Throttle/Choke Control
The throttle/choke control is located on the RH console to the right of the
operator's seat. When set in a given position, a uniform engine speed will
be maintained.
Push the throttle/choke control handle forward to increase the engine
speed. The riding mower is designed to operate with the throttle/choke
control in the FAST
position when the riding mower is being driven
and the mower deck is engaged.
Pull the throttle/choke control handle rearward to decrease the engine
speed.
When starting the engine, push the control handle fully forward into the
CHOKE
position.
After starting and warming the engine, move the control handle rearward until you
feel it move past the choke detent.
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 riding mower.
•
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, the parking brake engaged, 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 riding mower 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. Riding
mowers 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, engage the parking
brake
, 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 levers when starting and stopping. Keep a firm grip on the control
levers.
•
Be careful when operating near roadways. Stop the riding mower motion
and wait for vehicles to pass before operating along the road.
•
Do not operate the riding mower with the mower deck removed. Removal of
the deck will change the balance of the riding mower, and could contribute
to a riding mower 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 riding mower or park the riding mower 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.
OPERATION
Before Operating Your Riding mower
•
Before you operate the riding mower, 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 riding mower 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 riding mower.
Safety Interlock System
This riding mower is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of
the operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the
riding mower. Call 1-888-331-4569 to schedule service from Sears Parts & Repair.
•
The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless
the RH and LH drive control levers are moved fully outward to each side in the
neutral position, the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO is disengaged.
•
To avoid sudden movement when disengaging the parking brake, the safety
interlock system will shut off the engine if the RH and/or LH drive control
levers are moved to a position other than the fully out in the neutral position
when the parking brake is engaged.
•
The safety interlock system will shut off the engine if the operator leaves the
seat before 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 parking brake is engaged.
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 while in
the NORMAL FORWARD MOWING mode. The PTO will re-engage when one or
both of the levers are moved back to either the neutral or forward position,
or if the Reverse Caution Mode PUSH BUTTON is activated.
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