14
Throttle / Choke Control
The throttle/choke control is 
located on the right side of the 
tractor’s dash panel. This lever 
controls the speed of the engine 
and, when pushed all the way 
forward, closes the choke for cold 
starting. When set in a given 
position, the throttle will maintain 
a uniform engine speed.
IMPORTANT: When operating the 
tractor with the cutting deck 
engaged, be certain that the 
throttle/choke control is always 
in the FAST (rabbit) position.
Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is located on the 
right front side of the tractor 
above the drive pedal along the 
running board. The brake pedal 
can be used for sudden stops or 
setting the parking brake. 
NOTE:  The brake pedal must
be fully pressed to activate the
safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor
.
Shift Lever 
The shift lever is located on the 
left side of the fender and has 
three positions, FORWARD, 
NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The 
brake pedal must be depressed 
and the tractor must not be in 
motion when the moving shift 
lever. See Figure 10.
IMPORTANT: Never force the shift 
lever. Doing so may result in 
serious damage to the tractor’s 
transmission.
Deck Lift Lever
Found on your tractor’s right 
fender, the deck lift lever is used 
to change the height of the 
cutting deck. To use, move the 
lever to the left, then place in the 
notch best suited for your 
application.
Ignition Switch Module
WARNING: Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always disengage the PTO,
move the shift lever into Neutral, set the
parking brake, stop the engine and remove
the key to prevent unintended starting.
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition 
switch and turn clockwise to the START position. 
Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE 
position once the engine has fired.
To stop the engine, turn the ignition key 
counterclockwise to the STOP position. See Figure 8. 
Figure 8
IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to Safety 
Interlock System on page 16 and Reverse Caution Mode on 
page 16 of this manual for detailed instructions 
regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the 
tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.
Drive Pedal
The drive pedal is located on the 
right side of the tractor, along the 
running board. Press the upper 
portion of the drive pedal forward to 
cause the tractor to travel forward. 
Press the lower portion of the drive 
pedal with the ball of your right foot 
(NOT your heel) to cause the tractor 
to travel in reverse. Ground speed is 
also controlled with the drive pedal. 
The further forward or rearward that 
the pedal is pivoted, the faster the 
tractor will travel. The pedal will 
return to its original position when it’s not pressed.
IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake when 
leaving the tractor unattended.
Choke
Position
CI00171
 
N
F
R
Start
Position
Stop
Position
Normal
Mowing
Mode