SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNTRACTOR
_, WARNING: Read, understand, and follow
all instructions and warnings on the machine
and in this manual before operating.
SafetyInterlockSwitches
This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Contact an authorized MTD service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine
from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is
engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) knob is in
the disengaged (OFF) position.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake.
• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
engages the PTO with the parking brake ON.
• The electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch will
automatically shut off if the operator leaves the
tractor's seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) knob in
the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether
the parking brake is engaged.
• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the electric PTO (Blade Engage) clutch
will automatically shut off ifthe PTO (Blade
Engage) knob is moved into the engaged (ON)
position with the shift lever in Reverse.
WARNING: Do not operate the tractor ifthe
interlock system is malfunctioning. This
system was designed for your safety and
protection.
ReverseCautionMode
WARNING: Use extreme caution while
operating the tractor in the REVERSE
CAUTION MODE. Always look down and
behind before and while backing. Do not
operate the tractor when children or others
are around. Stop the tractor immediately if
someone enters the area.
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key
switch module allows the tractor to be operated in
reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.
IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:
IMPORTANT:The operator MUST be seated in the
tractor seat.
1. Start the engine as previously instructed in this
Operator's Manual.
2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING
(Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION
MODE (Yellow) position of the key switch module.
See Figure 8.
3. Depress the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange,
Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key
switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left
corner of the key switch module will be ON while
activated. See Figure 8.
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.
6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the
NORMAL MOWING position.
IMPORTANT:The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will
remain activated until:
Indicat0r
Light
Stop
Position
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL
MOWING position or STOP position.
b. The operator leaves the seat.
REVERSEPUSH
BUTTON
Reverse
PushButton
Reverse
- CautionMode
Position
Start
Position
Figure 8
Settingthe CuttingHeight
Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing
the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height
notches on the right side of the fender. Then adjust the
deck wheels so that they are between 1A-inchand Y2-
inch above the ground when the tractor is on a smooth,
flat surface such as a driveway.
WARNING: Keep hands and feet away
from the discharge opening of the cutting
deck.
NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of
the deck and are not designed to support the weight of
the cutting deck.
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