3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete
stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the
blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within
the this time frame, your machine should be serviced profes-
sionally by an authorized dealer.
4. Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper func-
tion, as described later in this manual. If the safety interlock
system does not function properly, have your machine serviced
professionally by an authorized dealer.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s)
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the
blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.)
blade(s) only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may lead to im-
proper performance and compromise safety!"
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety
devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thor-
oughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the dam-
age before starting and operating.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the ma-
chine while the engine is running.
11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are sub-
ject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently
check components and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this
manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the original equip-
ment specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating
speed of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as neces-
sary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
15. This product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized ser-
vice dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are
working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can
result in accidents, injuries or death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a run-
away engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never
tamper with factory setting of engine governor.
18
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines which are certified to comply with emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate
on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following
emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three
Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. Califor-
nia models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.
SPARK ARRESTOR
WARNING: This machine is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered, brush covered or grass-covered land
unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark ar-
restor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
ASSEMBLY & SET-UP
IMPORTANT: This Operator's Manual covers several mod-
els. Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features in this
manual are applicable to all tractor models and the tractor de-
picted may differ from yours.
GENERAL SAFETY
IMPORTANT: Entirely read this operator's manual. Learn to
operate this machine SAFELY. Do not risk INJURY or DEATH. Al-
low only those who have become competent in its usage to
operate this tractor.
CONNECTING THE BATTERY CABLES
CAUTION: When attaching battery cables, always connect
the POSITIVE (Red) wire to its terminal first, followed by the
NEGATIVE (Black) wire.
For shipping reasons, both battery cables on your equipment
may have been left disconnected from the terminals at the fac-
tory. To connect the battery cables, proceed as follows:
NOTE: The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The neg-
ative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
1. Remove the plastic cover, if
present, from the positive bat-
tery terminal and attach the red
cable to the positive battery ter-
minal (+) with the bolt and hex
nut. See Figure 1.
2. Remove the plastic cover, if
present, from the negative bat-
tery terminal and attach the
black cable to the negative bat-
tery terminal (–) with the bolt
and hex nut.
Fig. 1