Starting The Engine; Stopping The Engine; Driving The Tractor - Troy-Bilt J609 Operator's Manual

Starting the Engine

NOTE: Refer to the TRACTOR SET-UP on page 7 manual for
gasoline and oil fill-up instructions.
1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.
2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) Lever in the
disengaged (Blade Stop) position.
3. Engage the tractor's parking brake.
4. Move the throttle control lever into the CHOKE position
(a warm engine may not require choking).
5. 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 position for
IMPORTANT:
longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause
damage to your engine's electric starter.
6. After the engine starts, move the throttle control lever
from CHOKE to the FAST position.
NOTE: Do NOT leave 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

If you strike a foreign object, stop the
WARNING:
engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground
against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair damage before restarting.
1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO lever in the
"Blades Stop" position.
2. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.

Driving The Tractor

• Depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake.
• Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.
• 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 6 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.
IMPORTANT:
• Mow up and down slopes, never across.
• 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, attempt while going downward on the slope.
• 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.
Mowing
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.
IMPORTANT
Do not leave the seat of the tractor without
1. disengaging PTO lever
2. depressing brake pedal
3. engaging parking brake
If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the
ignition key off and remove the key.
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 moving the shift lever.
Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and sudden
stops while driving the tractor.
Do not mow on slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise
of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet).
Keep hands and feet away from the opening of the
cutting deck.
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.
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