SECTION 5: OPERATING Y OUR LAWNTRACTOR
SafetyInterlock Switches
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) lever 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
leaves the tractor's seat with the PTO (Blade
Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position,
regardless of whether the parking brake is
engaged.
•
The engine will automatically shut off if the operator
engages the PTO with the parking brake ON.
•
With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING
position, the engine will automatically shut off if the
PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the
engaged (ON) position with the shift lever in
Reverse.
WARNING:
Do not operate the tractor if the
interlock
system
is
malfunctioning.
This
system was designed
for your safety and
protection.
Reverse Caution Mode
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.
,
2.
Start the engine as previously instructed in this
Operator's Manual.
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:
a.
The key is placed in either the NORMAL
MOWING position or STOP position.
b.
The operator engages the parking brake by
fully depressing the brake pedal and holding
it down while gently pushing the parking
brake button inward.
-_
Reverse
Indicator
PushButton
Light
Reverse
- Caution Mode
Stop
Position
Position
Start
Position
REVERSE PUSH
BUTTON
===_
Figure 8
Engaging the ParkingBrake
To engage the parking brake:
•
Fully depress the brake pedal and hold it down with
your foot while gently pushing the parking brake
button inward.
•
Hold the parking brake button in while removing
your foot from the brake pedal.
•
Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock in the "down" position.
To disengage the parking brake:
•
Slightly depress the brake pedal.
NOTE:
The parking
brake must be engaged ff the
operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the
engine will automatically shut off.
13