• With the ignition 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 shift lever 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.
Do NOT operate the riding mower if the safety interlock
system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for
your safety and protection.
ENGAGING THE PARKING BRAKE
To engage the parking brake:
1. Fully depress the clutch-brake or brake pedal and hold it
down with your foot.
2. Move the parking brake lever down into the parking
brake position.
3. Release the clutch-brake or brake pedal to allow the parking
brake to engage.
To release the parking brake:
1. Depress the clutch-brake or brake pedal and move the
parking brake lever out of the parking brake position.
SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck
lift lever in any of the different cutting height notches on the
right side of the fender.
Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of
the cutting deck.
Refer to Deck in the Service and Maintenance section
of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding
deck adjustment.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Do not operate the riding mower if the safety interlock
system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for
your safety and protection.
NOTE: Refer to the Assembly section of this manual for gasoline
and oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the key into the ignition module.
2. Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.
3. Engage the riding mower's parking brake.
OPERATION
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
4. Activate the choke control (if equipped) by moving the
throttle/choke control lever (if equipped) all the way forward
into the choke position.
5. Turn the key clockwise to the START position. After the engine
starts, release the key. It will return to the NORMAL MOWING
MODE/RUN position.
Do not hold the key in the START position for longer than
ten (10) seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to
your engine's electric starter.
6. After the engine starts, deactivate the choke (if equipped) by
placing the throttle/choke control (if equipped) into the FAST
position.
NOTE: Do not operate this riding mower with the choke control
activated. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel mixture and can
cause the engine to run poorly.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
If you strike a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before restarting and operating.
1. If the blade is engaged, place the PTO lever in the disengaged
(OFF) position.
2. Place the throttle/choke control (if equipped) or throttle
control (if equipped) near the SLOW position.
3. Turn the key counter-clockwise to the STOP position.
4. Remove the key from the ignition module to prevent
unintended starting.
DRIVING THE RIDING MOWER
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden stops.
Do not leave the seat of the riding mower without first
placing the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position,
depressing the clutch-brake pedal and engaging the
parking brake. If leaving the riding mower unattended,
also turn the ignition key OFF and remove the key.
Always look down and behind before and while backing
up to avoid a back-over accident.
17
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING