3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete
stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the
blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within
the this time frame, your machine should be serviced profes-
sionally by an authorized dealer.
4. Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper func-
tion, as described later in this manual. If the safety interlock
system does not function properly, have your machine serviced
professionally by an authorized dealer.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s)
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the
blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.)
blade(s) only, listed in this manual. "Use of parts which do not
meet the original equipment specifications may lead to im-
proper performance and compromise safety!"
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety
devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thor-
oughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the dam-
age before starting and operating.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the ma-
chine while the engine is running.
11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are sub-
ject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently
check components and replace immediately with original
equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this
manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the original equip-
ment specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safety!"
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating
speed of the engine.
13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as neces-
sary.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
15. This product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized ser-
vice dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety systems are
working properly and not worn excessively. Failure to do so can
result in accidents, injuries or death.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a run-
away engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never
tamper with factory setting of engine governor.
22
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines which are certified to comply with emission regulations
for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) are certified to operate
on regular unleaded gasoline, and may include the following
emission control systems: Engine Modification (EM) and Three
Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. Califor-
nia models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.
SPARK ARRESTOR
WARNING: This machine is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any unim-
proved forest-covered, brush covered or grass-covered land
unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark ar-
restor meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
ASSEMBLY & SET-UP
IMPORTANT: This Operator's Manual covers several mod-
els. Tractor features may vary by model. Not all features in this
manual are applicable to all tractor models and the tractor de-
picted may differ from yours.
TRACTOR PREPARATION
Manually moving the tractor: Engage the transmission bypass
rods, one on each side of the tractor, to move the tractor manu-
ally without starting it.
The transmission bypass rods are
located on the rear of the trac-
tor, just inside each rear wheel.
Engage the bypass rods by pull-
ing each one out (a) and to the
right (b) to lock it into place. See
Figure 1.
• Disengage the bypass rods by reversing steps a & b after mov-
ing the tractor.
• Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter from the man-
ual bag and store for future use.
INSTALL OPERATOR'S SEAT
To install the seat proceed as follows:
NOTE: The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan
attached.
1. Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the drive con-
trol levers to the tractor. Remove any packing material.
NOTE: Be careful not to cut the wiring harness connecting the
seat and the seat switch.
Fig. 1
a
b