5. Always look down and behind before and while backing
to make sure no children are around. After resuming
forward motion, return key to the NORMAL MOWING
(a) position.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE
activated until:
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING
position or STOP
b. The operator leaves the seat.
DRIVING ON SLOPES
Refer to the Slope Gauge in the Safe Operation Practices section
to help determine slopes where you may operate the riding
mower safely.
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 12
degrees (21%) (a rise of approximately 2' (0.6 m) for every
10' (3 m)). The riding mower 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 riding mower
over backward.
ENGAGING THE PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck. To engage
the blade, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle/choke control (if equipped) or throttle
control (if equipped) into the FAST
2. Grasp the PTO lever and pivot it all the way forward into the
engaged (ON) position.
NOTE: Keep the throttle/choke control (if equipped) or throttle
control (if equipped) in the FAST
efficient use of the cutting deck.
IMPORTANT! The PTO lever must be in the disengaged (OFF)
position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse or
the operator leaves the seat. Refer to Safety Interlock Switches
section of this manual.
OPERATION
(b) will remain
(e) position.
WARNING
position.
position for the most
MULCHING (IF EQUIPPED)
Mulching is 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. Refer to
the Assembly section of this manual for instructions on how to
install the mulch kit (if equipped).
(a)
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 in this section.
MOWING
To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75'
(23 m) from the machine while it is in operation. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
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.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting
deck with your riding mower:
• 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 riding mower is designed to mow
lawns, not clear brush.
• Keep the blade sharp and replace the blade when worn.
Refer to Blade in the Service and Maintenance section of this
manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.
19
WARNING
WARNING