Use and Care Manual

11Section 3 — controlS & operation
Operation
General Safety
• RECEIVE INSTRUCTION — Entirely read
this operator’s manual. Learn to operate
this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or
DEATH. Allow only those who have become
competent in its usage to operate this tractor.
• Before starting the engine or beginning
operation, be familiar with the controls. The
operator should be in the operator’s seat. The
PTO switch must be in the disengaged position
and the RH and LH drive control levers moved
fully outward in the neutral position.
• Keep all shields in place. Keep away from
moving parts.
• NO RIDERS! Keep all people and pets a safe
distance away. Look behind and down to
both sides of the tractor before and while
backing up.
• DO NOT direct the mower discharge at people.
• Avoid slopes where possible. Never operate
on slopes greater than 15°. Slopes with a
greater incline present dangerous operating
conditions. Tractors can be rolled over.
• Before leaving the operator’s seat: Shut off
the PTO, move the RH and LH drive control
levers fully outward in the neutral position,
shut off the engine and remove the ignition
key. Wait for all movement to stop before
servicing or cleaning.
• Operate the drive control levers smoothly
and avoid any sudden movements of the
drive control levers when starting and
stopping. Keep a firm grip on the drive
control levers.
• Be careful when operating near roadways.
Stop the tractor motion and wait for vehicles
to pass before operating along the road.
• Do not operate the tractor with the mower
deck removed. Removal of the deck will
change the balance of the tractor, and could
contribute to a tractor rollover.
• Avoid operation on traction surfaces that
are unstable; use extreme caution if the
surface is slippery.
• Slow down before turning and come to
a complete stop before any zero turn
maneuver.
• Do not stop the tractor or park the tractor
over combustible materials such as dry
grass, leaves, debris, etc.
• Do not fill the fuel tank when the engine is
running or while the engine is hot. Allow
the engine several minutes to cool before
refueling. Tighten the fuel cap securely.
Before Operating Your Tractor
• 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.
• This engine is certified to operate only on
clean, fresh, unleaded regular gasoline.
For best results, fill the fuel tank with only
clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump
sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
• 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.
• Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90%
unleaded gasoline by volume) is an
approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol
blends are not approved.
• Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and
unleaded gasoline blends (up to a maximum
of 15% MTBE by volume) are approved fuels.
Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
• Check the engine oil level.
• Clean the air cleaner element if necessary.
• Check the tire inflation pressures.
• 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 an authorized service
dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the
engine from cranking or starting unless the
parking brake is engaged, and the PTO lever
is in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if the
operator leaves the seat before engaging
the parking brake.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if
the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with
the PTO lever in the engaged (ON) position,
regardless of whether the parking brake is
engaged.
• With the key in the NORMAL MOWING
MODE/RUN position, the PTO will
automatically shut OFF if the PTO lever
is moved into the engaged (ON) position
with the drive control levers in position for
reverse travel.
• The engine will automatically shut OFF if the
mulch plug, deck chute or bagger chute is
removed, regardless of whether the parking
brake is engaged or the PTO lever is in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
WARNING
Do not operate the riding mower if the safety interlock
system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for
your safety and protection.
Starting the Engine
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 drive control levers fully outward in
neutral (parking brake on). See Figure 3-2.
Control Levers Moved
Outward & in Neutral
Figure 3-2
2. Make certain the PTO 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes
at mid-throttle before putting the engine
under load.
6. 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.