Operator`s manual

17
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
WARNING
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit
will not operate with speed control lever in a low speed
position, proceed as follows:
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE,
and follow normal operating procedures.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines
with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a
rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every
10 feet). The tractor could overturn and
cause serious injury.
• Mowupanddownslopes,NEVERacross.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to
the cutting deck or other (separately available) attach-
ments. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all
the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position
for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments
IMPORTANT: Models with Reverse Caution Mode:
The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is
engaged with the shift lever in position for reverse travel
with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position.
Models without Reverse Caution Mode:
The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when
traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat.
Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on page 14.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to
the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your
application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in
this section.
Mowing
WARNING: To help avoid blade contact
or a thrown object injury, keep bystand-
ers, helpers, children and pets at least
75 feet from the machine while it is
in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the
cutting deck with your tractor:
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.
• Donotmowathighgroundspeed,especiallyifa
mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
• 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cutthegrasstooshort.Shortgrassinvites
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowingshouldalwaysbedonewiththeengineatfull
throttle.
• Underheavierconditionsitmaybenecessarytogo
back over the cut area a second time to get a clean
cut.
• DoNOTattempttomowheavybrushandweedsand
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow
lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keepthebladessharpandreplacethebladeswhen
worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 25 of this
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
Mulching (If Equipped)
Select models come equipped with a mulch kit which
incorporates special blades, already standard on the
tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings
repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine
clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they
act as a natural fertilizer.
Observe the following points for the best results when
mulching:
Do not mow on in-
clines with a slope in
excess of 15 degrees
(a rise of approxi-
mately 2-1/2 feet every
10 feet). The tractor
could overturn and
cause serious injury.
Always look down
and behind before
and while backing up
to avoid a back-over
accident.