Craftsman 247.204201 User manual

Operator's Manual
CRRFrSMRN
=RO ZERIES:
Zero=Turn Rider
24 HP, 48" MOWER DECK
Model No. 247.204201
• Espanol, P.39
THIS product has alow emission engine which operates differently from
previously built engines. Before you start the engine, read and understand
this Operator's Manual.
Before using this equipment,
read this manual and follow
all safety rules and operating
instructions.
For answers to your questions about
this product, call:
1-888 -331-4569
CustomerCareHotLine
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
Visit our website: www.craftsman.com FormNo.769-10440C
(May26,2015)

Warranty Statement ................................... 2
Safety Instructions .................................... 3
Slope Guide .......................................... 7
Assembly ............................................. 8
Operation ........................................... 12
Service and Maintenance ............................ 22
Off-Season Storage ................................... 32
Troubleshooting ..................................... 33
Espa_ol .............................................. 39
Service Numbers ............................ Back Cover
CRAFTSMANLIMITEDWARRANTY
FORTWOYEARSfromthedateofpurchase,allnon-expendablepartsofthisridingequipmentarewarrantedagainstdefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.
Withproofofpurchase,adefectivenon-expendablepartwillreceivefreerepairorreplacementatoptionofseller.
Battery Limited Warranty
FOR90DAYSfromthedateofpurchase,thebattery(anexpendablepart)ofthisridingequipmentiswarrantedagainstdefectsinmaterialorworkmanship.
Withproofofpurchase,youwillreceiveanewbatteryatnocharge.Youareresponsibleforthelaborcostofbatteryinstallation.
WARRANTYSERVICE
Forwarrantycoveragedetailstoobtainfreerepairorreplacement,visitthewebpage:www.craftsman.com/warranty
Product Replacement
Ifpartrepairorreplacementisimpossible,youwill receiveanewridingequipmentunitofthesameorequivalentmodel.
Warranty Restriction
Allwarrantycoverageisvoidifthisridingequipmentiseverusedwhileprovidingcommercialservicesorifrentedtoanotherperson.
Thiswarranty coversONLYdefectsinmaterial and workmanship.WarrantycoveragedoesNOTinclude:
•Expendableparts(exceptbattery)thatcanwearoutfromnormalusewithinthewarrantyperiod,includingbutnotlimitedtoblades,sparkplugs,belts
andair,oilorgasfilters.
•Standardmaintenanceservicing,oilchangesortune-ups.
•Tirereplacementorrepaircausedbypuncturesfromoutsideobjects,suchasnails,thorns,stumps,orglass.
•Tireorwheelreplacementorrepairresultingfromnormalwear,accident,orimproperoperationormaintenance.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatorabuse,includingbutnotlimitedtodamagecausedbytowingobjectsbeyondthecapabilityoftheriding
equipment,impactingobjectsthatbendtheframe,axleassemblyorcrankshaft,orover-speedingtheengine.
• Repairsnecessarybecauseofoperatornegligence,includingbutnotlimitedto,electricalandmechanicaldamagecausedbyimproperstorage,failureto
usethepropergradeandamountofengineoil,failuretokeepthedeckclearofflammabledebris,orfailuretomaintaintheridingequipmentaccording
totheinstructionscontainedintheoperator'smanual.
• Engine(fuelsystem)cleaningorrepairscausedbyfueldeterminedtobecontaminatedoroxidized(stale).Ingeneral,fuelshouldbeusedwithin30days
ofitspurchasedate.
• Normaldeteriorationandwearoftheexteriorfinishes,orproductlabelreplacement.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayalsohaveotherrightswhichvaryfromstatetostate.
SearsBrandsManagementCorporation,NoffmanEstates,IL60179
Engine Oil: SAE 30
Fuel: Unleaded Gasoline
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Record the model number, serial number,
and date of purchase above.
© Sears Brands, LLC 2

Thissymbolpoints out importantsafety instructionswhich,if not
followed,couldendangerthe personalsafetyand/or propertyof
yourselfandothers. Readandfollow all instructionsin this manual
beforeattempting tooperatethis machine.Failuretocomplywith these
instructionsmayresultin personalinjury.Whenyouseethissymbol,HEED
ITSWARNING!
Thismachinewasbuilt to beoperatedaccordingto the safeoperation
practicesin this manual.Aswith anytype of powerequipment,
carelessnessorerroronthe part ofthe operatorcanresultin seriousinjury.
Thismachineiscapableofamputatingfingers, hands,toesand feetand
throwing debris.Failureto observethe following safety instructionscould
resultin seriousinjury or death.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
EngineExhaust,someof itsconstituents,andcertainvehiclecomponents
containoremit chemicalsknownto StateofCaliforniato causecancerand
birth defectsor other reproductiveharm.
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontain leadandlead
compounds,chemicalsknowntothe StateofCaliforniatocausecancerand
reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.
Your Responsibility--Restrict the useof thispowermachineto
personswho read,understandandfollow thewarningsandinstructionsin
thismanualandonthemachine.
SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
GENERAL OPERATION
Read,understand,andfollowallinstructionsonthemachineandinthe
manual(s)beforeattemptingtoassembleandoperate.Keepthismanualina
safeplaceforfutureandregularreferenceandfororderingreplacementparts.
Befamiliarwith allcontrolsandtheirproperoperation.Knowhowto stop
themachineanddisengagethemquickly.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children
14andovershouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperation
practicesinthismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedand
supervisedbyanadult.
Neverallowadultstooperatethismachinewithout properinstruction.
Tohelpavoidbladecontactorathrownobjectinjury,keepbystanders,
helpers,childrenandpetsatleast75feetfromthemachinewhileitisin
operation.Stopmachineifanyoneentersthearea.
Thoroughlyinspecttheareawheretheequipmentistobeused.Remove
allstones,sticks,wire,bones,toys,andotherforeignobjectswhichcould
bepickedupandthrownbytheblade(s).Thrownobjectscancauseserious
personalinjury.
Planyourmowingpatterntoavoiddischargeofmaterialtowardroads,
sidewalks,bystandersandthelike.Also,avoiddischargingmaterialagainst
awallorobstructionwhichmaycausedischargedmaterialto ricochetback
towardtheoperator.
Alwayswearsafetyglassesorsafetygogglesduringoperationandwhile
performinganadjustmentor repairtoprotectyoureyes.Thrownobjects
whichricochetcancauseseriousinjurytotheeyes.
Wearsturdy,rough-soledworkshoesandclose-fittingslacksandshirts.
Loosefitting clothesandjewelrycanbecaughtinmovableparts.Never
operatethismachineinbarefeetorsandals.
Beawareofthemowerandattachmentdischargedirectionanddonotpoint
itatanyone.Donotoperatethemowerwithout thedischargecoverorentire
grasscatcherinitsproperplace.
Donotputhandsorfeetnearrotatingpartsorunderthecuttingdeck.
Contactwith theblade(s)canamputatehandsandfeet.
Amissingordamageddischargecovercancausebladecontactorthrown
objectinjuries.
Stoptheblade(s)whencrossinggraveldrives,walks,orroadsandwhilenot
cuttinggrass.
Watchfortrafficwhenoperatingnearorcrossingroadways.Thismachineis
not intendedforuseonanypublicroadway.
Donotoperatethemachinewhileunderthe influenceofalcoholordrugs.
Mowonlyindaylightorgoodartificiallight.
Nevercarrypassengers.
Backupslowly.Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebacking
toavoidaback-overaccident.Beawareandpayattentiontothesafety
systemfunctionthatstopspowertothe bladeswhendrivinginreverse.
Ifnotfunctioningproperly,contactanauthorizeddealerforsafetysystem
inspectionandrepair.
Slowdownbeforeturning.Operatethemachinesmoothly.Avoiderratic
operationandexcessivespeed.
Disengageblade(s),setparkingbrake,stopengineandwaituntilthe
blade(s)cometoacompletestopbeforeremovinggrasscatcher,emptying
grass,uncloggingchute,removinganygrassordebris,or makingany
adjustments.
Neverleavea runningmachineunattended.Alwaysturnoffblade(s),place
drivecontrolleversinneutral,setparkingbrake,stopengineandremove
keybeforedismounting.
Useextracarewhenloadingor unloadingthemachineintoatrailerortruck.
Thismachineshouldnotbedrivenupordownramp(s),becausethemachine
couldtipover,causingseriouspersonalinjury.Themachinemustbepushed
manuallyonramp(s)toloadorunloadproperly.
Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancauseaburn.Donottouch.
Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedrivingunderlowhangingtree
branches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,wheretheoperatormaybestruckor
pulledfromthemachine,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.
Disengageallattachmentclutches,settheparkingbraketothe'on'position
andmovethe RHandLHdrivecontrolleverstothe neutralpositionbefore
attemptingtostarttheengine.

Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidentialgrassofaheightnomore
than10".Donotattempttomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,
pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassorleavesmaycontacttheengine
exhaustand/orbuilduponthemowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.
Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapprovedforthismachinebythe
machinemanufacturer.Read,understandandfollowallinstructions
providedwiththeapprovedaccessoryorattachment.Foralistofapproved
accessoriesandattachments,call1-888-331-4569.
Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsandabove,areinvolvedin a
largepercentageofridingmower-relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshould
evaluatetheirabilitytooperatetheridingmowersafelyenoughtoprotect
themselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.
If situationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredin thismanual,usecareandgood
judgment.
SLOPE OPERATION
Slopesareamajorfactorrelatedtolossofcontrolandtip-overaccidentswhichcan
resultinsevereinjuryordeath.Allslopesrequireextracaution.Ifyoucannotback
uptheslopeorif youfeeluneasyonit, donotmowit.
Foryoursafety,usetheslopegaugeincludedaspartoftNs manualtomeasure
slopesbeforeoperatingthismachineonasJopedorhillyarea.If theslopeisgreater
than15degreesasshownontheslopegauge,donotoperatethismachineonthat
areaorseriousinjurycouldresult.
Do_"
Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.Exerciseextremecautionwhen
changingdirectiononslopes.
Watchfor holes,ruts,bumps,rocks,orotherhiddenobjects.Uneventerrain
couldoverturnthemachine.Tallgrasscanhideobstacles.
Useslowspeed.Choosea lowenoughspeedsothatyouwill nothaveto
stopwhileontheslope.Avoidstartingorstoppingonaslope.Ifthetiresare
unabletomaintaintraction,disengagethebladesandproceedslowlyand
carefullystraightdowntheslope.
Followthemanufacturer'srecommendationsforwheelweightsor
counterweightstoimprovestability.
Useextracarewith grasscatchersorotherattachments.Thesecanchange
thestabilityofthemachine.
Keepallmovementontheslopesslowandgradual.Donotmakesudden
changesinspeedordirection.Rapidaccelerationordecelerationcouldcause
thefrontofthe machineto lift andrapidlyrolloverbackwards,whichcould
causeseriousinjury.
Do Not:
Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary;thenturnslowlyuphillanduseextra
carewhileturning.
Donotmowneardrop-offs,ditchesorembankments.Themowercould
suddenlyturnoverifawheelisovertheedgeofacliff,ditch,orif anedge
cavesin.
Donottrytostabilizethemachinebyputtingyourfootontheground.
Donotuseagrasscatcheronsteepslopes.
Donotmowonwetgrass.Reducedtractioncouldcausesliding.
Donottowheavypullbehindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,lawn
roller,etc.)onslopesgreaterthan5degrees.Whengoingdownhill,the
extraweighttendstopushtheridingmowerandmaycauseyoutoloose
control(e.g.ridingmowermayspeedup,brakingandsteeringabilityare
reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcauseridingmowertooverturn).
CHILDREN
Tragicaccidentscanoccurif theoperatorisnotalertto thepresenceofchildren.
Childrenareoftenattractedtothemachineandthemowingactivity.Theydonot
understandthedangers.Neverassumethatchildrenwill remainwhereyoulastsaw
them.
Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinwatchfulcareofaresponsible
adultotherthantheoperator.
Bealertandturnmachineoff ifachildentersthearea.
Toavoidback-overaccidents,alwayslookbehindanddownforsmall
children.
Nevercarrychildren,evenwith theblade(s)shutoff.Theymayfall offand be
seriouslyinjuredorinterferewith safemachineoperation.
Useextremecarewhenapproachingblindcorners,doorways,shrubs,trees
orotherobjectsthat mayblockyourvisionofachildwhomayrunintothe
pathofthemachine.
Keepchildrenawayfromhotorrunningengines.Theycansufferburnsfrom
ahotmuffler.
Removekeywhenmachineisunattendedtopreventunauthorized
operation.
Neverallowchildrenunder14yearsofagetooperatethismachine.Children14and
overshouldreadandunderstandtheinstructionsandsafeoperationpracticesin
thismanualandonthemachineandshouldbetrainedandsupervisedbyanadult.
TOWING
Towonlywith a machinethathasa hitchdesignedfor towing.Donotattach
towedequipmentexceptatthehitchpoint.
Followthe manufacturersrecommendationforweightlimitsfortowed
equipmentandtowingonslopes.
Neverallowchildrenorothersinorontowedequipment.
Onslopes,theweightofthetowedequipmentmaycauselossoftractionand
lossofcontrol.
Travelslowlyandallowextradistancetostop.
Donotshifttoneutralandcoastdownhill.
Donottowheavypull behindattachments(e.g.loadeddumpcart,lawn
roller,etc.)onslopesgreaterthan5 degrees.Whengoingdownhill,the
extraweighttendstopushtheridingmowerandmaycauseyoutoloose
control(e.g.ridingmowermayspeedup,brakingandsteeringabilityare
reduced,attachmentmayjack-knifeandcauseridingmowertooverturn).
SERVICE
Safe Handling of Gasoline:
Toavoidpersonalinjuryor propertydamageuseextremecareinhandling
gasoline.Gasolineisextremelyflammableandthe vaporsare explosive.
Seriouspersonalinjurycanoccurwhengasolineisspilledonyourselfor your
clotheswhichcanignite. Washyourskinandchangeclothesimmediately.
Useonlyanapprovedgasolinecontainer.
Neverfill containersinsideavehicleoronatruckortrailerbedwith a plastic
liner.Alwaysplacecontainersonthegroundawayfromyourvehiclebefore
filling.
Whenpractical,removegas-poweredequipmentfromthetruckor
trailerandrefuelit ontheground.Ifthisisnotpossible,thenrefuelsuch
equipmentona trailerwith aportablecontainer,ratherthanfromagasoline
dispensernozzle.
4

Keepthenozzlein contactwith therimofthefueltankorcontaineropening
atalltimesuntilfuelingiscomplete.Donotuseanozzlelock-opendevice.
Extinguishallcigarettes,cigars,pipesandothersourcesofignition.
Neverfuelmachineindoors.
Neverremovegascaporaddfuelwhiletheengineishotor running.Allow
enginetocoolatleasttwo minutesbeforerefueling.
Neveroverfill fueltank.Filltanktonomorethan1/2inchbelowbottomof
fillernecktoallowspaceforfuelexpansion.
Replacegasolinecapandtightensecurely.
Ifgasolineisspilled,wipeit off theengineandequipment.Movemachineto
anotherarea.Wait5minutesbeforestartingtheengine.
Toreducefirehazards,keepmachinefreeofgrass,leaves,orotherdebris
build-up.Cleanupoilorfuelspillageandremoveanyfuelsoakeddebris.
Neverstorethemachineorfuelcontainerinsidewherethereisanopen
flame,sparkorpilotlightasonawaterheater,spaceheater,furnace,clothes
dryerorothergasappliances.
Allowamachinetocoolatleastfiveminutesbeforestoring.
General Service
Neverrunanengineindoorsorinapoorlyventilatedarea.Engineexhaust
containscarbonmonoxide,anodorless,anddeadlygas.
Beforecleaning,repairing,orinspecting,makecertaintheblade(s)andall
movingpartshavestopped.Disconnectthesparkplugwireandground
againsttheenginetopreventunintendedstarting.
Periodicallycheckto makesurethe bladescometocompletestopwithin
approximately(5)fivesecondsafteroperatingthebladedisengagement
control.Ifthebladesdonotstopwithinthethistimeframe,haveyour
machineservicedprofessionallybySearsoranotherqualifieddealer.
Regularlycheckthesafetyinterlocksystemforproperfunction,asdescribed
laterinthismanual.Ifthesafetyinterlocksystemdoesnotfunctionproperly,
haveyourmachineservicedprofessionallyby Searsoranotherqualified
dealer.
Checktheblade(s)andenginemountingboltsatfrequentintervalsfor
propertightness.Also,visuallyinspectblade(s)fordamage(e.g.,excessive
wear,bent,cracked).Replacetheblade(s)with theoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)blade(s)only,listedinthismanual.Useofparts
whichdonotmeettheoriginalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafety!
Mowerbladesaresharp.Wrapthebladeorweargloves,anduseextra
cautionwhenservicingthem.
Keepallnuts,bolts,andscrewstightto besuretheequipmentisin safe
workingcondition.
Nevertamperwith thesafetyinterlocksystemorothersafetydevices.Check
theirproperoperationregularly.
Afterstrikingaforeignobject,stoptheengine,disconnectthesparkplug
wire(s)andgroundagainsttheengine.Thoroughlyinspectthemachinefor
anydamage.Repairthedamagebeforestartingandoperating.
Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairstothemachinewhilethe
engineisrunning.
Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischargecoveraresubjecttowear
anddamagewhichcouldexposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobe
thrown.Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponentsandreplace
immediatelywith originalequipmentmanufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,
listedinthismanual.Useofpartswhichdonotmeettheoriginalequipment
specificationsmayleadtoimproperperformanceandcompromisesafety!
Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsorover-speedtheengine.The
governorcontrolsthemaximumsafeoperatingspeedoftheengine.
Maintainorreplacesafetyandinstructionlabels,asnecessary.
Observeproperdisposallawsandregulationsforgas,oil,etc.toprotectthe
environment.
AccordingtotheConsumerProductsSafetyCommission(CPSC)andthe
U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thisproducthasanAverage
UsefulLifeofseven(7)years,or270hoursofoperation.Attheendof
theAverageUsefulLifehavethemachineinspectedannuallybySearsor
anotherqualifieddealertoensurethatallmechanicalandsafetysystems
areworkingproperlyandnotwornexcessively.Failuretodosocanresultin
accidents,injuriesordeath.
DO NOT MODIFY ENGINE
Toavoidseriousinjuryordeath,do notmodifyengineinanyway.Tampering
with the governorsettingcanleadto a runawayengineandcauseitto
operateat unsafespeeds.Nevertamperwith factorysettingofengine
governor.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engineswhkh arecertified to complywith CaliforniaandfederalEPA
emissionregulationsfor SORE(SmallOff RoadEquipment)arecertified
to operateonregularunleadedgasoline,andmayincludethefollowing
emissioncontrolsystems:EngineModification(EM),OxidizingCatalyst(OC),
SecondaryAirInjection(SAI)andThreeWayCatalyst(TWC)ifsoequipped.
SPARK ARRESTOR
Thismachineisequippedwith aninternalcombustionengineandshould
not beusedonor nearanyunimprovedforest-covered,brush-coveredor
grass-coveredlandunlesstheengine'sexhaustsystemisequippedwith a
sparkarrestormeetingapplicablelocalor state laws(if any).
Ifasparkarrestor isused,it shouldbemaintained ineffectiveworkingorder
bythe operator.Inthe Stateof Californiathe aboveisrequiredbylaw(Section
4442ofthe CaliforniaPublicResourcesCode).Otherstatesmayhavesimilar
laws.Federallawsapply onfederallands.
Asparkarrestorfor the muffler isavailablethrough your nearestSearsParts
andRepairServiceCenter.

SAFETY SYMBOLS
This pagedepicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructionson the machine before
attempting to assemble and operate.
O
10
lil®®
d
READ THE OPERATOR'S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate
DANGER- ROTATING BLADES
Never carry passengers. Never carry children, even with the blades off.
DANGER- ROTATING BLADES
Mowing in reverse is not recommended.
WARNING -- ROTATING BLADES
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the
blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
DANGER- ROTATING BLADES
Look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
WARNING -- THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
DANGER -- SAFETY DEVICES
Keep safety devices (guards, shields, switches, etc.) in place and working.
WARNING -- BYSTANDERS
Keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in
operation.
WARNING -- SLOPE OPERATION
Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees. Do not mow across slopes.
Mow up and down slopes no greater than 15 degrees. Avoid sudden turns. Use low speed. If
machine stops going uphill, stop blades and back down slowly.
WARNING -- HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
DANGER- ROTATING BLADES
To reduce the risk of injury, keep hands and feet away. Do not operate unless discharge cover
or grass catcher is in its proper place. If damaged, replace immediately.
WARNING -- FIREHAZARD
Allow machine to cool before fueling or storing.
WARNING -- FIREHAZARD
Do not drive through piles of dry leaves or tall grass.
WARNING -- FIREHAZARD
Operation of this equipment may create sparks that can start fires around dry vegetation. A
spark arrestor may be required.
6

(OK) 15° Slope X (TOO STEEP)
15° Slope
Figure1
USETHiSSLOPEGAUGETODETERMINE
iFA SLOPEiSTOOSTEEPFORSAFEOPERATION!
Tochecktheslope,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethis pageandfold alongthe dashedline.
2. Locateavertical objecton or behindthe slope(e.g.a pole,building,fence, tree, etc.)
3. Aligneither sideofthe slopegaugewith theobject(SeeFigure1 andFigure2 ).
4. Adjust gaugeup or downuntil the left cornertouchestheslope(SeeFigure1 andFigure2).
5.
O. daShed.fine
If thereis agap belowthe gauge,the slopeistoo steepfor safeoperation(SeeFigure2 above).
Figure2
Slopes are a major factor related to tip-over and roll-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. Do not operate machine
on slopes in excess of 15 degrees. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it. Always mow across the face of slopes, never mow up and down the face of slopes.

Set-Up
NOTE:Removethedeckwashsystemnozzleadapterfromthemanualbagandstore
forfutureuse.
Moving TheRidingMower Manually
Yourridingmower'stransmissionisequippedwithahydrostaticreliefvalvefor
occasionswhenitisnecessarytomovetheridingmowermanually.Openingthis
valvepermitsthefluidinthetransmissiontobypassitsnormalroute,allowingthe
reartiresto"freewheel."Toopenthehydrostaticreliefvalve,proceedasfollows:
1. Locatethehydrostaticbypassrodintherearoftheridingmower.SeeFigure1.
Install Operator'sSeat
Toinstalltheseatproceedasfollows:
NOTE:Theseatisshippedwith theseatswitchandseatpanattached.
1. Cutanystrapssecuringtheseatassemblyandthedrivecontrolleverstothe
ridingmower.Removeanypackingmaterial.
NOTE:Becarefulnottocutthewiringharnessconnectingtheseatandthe
seatswitch.
2. Removethetwoshoulderboltsandlocknutsintheseatpanasshownin
Figure2.
f
Shoulder
,Bolt
Figure1
2. Engagethebypassrodsbypullingeachoneout (a)andtotheright(b)to
lockit intoplace.SeeFigure1.
3. Disengagethebypassrodsbyreversingstepsa &b aftermovingthetractor.
SeeFigure1.
NOTE:Thetransmissionwill NOTengagewhenthe hydrostaticbypassrodis
pulledout.Returntherodto itsnormalpositionpriortooperatingthe riding
mower.
Neverattempt to movethe riding mowermanuallywithout first opening
the hydrostaticreliefvalve.Doingsowill resultinseriousdamageto the
ridingmower'stransmission.
J
Figure2
Rotatetheseatintopositionandsecuretheseatintoplacewith the
previouslyremovedshoulderboltsandlocknuts.Becarefulnottocrimpor
damagethewireharnesswhileinstallingtheseat.SeeFigure3.
ShoulderBolts
Figure3
8

PositionDriveControllevers
Thedrivecontrolleversoftheridingmowerareloweredforshippingpurposes.
Theflangelocknuts,hexscrews,andflatwashersthatnormallysecurethecontrol
leversintheiroperatingpositionareunfastenedandinstalledintheslottedholesof
thecontrolleversforshipment.Thecontrolleversmustberepositionedtooperate
theridingmower.Torepositionthecontrolleversforoperation,proceedasfollows:
1. Removethehexscrewsandflatwashersfromthehardwarepackinyour
manualbag.
2. Liftandswingthatcontrolleverupwarduntiltheslottedholeinthelever
bracketalignswith oneoftheholesin thepivotbracket.SeeFigure4.
ControlLever
LiftControl
LeverUpward
Pivot
HexScrew Bracket
Connectingthe Battery Cables
Batteryposts,terminals,and relatedaccessoriescontainleadandlead
compounds,chemicalsknownto the Stateof Californiato causecancerand
reproductiveharm.Washhandsafter handling.
Whenattaching batterycables,alwaysconnectthe POSITIVE(Red)wire to
itsterminal first, followed bythe NEGATIVE(Black)wire.
Forshippingreasons,bothbatterycablesonyourequipmentmayhavebeenleft
disconnectedfromtheterminalsatthefactory.Toconnectthebatterycables,
proceedasfollows:
NOTE:ThepositivebatteryterminalismarkedPos.(+). Thenegativebattery
terminalismarkedNeg.(-).
NOTE:Ifthepositivebatterycableisalreadyattached,skipaheadtostep2.
1. Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthepositivebatteryterminaland
attachtheredcabletothepositivebatteryterminal(+)with theboltand
hexnut.SeeFigure5.
Figure4
3. Slidetheflat washerontothe hexscrew.Fromtheoutside,insertthehex
screwwith washerthroughthecontrolleverslotandtheholeofthepivot
bracket.SeeFigure4.Usinga1/2"wrenchsnugthescrew,butdonotfully
tighten.
4. Notetherelativepositionofthecontrollevertothepivotbracket,
thenrepeatthepreviousstepstorepositiontheothercontrolleverin
approximatelythesameposition.
Torquethe screwsdowntightly to preventthe control leversfrom slipping
out of position.
5. Referto"AdjustingtheDriveControlLevers"intheMaintenance&
Adjustmentsforinstructionsonthefinaladjustmentofthelevers.
Figure5
Removetheplasticcover,if present,fromthenegativebatteryterminaland
attachtheblackcabletothenegativebatteryterminal(-) with theboltand
hexnut. SeeFigure5.
Positiontheredrubberbootoverthepositivebatteryterminaltohelp
protectitfromcorrosion.
NOTE:Ifthebatteryisputintoserviceafterthedateshownontoporside
ofbattery,chargethebatteryasinstructedintheServiceandMaintenance
sectionofthisOperator'sManualpriortooperatingtheridingmower.
9

LowerDeckDischargeChuteDeflector CheckingTirePressure
Neveroperatethe mowerdeckwithoutthechutedeflector installedand in
thedown position.
Thedischargechutedeflectormustbeinstalledbeforeoperatingthe mower.
I. Removethekeysthat areattachedwith aziptietothechutebracket.
2. Removethehexscrewsandflatwashersfromthehardwarepackinyour
manualbag.SeeFigure6.
,! i j
Figure6
Withthe previouslyremovedhardware,installthechutedeflectoronthe
deckasshownin Figure6.
Donotoverinflate tires.Checksidewalloftires for maximumpsi.Equaltire
pressureshouldbemaintainedat alltimes.
Thetiresonyourridingmowermaybeoverinflatedforshippingpurposes.Reducethe
tirepressurebeforeoperatingtheridingmower.Checksidewalloftiresformaximumpsi.
Adjusting the GaugeWheels
Keephandsandfeet awayfrom the dischargeopeningof thecutting deck.
NOTE:Thedeckgaugewheelsareananti-scalpfeatureofthedeckandarenot
designedtosupporttheweightofthecuttingdeck.
Themowerdeckcuttingheightcanbesetinanyofsixheightsettingsusingthe
ridingmower'sdecklift handle.Thedeckheightsrangefrom1-1/£'to4".Thedeck
gaugewheelpositionshouldbeapproximately1/4"to1/£,abovethegroundwhen
thedeckissetinthedesiredheightsetting.
Usingthelift handle,setthedeckin thedesiredheightsetting,thencheckthe
gaugewheeldistancefromthegroundbelow.Ifnecessaryadjustasfollows:
1. Visuallycheckthedistancebetweenthefrontgaugewheelsandtheground.
Ifthegaugewheelsarenearortouchingtheground,theyshouldberaised.If
morethan1/2"abovetheground,theyshouldbelowered.
2. Removethelocknutsecuringoneofthefrontgaugewheelhexscrewstothe
deck.Removethegaugewheel,hexscrewandspacer.Referto Figure7.
Wheel
Figure7
3. Insertthehexscrewintotheoneofthreeindexholesinthefrontgauge
wheelbracketthatwill givethegaugewheela1/4-1/2"clearancewith the
ground.
4. Notetheindexholeofthejustadjustedwheel,andadjusttheotherfront
gaugewheelintotherespectiveindexholeoftheotherfrontgaugewheel
bracket.
10

AdjustingtheSeat
Toadjustthepositionoftheseat,rotatetheseatforwardandlocatethetwo
adjustmentknobsonthefrontoftheseatpan.RefertoFigure8.
Figure8
Rotatetheclampknobstotheleftandremovethem,slidetheseatforwardor
backwardandre-inserttheclampknobsintooneofthefouravailablepositionson
theseatpanandintotheseat,thentightensecurely.Makesuretheseatislockedinto
positionbeforeoperatingthetractor.SeeFigure8
Gasand Oil
Adding Fuel
Useextremecarewhen handlinggasoline.Gasolineisextremely
flammableandthe vaporsareexplosive.Neverfuel the riding mower
indoorsorwhile the engineishotorrunning. Extinguishcigarettes,cigars,
pipesandother sourcesof ignition.
1. Besureengineisoutdoorsandinawell-ventilatedarea.
2. Cleanareaaroundthefuelfill capandremovethefuelfill cap.
3. UsinganapprovedredGASOLINEcontainer,addfuelslowly,beingcarefulto
avoidspilling.
4. Fillthetankuntilthefuelreachesthebottomofthefueltankneck.
Replacethefuelcapandtightensecurely.Wipeupspilledfuelbefore
startingengine.IffuelisspilledDONOTstartengine.Moveridingmower
awayfromareaofspillage.Avoidcreatinganysourceofignitionuntilfuel
vaporsaregone.
Checkingand Adding Oil
Yourridingmowerisshippedwith oiiintheengine.However,youMUSTcheck
theoil levelbeforeoperating.Checkandaddtheoil asinstructedinyourEngine
Operator'sManual.
FuelRecommendations
Useautomotivegasoline(unleadedorlowleadedtominimizecombustionchamber
deposits)withaminimumof87octane.Gasolinewith upto 10%ethanolor15%
MTBE(MethylTertiaryButylEther)canbeused.Neveruseanoil/gasolinemixture
ordirtygasoline.Avoidgettingdirt, dust,orwaterinthefueltank.DONOTuseE85
gasoline.
Refuelin awell-ventilatedareawith theenginestopped.Donotsmokeor
allowflamesorsparksintheareawheretheengineisrefueledor where
gasolineisstored.
Donotoverfillthefueltank.Afterrefueling,makesurethetankcapisclosed
properlyandsecurely.
Becarefulnottospillfuelwhenrefueling.Spilledfuelorfuelvapormayignite.
Ifanyfuelisspilled,makesuretheareaisdrybeforestartingtheengine.
Avoidrepeatedorprolongedcontactwith skinorbreathingofvapor.
11

LHControlLever o o o o o RHControlLever
E0[]000000[][]
00DOO00©000
DeckLiftHandle
DeckHeightIndex
CupBolder
FuelTankCap
FuelLevelWindow
©
I
ThrottleControl
ChokeControl
LCDServiceMinder& Hour
Meter
PTOKnob
II
IgnitionSwitch
Module
LHTransmissionBypassRod RHTransmissionBypassRod
Figure9
Nowthatyouhavesetupyourridingmower,it'simportanttobecomeacquainted
with itscontrolsandfeatures.Referto Figure9.
flOTE:ReferencestoLEFT,RIGHT,FRONT,andREARindicatethatpositiononthe
ridingmowerwhenfacingforwardwhileseatedin theoperator'sseat.
flOTE:ReferencestoLEFT,RIGHT,FRONT,andREARindicatethatpositiononthe
tractorwhenfacingforwardwhileseatedintheoperator'sseat.
CupBolder
Thecupholderislocatedtotheleftoftheoperator'sseatontheLHconsole.
ThrottleControl
Thethrottle controlislocatedonthe RHconsole.Whensetin agiven
position,auniformenginespeedwill bemaintained.
RBand LBDriveControl Levers
TheRHandLHcontrolleversarelocatedoneachsideoftheoperator'sseat.These
hingedleverspivotoutwardtoopenspaceto permittheoperatortoeither sitinthe
tractorseat,ortodismountthetractor.Theleversmustbefullyopenedout andin
theneutralpositiontostartthetractorengine.Whentheleversarefullyoutward,
theparkingbrakeisalsoengaged.
Pushthethrottlecontrolhandleforwardtoincreasetheenginespeed.The
tractorisdesignedtooperatewiththethrottlecontrolinthefastposition
(fullthrottle)whenthetractorisbeingdrivenandthemowerdeckis
engaged.
Pullthethrottlecontrolhandlerearwardtodecreasetheenginespeed.
EachlevercontrolstherespectiveRHor LHtransmission.Consequently,theselevers
controlallofthemovementsofthetractor.Drivingandsteeringutilizingthese
controlleversisquitedifferentfromconventionaltractors,andwill takesome
practicetomaster.RefertoOperationforinstructionsonusingthecontrollevers.
E3
F'-q
12

ChokeControl
ThechokecontrolislocatedontheRHconsole.Thechokecontrol
determinesthepositionoftheenginechoke.Pulltheknoboutto
choketheengine;pushtheknobintoopenthechoke.
Ignition Switch Module
Neverleavearunningmachineunattended.AlwaysdisengagePTO,set
parkingbrake,stopengineandremovekeytopreventunintendedstarting.
Tostarttheengine,insertthekeyintotheignition
switchandturnclockwisetotheSTART(_)
position.ReleasethekeyintotheNORMAL
MOWING MODE_l__ positiononcethe
enginehasfired.
Tostoptheengine,turntheignitionkey
counterclockwisetotheSTOP_ position.
PowerTake-Off(PTO)Knob
ThePTOknobislocatedonthe RHconsoletotheleft ofthe
hourmeter/indicatorpanel.
ThePTOknoboperatestheelectricPTOclutchmountedon
thebottomoftheenginecrankshaft.Pullthe knobupward
toengagethePTOclutch,or pushtheknobdownwardto
disengagetheclutch.
ThePTOknobmustbeinthe"disengaged"positionwhen
startingtheengine.
PTO
I Q
0 -I
TransmissionBypassRods
Thetransmissionbypassrods(oneforeachtheRHandLHtransmission)arelocated
ontherearofthetractor,justinsideeachrearwheel.
Whenengaged,thetwo rodsopenabypasswithinthe hydrostatictransmissions,
whichallowsthetractortobepushedshortdistancesbyhand.Refertothe
Assembly&Set-Upsectionforinstructionsonusingthe bypassfeature.
Nevertow yourtractor.Towingthe tractorwith the rearwheelson the
groundmaycauseseveredamagetothe transmissions.
Priorto operatingthe tractor, referto bothSafety Interlock Switches
andStarting The Engine intheOperationsectionofthis manualfor
detailed instructionsregardingthe Ignition SwitchModuleandoperating
the tractor inREVERSECAUTION MODE :_.
FuelTankCap
ThefueltankcapislocatednearthemiddleoftheLHconsole.Turnthefill capto
remove.Thefuelcapistetheredtothetractortopreventitsloss.Donotattemptto
removethecapfromthetractor.Filltanktothebottomofthefillerneck,allowing
somespaceinthetankforfuelexpansion.Donotoverfillthetank.
Pushthecapdownwardonthefueltankfill neckandturnclockwiseuntilit clicksto
tighten.Alwaysre-installthefuelcaptightlyontothefueltankafterremoving.
DeckHeightIndex
Thedeckheightindexconsistsofseveralholeslocatedonthe
frontoftheRHconsole.Eachholecorrespondstoa1/4"changein
thedeckheightpositionrangingfrom1"atthelowestnotchto
4"atthehighestnotch.Thehighestnotchisalsothetransport
positionandthelowestpositionisthedeckremoval/installation
NOTE:Donotcutgrassin thedeckremoval/installation
position_. Doingsoisdetrimentaltothebeltlife.
DeckLift Handle
Thedecklift handleislocatedonthefrontoftheRHconsole,
andisusedtoraiseandlowerthemowerdeck.
Depressthebuttonontheendofthehandleandpushdownwardtolowerthedeck,orpull
upwardtoraisethedeck.Whenthedesiredheightisattained,securethepininthedesired
indexholeandreleasethebuttononthehandle.
NOTE:Makecertainthedeckissecuredandthepinisfullyinsertedintothe
deckheightindex.Thepiniskeyedto helpkeepit inplaceandfits intothe
slottedholesonthedeckheightindex.
NOTE:Thedecklift handlemustalwaysbeabovethepin,neverhangthedeck
lift handlefromthepinwhenmowing.
Neverfill the fuel tank whenthe engineisrunning.Ifthe engine ishot
from recentlyrunning,allow tocoolfor severalminutesbeforerefueling.
Highlyflammable gasolinecouldsplashontotheengineandcauseafire.
FuelLevelWindow
ThefuellevelwindowsislocatedontheoutsideoftheLHconsoleandshowsthelevel
offuelinthegastank.
TransmissionOilExpansionReservoir
ThetransmissionoilexpansionreservoirisconnectedbyhosestotheRHandLH
transmissionassemblies,andislocatedbehindtheseatbox.Thefunctionofthe
reservoiristo holdthenaturalexpansionoftransmissionoilthatoccursasthe
transmissionwarmsupduringoperation.SeetheAssembly& Set-Upsectionfor
moreinformationonthetransmissionoilexpansionreservoir.
13

[CD ServiceMinder & Hour Meter
WhentheignitionkeyisrotatedoutoftheSTOP_ positionbutnotintotheSTART(_)
position,theLCDServiceMinderandHourMeterwillbrieflydisplaythebatteryvoltage,
followedbythetractor'saccumulatedhours.
NOTE:Hoursoftractoroperationarerecordedanytimetheignitionkeyisrotated
outofthe STOPposition,regardlessofwhethertheengineisstarted.
TheLCDServiceMinderwill remindtheoperatorof maintenanceintervalsfor
changingtheengineoil,airfilterservice,lowengineandlowbatterywarnings.
ChangeOil
TheLCDwill displaytheletters"CHG",followedbytheletters"OIL",followedbythe
letters"SOON",thenfinallyfollowedbythemeter'saccumulatedtime. "CHG/OIL/
SOON/TIME"will alternateonthedisplayfor 7minutesafterthemeterreaches50
hours.Thisoilserviceminderintervalwill occurevery50hours.Beforetheinterval
expires,changetheengineoil asinstructedin theMaintenancesectionofthis
Operator'sManual.
LowOil
Theletters"LO"followedbytheletters"OIL",thenfollowedbythemeter's
accumulatedtimewill indicatethetractorislowonoil.Stopthetractor
immediatelyandchecktheengineoillevelasinstructedinthisOwner'sManual.
NOTE:The"LOWOIL"functiononlyworksif theengineisequippedwith an
oilpressureswitch.
LowBattery
Atstartup,thebatteryvoltageisbrieflydisplayedthen 8Rr.,rl
changestoaccumulatedhours.Theletters"LO"will
displayfollowedbytheletters"BATT"andthenfollowed
bythemeter'saccumulatedtime."LO/BATT/TIME"isdisplayedontheLCDwhenthe
voltagedropsbelow11.5volts.Whenthisoccurs,thebatteryisinneedofacharge
ortheengine'schargingsystemisnotgeneratingsufficientamperage.Chargethe
batteryasinstructedintheServicesectionofthismanualorhavethecharging
systemcheckedbyyourlocalservicedealer.
Air Filter Service
Theletters"CLN"will display,followedbytheletters I CLn I
"AIR",followedby"FILT",thenfollowedbythemeter's
accumulatedtime."CLN/AIR/FILT/TIME"will alternate
onthedisplayfor7minutesafterthemeterreaches25
hours.Thisairfilter servicemindertimeintervalwill beevery25hours.Onintervals
thatarecommonwith oilservice,theoil messagewill bedisplayedfirst followedby
theairfilter message.
GeneralSafety
RECEIVEINSTRUCTION-- Entirelyreadthisoperator'smanual.Learnto
operatethismachineSAFELY.DonotriskINJURYor DEATH.Allowonlythose
whohavebecomecompetentinits usagetooperatethistractor.
Beforestartingtheengineorbeginningoperation,befamiliarwiththe
controls.Theoperatorshouldbeintheoperator'sseat.ThePTOswitchmust
beinthedisengagedpositionandthe RHandLNdrivecontrolleversmoved
totheneutralpositionengagingtheparkingbrake.
Keepallshieldsinplace.Keepawayfrommovingparts.
NORIDERS!Keepallpeopleandpetsasafedistanceaway.Lookbehindand
downtobothsidesofthetractorbeforeandwhilebackingup.
DONOTdirectthemowerdischargeatpeople.Neverwalkorstandonthe
dischargesideofthemowerwhentheengineisrunning.Turnoffthe PTOif
anotherpersonapproacheswhileyouareoperatingthemower.
Avoidslopeswherepossible.Neveroperateonslopesgreaterthan15°.
Slopeswith agreaterinclinepresentdangerousoperatingconditions.
Tractorscanberolledover.Alwaysmowacrossslopes,neverupanddown
theslope.Avoidturningdownhillif possible,startatthebottomandwork
uptothetop.Useextracareandgoslowlywhenturningdownhill.Control
thespeedanddirectionofthezeroturnmachine"primarily"with the
speed/directionalcontrol(lapbar)ofthedownhillsideofthemachine,i.e.,
maintaintheuphillsidelapbar"essentially"inafixedposition.
Beforeleavingtheoperator'sseat:Shutoffthe PTO,movethe RHand
LHdrivecontrolleversfully outwardintheneutralposition,engagethe
parkingbrake,shutoffthe engineandremovetheignitionkey.Waitfor all
movementtostopbeforeservicingorcleaning.
Whenoperatingthismower,intheforwarddirection,donotallowthe
steeringleverstoreturntoneutralontheirown.Operatethedrivecontrol
leverssmoothlyandavoidanysuddenmovementsoftheleverswhen
startingandstopping.Keepafirm griponthecontrollevers.
Becarefulwhenoperatingneargravelpathsandroadways.Stoptheblades
andtractormotionandwait forvehiclestopassbeforeoperatingalongthe
road.
Donotoperatethetractorwith themowerdeckremoved.Removalofthe
deckwill changethebalanceofthetractor,andcouldcontributetoatractor
rollover.
Avoidoperationontractionsurfacesthatareunstable;useextremecaution
ifthesurfaceisslippery.Alwaysremovedebrisandotherobjectsfromthe
areato bemowed- debrisandloosegrasswill reducetraction.
Mowonlyin daylightorgoodartificiallight.
Watchfor holes,sprinklerheads,andotherhiddenhazards.
Avoiddrivingtooclosetotrees,creeks,ditches,sandtraps,andother
obstacles.
Slowdownbeforeturningandcometoacompletestopbeforeanyzeroturn
maneuver.
Ifyouhit asolidobjectwhile mowing,turnoffthe PTO,placethesteering
leversin theneutral,opened-outposition,movethethrottle toslow,setthe
parkingbrake,shutoff theengine,andtakethekeyfromtheignitionswitch.
Inspectfordamage.Repairthedamage.Makesurethebladesareingood
conditionandthatthebladeboltsaretight beforerestartingtheengine.
Donotstopthetractororparkthetractorovercombustiblematerialssuchas
drygrass,leaves,debris,etc.
Keepthemowerandespeciallytheengineandhydrauliccomponentsclean
andfreeofgrease,grass,andleavestoreducethechanceoffireandpermit
propercooling.
Donotfill thefueltankwhentheengineisrunningorwhiletheengineis
hot.Allowtheengineseveralminutestocoolbeforerefueling.Tightenthe
fuelcapsecurely.
Checkingthe Safety Interlock Circuits
Periodicallycheckthesafetyinterlockcircuitstoensuretheyareworkingproperly.
Ifasafetycircuitisnotworkingasdesigned,contactyoudealertohavethetractor
inspected.DONOToperatethetractorif anysafetycircuitisnotfunctioning
properly.Tocheckthesafetycircuits,proceedasfollows:
1. PullthePTOswitchupwardtotheengagedposition.Momentarilyturnthe
ignitionswitchtotheSTART(_ position;theengineshouldnotcrank.
2. Movebothcontrolleversfully inwardintheneutralposition;thenlift
upwardfromtheoperator'sseat.Theengineshouldstop.
3. Withbothcontrolleversfully outwardintheneutral/parkingbrakeengaged
position,engagethePTO.Liftupwardfromtheoperator'sseat;theengine
shouldstop.
14

Startthetractorandmovethecontrolleversinwardtotheneutraloperating
position.EngagethePTOandmovebothcontrolleverslowlyintotheslow
withthekeyintheNORMALMOWING_,; thePTO
reverseposition
shoulddisengageandthemowerdeckshouldstop.
Before Operating YourTractor
1. Beforeyouoperatethetractor,studythismanualcarefullytofamiliarize
yourselfwith theoperationofalltheinstrumentsandcontrols.Ithasbeen
preparedto helpyouoperateandmaintainyourtractorefficiently.
2. Fillthefueltankwithonlyclean,fresh,unleadedgasolinewith a pump
stickeroctaneratingof87orhigherand10%ethanolmaximum.Whenthe
fuelreachesoneinchfromthetopofthetank,stop.DONOTOVERFILL.Space
mustbeleftforexpansion.
3. Unleadedgasolineisrecommendedbecauseitleaveslesscombustionchamber
depositsandreducesharmfulexhaustemissions.Leadedgasolineisnot
recommendedandmustnotbeusedwhereexhaustemissionsareregulated.
NOTE:Purchasegasolineinsmallquantities.Donotusegasolineleftover
fromthe previousseason,tominimizegumdepositsinthefuelsystem.
4. Gasohol(upto10%ethylalcohol,90%unleadedgasolinebyvolume)isan
approvedfuel.Othergasoline/alcoholblendsarenotapproved.
5. MethylTertiaryButylEther(MTBE)andunleadedgasblends(uptoamaximum
of15%MTBEbyvolume)areapprovedfuels.Othergasoline/etherblendsarenot
approved.
6. Checktheengineoil level.Refertothe EngineOperator'smanualfor
instructionsoncheckingtheengineoillevel.
7. Cleantheaircleanerelementifnecessary.
8. Checkthetire inflationpressures.Seethetiresidewallforproperinflation
pressures.
NOTE:Newtiresareoverlnflatedinordertoproperlyseatthebeadto the
rim.
9. Checkthatallnuts,boltsandscrewsaretight.
10. Checkthetensionofthedeckdrivebelts.
a. Removethedeckcover
b.
11.
12.
13.
Thetensionofthedeckdrivebeltsaremaintainedbyaspring
mechanismthatadjustsforwearandstretch.
c. Examinethebeltsforcuts,fraying,andexcessivewear.Replaceif
anyofthesearedetected.
d. Replacethedeckcover.
Check if deck islevel. When correctly adjusted the mower deck
should be level side to side, and the front of the deck should
be approximately ¼" lower than the rear of deck. If deck needs
to be leveled, refer to the Serviceand Maintenance section.
Lubricate all pivot points listed in the Service and Maintenance
section.
Adjusttheseatfor operator'smaximumcomfort,visibilityandfor
maintainingcompletecontrolofthetractor.
Safety Interlock System
Thistractorisequippedwith asafetyinterlocksystemfortheprotectionofthe
operator.Ifthe interlocksystemshouldevermalfunction,donotoperatethe
tractor.Contactyourauthorizedservicedealer.
Thesafetyinterlocksystempreventstheenginefromcrankingorstartingunless
the RHandLNdrivecontrolleversaremovedfullyoutwardintheneutralposition
-- whichengagestheparkingbrake-- andthePTOisdisengaged.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill shutofftheengineiftheoperatorleaves
theseatbeforethe RHandLHdrivecontrolleversarefullyoutwardinthe
neutralpositionengagingtheparkingbrake.
Thesafetyinterlocksystemwill shutofftheengineif theoperatorleavesthe
seatwiththePTOengaged,regardlessofwhethertheRHandLHdrivecontrol
leversarefullyoutwardintheneutralpositionengagingtheparkingbrake.
NOTE:ThePTOswitchmustbemovedtothe"OFF"positiontorestartthe
engine.
ThesafetyinterlocksystemwillshutoffthePTOandthemowerbladeswillstopif
bothdrivecontrolleversaremovedintothereverseposition.Torestarttheblades
thePTOmustbemovedtothe"OFF"positionandthenbacktothe"ON"position.
Starting the Engine
Thistractorisequippedwithasafetyinterlocksystemdesignedforthe
protectionofthe operator.Donot operatethe tractor ifanypartofthe
interlocksystemismalfunctioning. Periodicallycheckthe funotionsofthe
interlocksystemfor properoperation.
Forpersonalsafety,the operatormustbesitting inthe tractor seatwhen
starting the engine.
1. Operatormustbesittinginthetractorseatwith theRHandLHdrivecontrol
leversfullyoutwardintheneutralpositionengagingtheparkingbrake.
2. MakecertainthePTOswitchisinthedisengaged(down)position.
3. Pullthechokeknob(ifequipped)upintotheCHOKE positionormove
thethrottle/chokecontrol(ifequipped)intotheCHOKEIll position.
NOTE:Iftheengineiswarmedup,itmaynotbenecessarytochokethe
engine.
5. Movethethrottlecontrol(ifequipped)to midwaybetweenitsslow
andfast_ positions.
6. TurntheignitionkeyclockwisetotheSTART(_) position.Aftertheengine
starts,releasethekey.Itwill returntotheNORMALMOWING_q)
position.
DoNOTholdthe keyinthe START_position for longerthanten secondsat
atime. Doingsomaycausedamageto yourengine'selectricstarter.
Oncetheenginewarmsup,pushthechokeknobdownintotheOFFposition.
NOTE:DoNOTleavethethrottle/chokecontrol(ifequipped)orchokecontrol(if
equipped)intheCHOKEI_Ipositionwhileoperatingthetractor.Doingsowill
resultina"rich"fuelmixtureandcausetheenginetorunpoorly.
15

ColdWeatherStarting
Whenstartingtheengineattemperaturesnearorbelowfreezing,ensurethecorrect
viscositymotoroiiisusedintheengineandthebatteryisfullycharged.Startthe
engineasfollows:
I. Besurethebatteryisingoodcondition.Awarmbatteryhasmuchmore
startingcapacitythanacoldbattery.
2. Usefreshwintergradefuel.Wintergradegasolinehashighervolatilityto
improvestarting.Donotusegasolineleftoverfromsummer.
3. FollowthepreviousinstructionforStartingthe Engine.
UsingJumperCablesToStart Engine
Batteriescontainsulfuric acidandproduceexplosivegasses.Makecertain
the areaiswell ventilated, wearglovesand eyeprotection,andavoid
sparksor flamesnearthe battery.
Ifthebatterychargeisnotsufficienttocranktheengine,rechargethebattery.Ifa
batterychargerisunavailableandthetractormustbestarted,theaidofabooster
batterywillbenecessary.Connecttheboosterbatteryasfollows:
1. Connecttheendofonecabletothedisabledtractorbattery'spositive
terminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletotheboosterbattery's
positiveterminal.
2. Connectoneendoftheothercabletotheboosterbattery'snegative
terminal;thenconnecttheotherendofthatcabletothe frameofthe
disabledtractor,asfarfromthebatteryaspossible.
3. Startthedisabledtractorfollowingthenormalstartinginstructionspreviously
provided;thendisconnectthejumpercablesintheexactreverseorderoftheir
connection.
4. Havethetractor'selectricalsystemcheckedandrepairedassoonaspossible
toeliminatetheneedforjumpstarting.
Stoppingthe Engine
I. PlacethePTOswitchintheOFF(down)position.
2. MoveRHandLHdrivecontrolleversfullyoutwardintheneutralposition
engagingtheparkingbrake.
3. Movethethrottlecontrol(ifequipped)orthrottle/chokecontrol(if
equipped)totheSLOW_ positionandallowtheengineto idlefor about
oneminute.
4. TurntheignitionkeytotheSTOP6 positionandremovethekeyfromthe
ignitionswitch.
NOTE:Alwaysremovethekeyfromtheignitionswitchtopreventaccidental
startingorbatterydischargeif theequipmentisleftunattended.
PracticeOperation(Initial Use)
Operatingazero-turntractorisnotlikeoperatingaconventionaltyperidingtractor.
Althoughandbecauseazeroturntractorismoremaneuverable,gettingusedto
operatingthecontrolleverstakessomepractice.
Westronglyrecommendthatyoulocateareasonablylarge,levelandopen"practice
area"wheretherearenoobstructions,pedestrians,oranimals.Youshouldpractice
operatingthetractorfora minimumof30minutes.
Carefullymove(orhavemoved)thetractortothepracticearea.Whenperforming
thepracticesession,the PTOshouldnotbeengaged.Whilepracticing,operatethe
tractoratapproximately1/2-3/4throttleandatlessthanfull speedin bothforward
andreverse.
Useprotectiveequipmentforeyes,hands,hearing,feet,legs,headandotherareas
ofthebodyif needed-- safetyeyeglasses,gloves,earplugs,boots,hats,etc.
HearingProtectionisrequiredfor all operatorexposureexceedingtwo (2)
hours.
Carefullypracticemaneuveringthetractorusingtheinstructionsinthefollowing
section"DrivingtheTractor."Practiceuntilyouareconfidentthat youcansafely
operatethetractor.
Driving the Tractor
Avoidsuddenstarts,excessivespeedandsuddenstops.
1. Adjusttheoperator'sseattothemostcomfortablepositionthatallowsyouto
operatethecontrols.SeeseatadjustmentintheAssembly&Set-Upsection.
2. MovetheRHandLHdrivecontrolleversinwardintheneutralposition.Refer
to Figure10.
ControlLeverMoved
Inwardandin Neutral
o o
16
k,_ j
Figure10
NOTE:Ifthecontrolleversarenotevenintheneutralposition,referto
ServiceandMaintenanceforinstructionstoadjustthe leverssothat theyare
even.

3. Movethethrottlecontrollever(ifequipped)orthrottle/chokecontrollever
forwardtothefull throttle position.
flOTE"Althoughthetractor'sengineisdesignedtorunatfull throttle,when
performingapracticesessionthetractormustbeoperatedatlessthanfull
throttle.Thisonlyappliestopractice.
Alwaysmaintain a firm grip onthe control levers.DONOTreleasethe
control leversto slowor stopthe tractor, moveleversto neutralposition
usingyourhands.
4. Todrivethetractor,firmly grasptherespectivedrivecontrolleverswith your
rightandlefthandsandcontinuewith DrivingtheTractorForwardonthe
followingpage.
Driving the TractorForward
Keepall movementofthe drive controlleversslowand smooth.Abrupt
movementofthe control leverscanaffect the stability ofthe tractorand
couldcausethe tractor toflip over,which mayresultinseriousinjuryor
deathto the operator.
Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversforward.Thetractorwill
starttomoveforward.SeeFigure11.
DrivingForward
o
_iL _TL
Faster
,. J
Figure11
2. Asthecontrolleversarepushedfartherforwardthespeedofthetractorwill
increase.
3. Toslowthetractormovethecontrolsleverrearwardtoattainthedesired
speed,ormovetheleverstotheneutralpositiontostopthetractor.
Alwaysmaintain yourgrasponthe drive controllevers.Donot releasethe
leverstoslowthe tractoror to returnto neutral.
Turningthe TractorWhile Driving Forward
Whenreversingthe directionof travel,werecommendperforminggradual
'O'turnswherepossible.Sharperturnsincreasethe possibilityof turf
defacement,andcouldaffectcontrolofthetractor.ALWAYSslowthetractor
beforemakingsharpturns.
Toturnthetractorwhiledrivingforward,movethecontrolleversasnecessaryso
thatoneleverisrearwardoftheother.Thetractorwill turninthedirectionofthe
rearwardcontrollever.
Toturntotheleft,movetheleftdrivecontrolleverrearwardoftheright
lever.SeeFigure12.
ForwardLeftTurn
%o o
_, ,J
Figure12
2. Toturntotheright,movetherightdrivecontrolleverrearwardofthe left
lever.SeeFigure13.
ForwardRight Turn
J
Figure13
17

4.
Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwolevers,thesharperthe
tractorwill turn.
Toexecute a "pivotturn," movethe turnside drivecontrolleverto the
neutral position,whilemovingthe other controlleverforward.
NOTE:Makinga "pivot turn" ongrass willgreatlyincreasethe potential for
defacementof the turf.
Driving the Tractor In Reverse
Alwayslookbehindand downonbothsidesofthe tractor beforebacking
up.Alwayslookbehindwhile traveling in the reversedirection.
1. Slowlyandevenlymovebothdrivecontrolleversrearward.Thetractorwill
starttomoveinthereversedirection.SeeFigure14.
DrivingReverse
Neutral
Position
Slower
Faster
TurningWhile Driving Rearward
Toturnthetractorwhiledrivingrearward,movethecontrolleversasnecessaryso
that oneleverisforwardoftheother.Thetractorwill turnin thedirectionofthe
forwardcontrollever.
I. Toturntotheleftwhiletravelingin reverse,movetheleftdrivecontrollever
forwardofthe rightlever.SeeFigure15.
RearwardLeftTurn
o o o
Figure15
2. Toturntotherightwhiletravelinginreverse,movetherightdrivecontrollever
forwardoftheleftlever.SeeFigure16.
f
Figure14
2. Asthecontrolleversarepushedfartherrearwardthespeedofthetractor
will increase.
3. Toslowthetractormovethecontrolsleverforwardtoattainthedesired
speed,ormovetheleverstotheneutralpositiontostopthetractor.
o
RearwardRightTurn
o o
18
Figure16
Thegreaterthefore-to-aftdistancebetweenthetwolevers,thesharperthe
tractorwill turn.
Toexecutea"pivotturn,"movetheturnsidedrivecontrollevertothe
neutralposition,whilemovingtheothercontrolleverrearward.
/VOTE:Makinga"pivotturn"ongrasswill greatlyincreasethepotentialfor
defacementoftheturf.

ReverseCautionMode
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODE_ positionofthekeyswitchmoduleallowsthe
tractorto beoperatedin reversewith theblades(PTO)engaged.
NOTE:Mowinginreverseisnotrecommended.
Useextremecautionwhileoperating the tractorinthe REVERSECAUTION
RlliiF
MODE_. Alwayslookdown andbehindbeforeandwhile backing.
Donot operatethe tractor whenchildrenor othersarearound.Stopthe
tractor immediatelyifsomeoneentersthe area
TousetheREVERSECAUTIONMODE_:
NOTE:TheoperatorMUSTbeseatedinthetractorseat.
1. Starttheengineasinstructedonthepreviouspage.
2. Turn the key from the NORMALMOWING (Green) position to the
REVERSECAUTIONMODE_ (Yellow)position of the key switch
module. See Figure 17.
F
Indicator
Light
Stop
Position
Reverse
PushButton
ReverseCaution
Mode Position
Start
Position
3.
Figure17
Pressthe REVERSEPUSHBUTTON/_ (Orange,TriangularButton)atthe
top,rightcornerofthekeyswitchmodule.Theredindicatorlightatthetop,
leftcornerofthekeyswitchmodulewill beONwhileactivated.SeeFigure
17.
4. Onceactivated(indicatorlightON),thetractorcanbedriveninreversewith
thecuttingblades(PTO)engaged.
5. Alwayslookdownandbehindbeforeandwhilebackingtomakesureno
childrenarearound.Afterresumingforwardmotion,returnthekeytothe
position.
TheREVERSECAUTIONMODE,_L___will remainactivateduntil:
a. ThekeyisplacedineithertheNORMALMOWING_ C>positionorSTOP
positionor
b. Theoperatorleavestheseat.
Executinga ZeroTurn
Whenexecutingazeroturn, the tractor MUSTBESTOPPED.Executinga
zeroturnwhile the tractor ismovingcansignificantly reduceyourcontrol
ofthe tractorandwill causesevereturf defacementto occur.
Stoptheforwardorreversemotionofthetractorbymovingthetwodrive
controlleverstoneutral.
Toturnclockwise,movetheleftcontrolleverforwardwhilesimultaneously
movingthe rightcontrolleverrearward.SeeFigure18.
ClockwiseZeroTurn
o o
J
Figure18
Toturncounterclockwise,movetherightcontrolleverforwardwhile
simultaneouslymovingtheleft controlleverrearward.SeeFigure19.
Connterdockwise
ZeroTurn
Fignre19
J
19

Executinga"Y"Maneuver
Forlowtractionconditions,followtheseproceduresforzeroturns(the
"Y-maneuver"):
Toturnclockwise(frontofmachinemovestowardRIGHT)whentraveling
FORWARD:
1. Cometoastop,
2. Thenslowlymovebothlapbarsrearward(nomorethan1/2maximum
reversespeed)to initiateREVERSEtravel,
3. ThenslowlymovetheLEFTlapbarforwardwhilemaintainingtheRIGHTlapbarin
therearwardtravelposition.
4. Tostoptheturnandre-initiateFORWARDtravel,slowlymovetheRIGHTlapbar
fromtheREVERSEtravelpositiontoaFORWARDtravelpositionequaltothatof
theLEFTlapbar.
5. Forcounterclockwiseturns,reversetheaboveprocedure.
Stoppingthe Tractor
1. Movebothdrivecontrolleverstotheneutralpositiontostopthemotionof
thetractor.
2.
3.
PushthePTOknobdownwardtothedisengagedposition.
Usethedecklift handletoraisethedecktoitshighestpositionbydepressingthe
buttonattheendofthehandleandpullingupwards.Makesurethelatchengages
onthepin.SeeFigure20.
\\\\
J
Figure20
4. Ifdismountingthe tractor,movethedrivecontrolhandlesfullyoutwardin
theneutralpositionengagingtheparkingbrake,movethethrottlecontrol
levertothe mid-throttleorSLOW_ position,turntheignitionswitchto
STOP_ andremovethekeyfromtheswitch.
Donotleavetheseatofthe tractorwithout disengagingthe PTO,moving
drivecontrolleversfully outwardintheneutralpositionengagingthe
parkingbrake.Ifleavingthetractorunattended,turntheignitionkeyoff
andremovekey.
Driving OnSlopes
RefertotheslopegaugeintheSafeOperationSectiontohelpdetermineslopes
whereyoumaynotoperatesafely.
Donotoperateoninclineswitha slopein excessof15degrees(ariseof
I
approximately2-V2feet every10feet). Thetractor couldoverturnand
causeseriousinjury.
1. Alwaysdriveacrossslopes,neverupanddown.Controlthespeedand
directionofthetractorusingprimarilythecontrolleveronthedownhillside
ofthetractor,with theuphillcontrolleverremainingessentiallyin afixed
position.
2. Avoidturningdownhillifpossible.Startatthebottomofa slopeandwork
upward.Alwaysslowdownbeforeturning.
3. Useextracareandgoslowlywhenturningdownhill.
Operating ThePTO
Operatethe PTOclutchasfollows:
NOTE:Duringyourunitsinitialbreak-inperiod,inordertoengagethePTOand
avoidenginestall,allowtheenginetowarmbeforeengagingthePTO.Break-ln
periodvariesdependingonyourengine.
1. Movethethrottlecontrollevertothe FAST,/_rposition.
2. PullthePTOknobupwardtotheENGAGEDposition.
3. Theoperatormustremaininthetractorseatatall times.Iftheoperator
shouldleavetheseatwithoutdisengagingthePTO,thetractor'senginewill
shutoff.
ThePTOclutchcannotbeoperatedwhenthetractorisdrivinginthereverse
direction.ThePTOwill disengagewhenbothdrivecontrolleversaremoved
tothereversepositionandwill re-engagewhenone(orboth)control
lever(s)ismovedtothe neutralorforwardposition.
Mowing
2O
Makecertain theareato bemowedisfreeofdebris,sticks,stones,wireor
otherobjectsthat canbethrown by the rotatingblades.
NOTE:Donotengagethemowerdeckwhenloweredingrass.Prematurewearand
possiblefailureofthe'V"beltandPTOclutchwill result.Fullyraisethedeckormove
toanongrassyareabeforeengagingthemowerdeck.
1. Mowacrossslopes,notupanddown.Ifmowingaslope,startatbottomandwork
upwardtoensureturnsaremadeuphill.
2. Onthefirst passpickapointontheoppositesideoftheareato bemowed.
3. EngagethePTOandmovethethrottlecontroltotheFAST_ position.
4. Lowerthemowerdecktothedesiredheightsettingusingthedecklift
handle.
SlowlyandevenlypushtheRHandLHdrivecontrolleversforwardto
movethetractorforward,andkeepthetractorheadeddirectlytowardthe
alignmentpoint.
NOTE:Thespeedofthetractorwillaffectthequalityofthemowercut.Mowing
atfullspeedwill adverselyaffectthecutquality.Controlthegroundspeed
with thecontrollevers.