MTD 611 Operator's Manual page 16

Stopping theEngine
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
• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob (or
lever) in the disengaged (OFF) position.
• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP
position.
• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.
DrivingTheTractor
WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex-
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the
tractor without first placing the PTO knob (or
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.
• Briefly depress the brake pedal to release the
parking brake. Move the throttle lever into the FAST
(rabbit) position.
• To travel FORWARD, slowly depress the upper
portion of the drive pedal forward until the desired
speed is achieved. See Figure 12.
Reverse Forward
Drive Pedal _
Brake Pedal
Fender /
"---Running Board
Figure 12
To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind
is clear then slowly depress the lower portion of the
drive pedal with the ball of your foot (NOT your
heel) until the desired speed is achieved. See
Figu re 12.
IMPORTANT:Do NOT attempt to change the direction of
travel when the tractor is in motion. Always bring the
tractor to a complete stop before pivoting the drive
pedal from forward to reverse or vice versa.
Engaging theParking Brake
To engage the parking brake:
• Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it there
while gently pushing the parking brake button
inward.
• Hold the parking brake button in while removing
your foot from the brake pedal.
• Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the "down" position.
To disengage the parking brake:
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
The parking brake must be engaged if the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the
engine will automatically shut off.
Driving OnSlopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
_, ARNING:
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.
SettingTheCruiseControl
• Slowly depress the upper portion of the drive pedal
until the desired speed is achieved.
• Lightly depress the cruise control button.
• While continuing to hold the cruise button in, lift
your foot from the drive pedal (you should feel the
cruise latch engage).
• Once engaged, the cruise control button and the
drive pedal will lock in the "down" position, and the
tractor will maintain the same forward speed.
NOTE:
Cruise control can not be engaged at the
tractor's fastest ground speed. If the operator should
attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically
decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
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