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Operation
Starting the Engine
 1.  While sitting in the operator’s seat, make sure the 
PTO switch is disengaged, the parking brake is 
engaged, and  the ground speed levers are locked in 
the START/PARK position.
 2.  Set the engine speed control to the CHOKE position.   
NOTE: A warm engine may not require choking.
 3.  Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to 
START.
 4.  After the engine starts, move the engine speed con-
trol back to the FAST position. Warm up the engine 
by running it for at least a minute before engaging the 
PTO switch or driving the rider.
 5.  After warming the engine, ALWAYS operate the 
rider at FULL ENGINE SPEED when mowing.
In the event of an emergency the engine can be 
stopped by simply turning the ignition switch to 
STOP. Use this method only in emergency situations.  
For normal engine shut down follow the procedure given 
in Stopping the Rider and Engine.
Stopping the Rider and Engine
 1.  Return the ground speed levers to the middle (or 
neutral ‘N’) position to stop rider movement. Pivot the 
levers outward to lock them in the START/PARK posi-
tion.
 2.  Disengage the PTO by pushing down on the PTO 
switch.
 3.  Engage the parking brake by moving the parking 
brake lever forward and to the right.
 4.  Move the engine speed control to the SLOW position 
and turn the ignition key to OFF. Remove the key.
Mowing
 1.  Make sure the PTO switch is disengaged, the parking 
brake is engaged, the ground speed levers are locked 
in their START/PARK positions, and the operator is in 
the seat.
 2.  Start the engine (see Starting the Engine).
 3.  Set the mower cutting height (see Cutting Height 
Adjustment). 
 4.  Set the engine speed control to FAST.
 5.  Disengage the parking brake.
 6.  Engage the PTO by pulling up on the switch.
 7.  Pivot the ground speed levers in from the START/
PARK position to the neutral ‘N’ position.
 8.  Begin mowing. See Operator Safety for tips on safe    
mowing practices.
 9.  When finished, shut off the PTO.
 10. Stop the engine (see Stopping the Rider and 
Engine).
Pushing the Rider by Hand
 1.  Disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake, lock 
the ground speed levers into their START/PARK posi-
tions, turn the ignition OFF, remove the key, and wait 
for all moving parts to stop.
 2.  To disengage the transmissions, pull the roll release 
rods (A, Figure 2), located on either side of the 
engine, up into the PUSH position.
 3.  Disengage the parking brake.
    The rider can now be pushed by hand.
 4.  After moving the rider, re-engage the transmissions 
by pushing the roll release rods back down to the 
DRIVE position.
DO NOT TOW RIDER
Towing the unit will cause transmission dam-
age. Do not use another vehicle to push or 
pull this unit.
Figure 2.  Roll Release Components (On Each Side)
WARNING
DO NOT disengage the transmissions and 
coast down slopes. DO NOT use Roll Release 
to disengage the transmissions unless machine 
motion can be controlled and engine is off.
A