13
Features and Controls
Ground Speed Levers 
These levers control the ground speed of the rider. The 
left lever controls the left rear drive wheel and the right 
lever controls the right rear drive wheel.
Pushing the levers out to the side, away from the 
operator’s lap (top inset, Figure 1), is the proper position 
for starting the rider.  Pulling the levers in across the 
operator’s lap puts the levers in DRIVE positions.
From DRIVE position, moving a lever forward increases 
the FORWARD speed of the associated wheel.  Pulling 
back on a lever increases the REVERSE speed. The 
further a lever is pushed, the faster the drive wheel will 
turn. 
See DRIVING PRACTICE for steering instructions.
 Parking Brake Lever
Move the parking brake lever (bottom inset, Figure 1) up 
and across and into the locking notch to engage and lock 
the parking brake. Move the parking brake lever across 
and down to disengage the parking brake.  The engine 
will not start unless the parking brake is engaged.
Note: The parking brake must be disengaged before 
operating the ground speed levers.
Engine Speed Control/Choke
The engine speed control/choke controls the engine 
speed and choke. Always set the engine speed to FAST 
for driving and mowing.  Move the engine speed 
control back to SLOW to decrease engine speed.  
Move the engine speed control/choke control to the 
CHOKE position for starting a cold engine. A warm 
engine may not require choking.
Figure 1. Controls
Left
Ground Speed 
Control Lever
Right
Ground Speed 
Control Lever
Fuel Tank
Cap
Transmission 
Release Levers
Parking 
Brake
Lever
Mower
Cutting
Height
Switch
Ignition
Switch
Mower Blade
Switch
Engine
Speed
(Fast)
Engine
Speed
(Slow)
Choke
OFF
RUN
START
Ground Speed Levers -
DRIVE Positons
Ground Speed Levers -
START/PARK Positons
Control Functions
The information below briefly describes the 
function of individual controls.  Starting, 
stopping, driving, and mowing require the 
combined use of several controls applied in 
specific sequences. To learn what combination 
and sequence of controls to use for various 
tasks please read the entire section.
Parking Brake Lever -
DISENGAGE Positon
Parking Brake Lever -
ENGAGE Positon