• The average lawn should be cut to
approximately 2-t/2 inches dudngthe
cooLseason and to over3 inches during
hot_nonths. For healthier andbetter
looking lawns, mow often and after
moderate growth.
• For best cutting performance, grass
over 6 inches in height should be
- mowed twice. Make the first cut rela-
tively high; the second to desired
height.
TO OPERATE MOWER
Your tractor is equipped with an operator
pres_ce-sensing switch. Any attempt by
the operator to leave the seat with the
engine running and the attachment clutch
engaged will shut off the engine.
Select desired height of cut.
• Lowe_-r_o_-w_'li attachment lift con-
trol.
• Start mower blades by engaging attach-
ment clutch control.
• TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disen-
•gage attachment clutch control.
Attachment Clutch Attachment Lift Lever
Lever "Fngaged___ High Position
Position _'(
=Disengag_____Low .
ACAuTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher, on
wnowers.so equipped, or:the discharge
guard in place.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS:
_kCAUTION: Do not drive up or down
"hills with slopes greater than 15° and do
not drive across any-slope_A slope guide
at the back of your manual isprovided for
your use. : "
• Choose:the slowest speed before start-
ing up or down hills. "
• ••Avoidstopping or changing speed on
i _."hillS,...i •" _.":..: .... " _
_ve_loslower position.:
" n isa ut necessary,
j_usl_clutch/Drake pedal quicklyto brake
position and engage parking broke.
• Move gearshift lever to 1st gear. Be
sure you have allowed room for tractor
to roll slightly as you: restart movemenL
• To restart movement, slowly release
parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.
• Make all tums slowly.
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift to highest position
with attachment lift control.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be
sure gearshift lever is in neutial (N)
position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than
five (5) MPH. .'.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage
when transporting your tractor on •a truck
or a trailer, be sure hood is closed and
secured to tractor. Use an appropriate
means of tying hood to tractor (rope, cord,
etc.).
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL
• The engine in your tractor has been
shipped, from the factory, already filled
with summer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with tractor on level
ground.
• Remove oil fillcap/diPStick and wipe
clean,reinsert the dipstick and screw
cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
remove and read oil level: If.necessary,
add oiluntil "FULL" mark on dipstickis
reached. Do not overfill.
• For coldweather operation you should
change oil for easier starting (See =OIL
VISCOSITY CHART" in the Mainten-
•ance section ofthis manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Mainten-
ance section in this manual.
ADD GASOLINE "
• Fillfuel tank. Use fresh, dean, regular
unleaded gasoline with a minimumof
87 .octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide
deposits and reduce valve life). Do not
mix oil with gasoline- Purchase fuel in
quantities that can be used within30
.days to assure fuel freshness.
IMPORTANT: When operating in tempera-
tures below 32"F(0°C), use fresh, clean .
winter grade gasoline to help insure good
coM weather starling; _
15
