Controls & Operation
3
12
† — If Equipped
Choke †
Deck Lift Pedal †
Deck Height Index
Parking Brake Lever
Transmission 
Bypass Lever
Fuel Gauge †
Fuel Tank Cap
Fuel Tank Cap
Fuel Gauge †
Throttle †
Ignition
Hour Meter & 
Service Minder
PTO Switch
12V Outlet †
Accessory & Light  
Switch Receptacles
Steering Column Adjustment Lever
Reverse Drive Pedal
Forward Drive Pedal
Fuel Valve
Fuel Valve
Cup Holder
Transport Lock †
Roll Over Protective
Structure (ROPS)
Electric Deck Lift †
Fuel Gauge †
Figure 3-1
Note: References to LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, and REAR 
indicate that position on the tractor when facing 
forward while seated in the operator’s seat.
Note: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. 
Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features 
in this manual are applicable to all tractor models and 
the tractor depicted may differ from yours.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is located 
on the RH console to the rear of 
the throttle control. The ignition 
switch has three positions as 
follows:
OFF — The engine and electrical system are 
turned off.
ON — The tractor electrical system is energized.
START — The starter motor will turn over the 
engine. Release the key immediately when the 
engine starts
Note: To prevent accidental starting and/or battery 
discharge, remove the key from the ignition switch 
when the tractor is not in use.
Transmission Bypass Lever
 WARNING
Do not tow the tractor, even with the transmission bypass 
valves engaged. Serious transmission damage will result 
from doing so.
The transmission bypass lever is located next to 
the LH console to the left of the operator’s seat.
When engaged the valves open a bypass within 
the  hydrostatic transmissions. Refer to the 
Assembly & Set-Up section for instructions on 
using the bypass feature.
O
F
F
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
O
N
 
 
 
 
 
 
S
T
A
R
T
 
Power Take-Off (PTO) Knob
The PTO knob is located on the 
RH console to the right of the 
operator’s seat.
The PTO knob operates the 
electric PTO clutch mounted 
on the bottom of the engine 
crankshaft. Pull the knob upward 
to engage the PTO clutch, or 
push the knob downward to 
disengage the clutch.
The PTO knob must be in the 
“OFF” position when starting 
the engine.
Hour Meter & Service Minder
0.0
The hour meter and service 
minder is located on the RH 
console to the right of the 
operator’s seat. It records 
the hours that the tractor 
has been operated , engine 
speed (RPM), and service 
reminders (oil, lube) in the digital display.
The hour meter and service minder is activated 
whenever the ignition switch is turned to the 
“ON” position. Keep a record of the actual hours 
of operation to assure all maintenance procedures 
are completed according to the instructions in 
this Operator’s Manual and the Engine Operator’s 
Manual. The hour meter and service minder is 
equipped with a MODE button that can toggle 
between available functions and can be used 
to reset service alerts. Press and hold the MODE 
button for three (3) seconds while in service alert 
mode or when in a service alarm mode to reset.
Note: When the ignition key is out of the STOP 
position the hourglass     symbol is illuminated/
blinks to indicate it is recording the hours of tractor 
operation, regardless of whether the engine is started.
Throttle
Manual Throttle (If equipped)
The throttle control is located on the RH 
console to the right of the operator’s seat. 
When set in a given position, a uniform engine 
speed will be maintained. The throttle control 
moves between the FAST   and slow   
positions.
Push the throttle control handle forward 
to increase the engine speed. The tractor 
is designed to operate with the throttle 
control in the FAST   (full throttle)position  
when the tractor is being driven and the 
mower deck is engaged.
Pull the throttle control handle rearward to 
decrease the engine speed.
Electronic Throttle (E-Governor) Lever (If equipped)
The electronic throttle (E-governor) lever 
is used to control engine speed and RPM’s. 
It also helps control fuel efficiency. The  
electronic throttle lever moves between 
the FAST   and slow   positions. 
The SLOW   position is used for basic 
transportation of the tractor with the PTO 
disengaged and uses the least fuel. The 
FAST   position should be used when 
the PTO is engaged and uses the most fuel. 
The tractor should be started in the START 
position, but should always be in the 
FAST   position when the PTO/deck is 
being used.  
Choke Knob (If equipped)
The choke knob is located on the 
left side of the mower next to 
the operator’s seat. Pull the knob 
out to choke the engine; push 
the knob in/down to open the 
choke. Having the choke in the ON position helps 
the engine to start during initial start-up. During 
normal operation the choke should be OFF.
Parking Brake Lever
The parking brake lever is located to the 
left of the operator’s seat. When pulled up 
it engages the parking brake and when 
pushed down it releases the brake.
Note: If the forward or reverse drive  pedal 
is engaged when engaging the parking 
brake, the engine will stop. The parking 
brake must be placed in the engaged 
position when starting the engine. 
Forward Drive Pedal
The forward drive pedal is located 
on the right side of the machine, 
directly to the right of the steering 
column and along the running 
board. Press the forward drive 
pedal forward to cause the tractor 
to travel forward. Ground speed is also controlled 
with the forward drive pedal. The further forward 
the pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will 
travel. The pedal will return to its original/neutral 
position when it’s not pressed.
CHOKE
ON
OFF
P