Setting The Cutting Height; Stopping The Engine; Starting The Engine; Driving The Tractor - Troy-Bilt 609 Operator's Manual

SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
Select the height position of the cutting deck by
placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different
cutting height notches on the right side of the fender.
Then adjust the deck wheels so that they are at least
1/4 inch to 1/2 inch above the ground when the
tractor is on a smooth, flat surface such as a
driveway.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the discharge chute opening of the
cutting deck.
NOTE:
The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature
of the deck and are not designed to support the
weight of the cutting deck.
Refer to the ADJUSTMENTS section of this manual
for more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.
STARTING THE ENGINE
STOPPING THE ENGINE
• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position
• Move the throttle control into the SLOW
(turtle) position and allow the engine to "idle
down" for ten seconds. Failure to do so may
result in an engine afterfire.
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the
OFF position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to
prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you
think you've struck a foreign
object, stop the engine immediately Remove the
wire(s) from the spark plug(s), thoroughly inspect the
unit for any damage, and repair the damage before
restarting and operating the tractor.
DRIVING THE TRACTOR
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NOTE:
Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP section of A_.
this manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
41A
• Place the PTO lever, or PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
• Depress the brake pedal and set the parking
brake.
• Place the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
• Move the throttle control lever into the FAST
(or CHOKE, if so equipped) position.
• Pull out the choke control knob, if so equipped
(a warm engine may not require choking).
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the
key. It will return to the ON position.
IMPORTANT:
Do NOT hold the key in the START
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing
so may cause damage to your engine's starter.
NOTE:
If starting problems are encountered, refer
to the TROUBLESHOOTING section of this manual
After the engine starts, slowly release the brake
pedal. As the engine warms up, gradually push the
choke control knob inward (or move the throttle
control lever out of the CHOKE position into the
FAST position) to open up the choke plate on the
engine's carburetor.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control out while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich"
fuel mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts,
excessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO lever,
or PTO knob 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.
• Depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake and let the pedal up. Move the
throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) 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.
• To move forward, place the shift lever in the
FORWARD position, then slowly depress the
drive pedal until the desired speed is
achieved.
• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the
REVERSE position, check that the area
behind is clear then slowly depress the drive
pedal.
SETTING THE CRUISE CONTROL
NOTE:
The cruise control feature should only be
utilized in the forward direction.
• Place the shift lever in the FORWARD
position, then slowly depress the drive pedal
until the desired speed is achieved.
• Lightly depress the cruise control button.
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