AE. OPERATOR CONTROL PANEL (SUREPATH AUTO
STEER SYSTEM)
GPS — Green indicators will
flash on the Light Module and
Operator Control Panel GPS
indicator while the GPM is
Left Turn
actively searching for a signal
Button
and will turn solid green when
signal is acquired.
LINE — Initially the LINE
indicator will be off. The LINE
indicator will flash green when
first point (A) has been set and
will turn solid green once second point (B) has been set.
IMPORTANT! Operator should drive a minimum of 10 yards (30 feet) between
setting point A and point B.
AUTO — The AUTO indicator will be solid green when mower is in auto mode and
will flash slowly when mower is in manual mode with auto mode available (points
A and B have been set and GPS signal is good). The AUTO indicator is off when the
mower is not ready for auto mode.
NOTE: Auto indicator will only flash after overriding auto mode by turning the
steering wheel slightly to the right or left or if the system loses GPS signal. Points A
and B remain set.
LEFT TURN BUTTON — Mower will perform an automated zero turn to the left while
in SurePath Auto Steer Mode.
RIGHT TURN BUTTON — Mower will perform an automated zero turn to the right
while in SurePath Auto Steer Mode.
SET LINE/ENGAGE AUTO BUTTON — Sets beginning (A) and ending (B) points for
automatic mowing. This button is also used to resume auto mode (press once after
system is disengaged).
NOTE: SET LINE/ENGAGE AUTO button also serves as the reset button to clear the set
line. See Clearing the Mowing Line (SurePath Auto Steer Mode) later in this section
for more information.
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR MOWER
1. Before you operate the 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 machine efficiently.
2. Fill the fuel tank with only clean, fresh, unleaded gasoline with a pump sticker
octane rating of 87 or higher. When the fuel reaches 1/2" below the bottom of
the fill neck, stop. DO NOT OVERFILL. Space must be left for expansion.
3. Never use gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol or methanol.
4. Check the engine oil level as instructed in the Engine Operator's Manual.
5. Check the transmission oil level.
a. Parker Transmission (if equipped) - The transmission oil expansion
reservoir is located beneath the operator's seat. Always wipe off the area
around the reservoir fill neck before checking the oil level to prevent dirt
from contaminating the oil. Remove the cap and make sure the oil level is
1/4" above the bottom of the reservoir. If the oil level is low, fill with Castrol™
(Syntec®) Edge™ 5W50.
OPERATION
Right Turn
Button
SET LINE/ENGAGE
AUTO Button
b. Hydro-Gear Transmission (if equipped) - The transmission oil expansion
reservoirs are located behind the operator's seat, to the right and left of the
engine. Always wipe off the area around the reservoir fill neck before checking
the oil level to prevent dirt from contaminating the oil. Remove the cap and
make sure the oil level is at the "FULL COLD" line. If the oil level is low, fill with
20W50 oil.
6. Check the tire inflation pressures. 10-12 psi for the rear tires, 20-25 psi for the
front tires.
NOTE: New tires are over-inflated in order to properly seat the bead to the rim.
7. Check that all nuts, bolts and screws are tight.
8. Check the tension of the deck drive belts.
a. Remove the deck cover.
b. The tension of the deck drive belts are maintained by a spring mechanism that
adjusts for wear and stretch.
c. Examine the belts for cuts, fraying and excessive wear. Replace if any of these
are detected.
d. Replace the deck cover.
9. Check if deck is level. When correctly adjusted the mower deck should be level
side to side, and the front of the deck should be approximately 1/4" lower than
the rear of deck. If deck needs to be leveled, refer to the Product Care section.
10. Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Product Care section.
11. Adjust the seat for operator's maximum comfort, visibility and for maintaining
complete control of the machine. Refer to the Set-Up section for instructions on
adjusting the seat.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
This machine is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the
operator. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the
machine. Contact your authorized service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless
the speed control pedals are in the neutral position, the parking brake is engaged
and the PTO knob is disengaged.
• To avoid sudden movement when disengaging the parking brake, the safety
interlock system will shut off the engine if the speed control pedals are moved to
a position other than 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 knob engaged, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged position to restart the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINE
For throttle/choke or throttle/automatic EFI engines proceed below, for electronic
throttle/EFI engines, skip ahead to the Electronic Throttle (E-Governor)/EFI
(Electronic Fuel Injection) Engines section.
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