer to the Engine Operator’s manual for
instructions on checking the engine oil level.
7. Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
8. Check the tire inflation pressures. See the tire side wall for proper inflation
pressures.
NOTE: New tires are overinflated in order to properly seat the bead to the
rim.
9. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.
10. Check the tension of the deck drive belts.
a. Remove the deck cover
b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring
mechanism that adjusts for wear and stretch.
c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying, and excessive wear. Replace if
any of these are detected.
d. Replace the deck cover.
11. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be
level side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1⁄4”
lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Service
and Maintenance section.
12. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Service and Maintenance section.
13. Adjust the seat for operator’s maximum comfort, visibility and for
maintaining complete control of the tractor.
Safety Interlock System
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the
operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the
tractor. Contact your authorized service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless
the RH and LH drive control levers are moved fully outward in the neutral position
— which engages the parking brake — and the PTO is disengaged.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves
the seat before the RH and LH drive control levers are fully outward in the
neutral position engaging the parking brake.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat with the PTO engaged, regardless of whether the RH and LH drive control
levers are fully outward in the neutral position engaging the parking brake.
NOTE: The PTO switch must be moved to the “OFF” position to restart the
engine.
• The safety interlock system will shut off the PTO and the mower blades will stop if
both drive control levers are moved into the reverse position. To restart the blades
the PTO must be moved to the “OFF” position and then back to the “ON” position.
Starting the Engine
WARNING
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system designed for the
protection of the operator. Do not operate the tractor if any part of the
interlock system is malfunctioning. Periodically check the functions of the
interlock system for proper operation.
WARNING
For personal safety, the operator must be sitting in the tractor seat when
starting the engine.
1. Operator must be sitting in the tractor seat with the RH and LH drive control
levers fully outward in the neutral position engaging the parking brake.
2. Make certain the PTO switch is in the disengaged (down) position.
3. Pull the choke knob (if equipped) up into the CHOKE position or move
the throttle/choke control (if equipped) into the CHOKE position.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to choke the
engine.
5. Move the throttle control (if equipped) to midway between its slow
and fast positions.
6. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine
starts, release the key. It will return to the NORMAL MOWING
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.
7. Once the engine warms up, push the choke knob down into the OFF position.