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16
OPERATION
Operation
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR
• Before operation, refer to Maintenance Schedule chart
located in this manual for regularly scheduled service items.
• This engine is certified to operate only on clean, fresh,
unleaded gasoline. Fill only with clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or higher.
• Do not use gasoline left over from the previous season, to
minimize gum deposits in the fuel system.
• Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded gasoline by
volume) is an approved fuel. Other gasoline/alcohol blends
are not approved.
• Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded gasoline
blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by volume) are
approved fuels. Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.
SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
WARNING
Do NOT operate the tractor if the safety interlock system
is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your
safety and protection.
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
service dealer.
• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from
cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged and
the PTO switch 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 switch in the ENGAGED (ON)
position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged.
CHECKING THE SAFETY INTERLOCK CIRCUITS
Periodically check the safety interlock circuits to ensure they are
working properly. If a safety circuit is not working as designed,
contact an authorized service dealer to have the tractor
inspected. Do NOT operate the tractor if any safety circuit is
not functioning properly. To check the safety circuits, proceed
as follows:
1. Pull the PTO upward to the ENGAGED (ON) position.
Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the START position;
the engine should not crank.
2. With the tractor running move both lapbar drive control
levers fully inward in the neutral position; then lift upward
from the operator’s seat. The engine should stop.
3. With both lapbar drive control levers fully outward in the
parking brake engaged position, engage the PTO. Lift upward
from the operator’s seat; the engine should stop.
STARTING THE ENGINE
CAUTION
The operator should be sitting in the tractor seat when
starting the engine.
1. Operator should be sitting in the tractor seat with the lapbar
drive control levers fully out and in the park position. See
Figure 19. Refer to Practice Operation for further instructions.
Figure 19
2. Make certain the PTO is in the “OFF” position. Move the choke
control or throttle/choke control into the full choke position.
Move the throttle control to midway between its slow and
fast positions on models with a separate choke control.
NOTE: If the engine is warmed up, it may not be necessary to
choke the engine.
3. Turn the key clockwise to the START position. After the engine
starts, release the key. It will return to the RUN position.
CAUTION
Do not hold the key in the START position for longer than
ten seconds at a time. Doing so may cause damage to
your engine’s electric starter.
4. As the engine warms up, gradually pull the throttle/choke
control lever rearward past the choke detent position or
slowly disengage the choke on models with a separate choke.
Do not use the choke position to enrich the fuel mixture,
except as necessary to start the engine.
5. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes at mid-throttle
before putting the engine under load.
6. Observe the hour meter/indicator panel. If the battery
indicator light or oil pressure light come on, immediately stop
the engine. Have the tractor inspected by your authorized
service dealer.
Control Levers Moved
Outward & in the park Brake Position
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