Setting The Cutting Height; Driving The Tractor; Starting The Engine; Driving On Slopes - Yard-Man 604 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 between ¼-inch and ½-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth,
flat surface such as a driveway.
WARNING:
from the discharge 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 Leveling the Deck on page 19 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regarding various deck
adjustments.

Starting the Engine

WARNING:
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
NOTE:
Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 8 of this
manual for Gasoline and Oil fill-up instructions.
• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
• Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the
disengaged (OFF) position.
• Engage the tractor's parking brake.
• Activate the choke control.
• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.
Do NOT hold the key in the START
IMPORTANT:
position for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so
may cause damage to your engine's electric starter.
• After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.
NOTE:
Do NOT leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING:
stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
Keep hands and feet away
Do not operate the tractor if the
If you strike a foreign object,
damage. Repair the damage before restarting and
operating
• If the blades are engaged, place the PTO (Blade
Engage) 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.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING:
cessive speed and sudden stops.
WARNING:
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.
• Depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake and let the pedal up.
• Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit)
position.
Do NOT use the shift lever to change the
IMPORTANT:
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.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 7 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING:
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.
16
Avoid sudden starts, ex-
Do not leave the seat of the
Do not mow on inclines with a