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3. Shut 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.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 3 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING: Do not mow on inclines with
a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of
approximately 2-1/2 feet 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.
Engaging the Blades
Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the
cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments.
To engage the blades, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle control lever to the FAST (rabbit)
position.
2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all
the way forward into the engaged (ON) position.
3. Keep the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position
for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other
(separately available) attachments
IMPORTANT: Models with Reverse Caution Mode:
The engine will automatically shut off if the PTO is
engaged with the shift lever in position for reverse travel
with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position.
Models without Reverse Caution Mode:
The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the disen-
gaged (OFF) position when starting the engine, when
traveling in reverse, and if the operator leaves the seat.
Refer to Safety Interlock Switches on page 14.
Using the Deck Lift Lever
To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to
the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your
application. Refer to Setting The Cutting Height earlier in
this section.
Mowing
WARNING: To help avoid blade contact
or a thrown object injury, keep bystand-
ers, helpers, children and pets at least
75 feet from the machine while it is
in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
The following information will be helpful when using the
cutting deck with your tractor:
WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern
to avoid discharge of materials toward
roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the
like. Also, avoid discharging material
against a wall or obstruction which may
cause discharged material to ricochet
back toward the operator.
• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a
mulch kit or grass collector is installed.
• For best results it is recommended that the first two
laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the
center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to
throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of
cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn.
• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites
weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.
• Mowing should always be done with the engine at full
throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go
back over the cut area a second time to get a clean
cut.
• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and
extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow
lawns, NOT clear brush.
• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when
worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 25 of this
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
Mulching
(If Equipped)
Select models come equipped with a mulch kit which
incorporates special blades, already standard on the
tractor, in a process of recirculating grass clippings
repeatedly beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine
clippings are then forced back into the lawn where they
act as a natural fertilizer.
Observe the following points for the best results when
mulching:
• Never attempt to mulch if the lawn is damp. Wet grass
tends to stick to the underside of the cutting deck
preventing proper mulching of the clippings.
• Do NOT attempt to mulch more than 1/3 the total
height of the grass or approximately 1-1/2 inches.
Doing so will cause the clippings to clump up beneath
the deck and not be mulched effectively.
17
4
Operating
Your Lawn
Tractor
WARNING
Do not mow on in-
clines with a slope in
excess of 15 degrees
(a rise of approxi-
mately 2-1/2 feet every
10 feet). The tractor
could overturn and
cause serious injury.
Always look down
and behind before
and while backing up
to avoid a back-over
accident.
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