Stopping The Engine; Driving The Tractor - MTD Mini-Rider Operator's Manual

Stopping the Engine

WARNING!
If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) 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 (Blade Engage) lever
in the disengaged (OFF) position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING!
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed
and sudden stops.
WARNING!
Do not leave the seat of the tractor
without first placing the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the brake
pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving
the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off
and remove the key.
WARNING!
Always look down and behind before
and while backing up to avoid a back-over accident.
1. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or REVERSE
position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT use the shift lever to change the
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always use
the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop before
shifting.
2. Release the parking brake by depressing the clutch-brake
pedal and positioning the speed control lever into the
desired position.
IMPORTANT:
First-time operators should use speed positions 1
or 2. Become completely familiar with the tractor's operation and
controls before operating the tractor in higher speed positions.
3. Release clutch-brake pedal slowly to put unit into motion.
4. The lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be little
difference between the highest two speeds until after the belts
have seated themselves into the pulleys during the break-in
period.
WARNING!
Before leaving the operator's position
for any reason, disengage the blade, place the shift
lever in neutral, engage the parking brake, shut
engine off and remove the key.
IMPORTANT:
When stopping the tractor for any reason while
on a grass surface, always:
1. Place the shift lever into neutral.
2. Engage the parking brake,
3. Shut the engine off and remove the key. Doing so will
minimize the possibility of having your lawn ''browned'' by
hot exhaust from your tractor's running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if unit will
not operate with speed control lever in a low speed position,
proceed as follows:
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in highest speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or REVERSE, and follow
normal operating procedures.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE in the Important Safe Operation
Practices section in the front of this manual to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING!
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in
excess of 12 degrees (a rise of approximately 2 feet for
every 10 feet). The tractor could overturn and cause
serious injury.
• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.
• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on
slopes.
• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be
made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly
increases the chance of a roll over.
• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary
to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and
carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor
over backward.
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