18 Section 5— operation
2.  Press the REVERSE CAUTION MODE   button and hold 
for 3 seconds. The indicator light will flash for 3 seconds 
and will stay on when the REVERSE CAUTION MODE is 
activated. See Figure 5-1.
Service Minder
& Hour Meter
Ignition Key
Reverse Caution 
Mode Button
Figure 5-1
3.  The indicator light above the REVERSE CAUTION MODE   
button will be ON while activated. See Figure 5-1.
4.  Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be 
driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.
5.  Always look down and behind before and while backing to 
make sure no children are around. After resuming forward 
motion, press the REVERSE CAUTION MODE   button to 
return to NORMAL MOWING.
6.  The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will remain activated until:
a.  The REVERSE CAUTION MODE   button is pressed 
or the ignition key is pressed or removed.
b.  The operator leaves the seat (electric PTO)/the 
parking brake is set (manual PTO).
Driving The Tractor
WARNING! Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed 
and sudden stops. 
 
1.  Lightly press the brake pedal  to release the parking brake. 
Move the throttle into the FAST   position.
2.  To travel FORWARD, slowly press the forward drive pedal  
forward until the desired speed is achieved. See Figure 5-2.
Figure 5-2
3.  To travel in REVERSE, check that the area behind is clear then 
slowly depress the reverse drive pedal  until the desired speed 
is achieved. See Figure 5-2.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to change the 
direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. 
Always bring the tractor to a complete stop before 
changing from forward to reverse or vice versa.
WARNING! Do not leave the seat of the tractor 
without first placing the PTO in the DISENGAGED 
(OFF) position and engaging the parking brake. If 
leaving the tractor unattended, turn the engine OFF 
and remove the key.
Driving On Slopes
Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 8 to help determine slopes 
where you may operate the tractor safely.
WARNING! Do not mow on inclines with a slope in 
excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 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.