Sabo SABO 108-17 HS User manual

OMGX20997 B2
GX20997
B2
Lawn Tractor
SABO 108-17 HS
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Export Version
Litho in U.S.A.

Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Intr odu ctio n
Thank You for Purchasing a SABO Product
We appreciate having you as a customer and wish you
many years of safe and satisfied use of your machine.
Using Your Operator’s Manual
This manual is an important part of your machine and
should remain with the machine when you sell it.
Reading your operator’s manual will help you and others
avoid personal injury or damage to the machine.
Information given in this manual will provide the operator
with the safest and most effective use of the machine.
Knowing how to operate this machine safely and correctly
will allow you to train others who may operate this machine.
If you have an attachment, use the safety and operating
information in the attachment operator’s manual along with
the machine operator’s manual to operate the attachment
safely and correctly.
Sections in your operator’s manual are placed in a specific
order to help you understand all the safety messages and
learn the controls so you can operate this machine safely.
You can also use this manual to answer any specific
operating or servicing questions. A convenient index
located at the end of this book will help you to find needed
information quickly.
The machine shown in this manual may differ slightly from
your machine, but will be similar enough to help you
understand our instructions.
RIGHT-HAND and LEFT-HAND sides are determined by
facing in the direction the machine will travel when going
forward. When you see a broken line arrow (------>), the
item referred to is hidden from view.
Machine Use
This machine is designed solely for use in customary lawn
mowing operations, for park and amenity area maintenance
and for winter work. Use in any other way is considered as
contrary to the intended use.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage or injury
resulting from this misuse, and these risks must be borne
solely by the user. Compliance with and strict adherence to
the conditions of operation, service and repair as specified
by the manufacturer also constitute essential elements for
the intended use.
This machine should be operated, serviced and repaired
only by persons familiar with all its particular characteristics
and acquainted with the relevant safety rules (accident
prevention). The accident prevention regulations, all other
generally recognized regulations on safety and
occupational medicine and the road traffic regulations must
be observed at all times.
Setting fuel delivery beyond published factory
specifications or otherwise overpowering will result in loss
of warranty protection for this machine.
Any arbitrary modifications carried out on this machine will
relieve the manufacturer of all liability for any resulting
damage or injury.
Special Messages
Your manual contains special messages to bring attention
to potential safety concerns, machine damage as well as
helpful operating and servicing information. Please read all
the information carefully to avoid injury and machine
damage.
NOTE: General information is given throughout the
manual that may help the operator in the operation or
service of the machine.
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! This symbol and text
highlight potential hazards or death to the
operator or bystanders that may occur if the
hazards or procedures are ignored.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! This text is used to tell
the operator of actions or conditions that might
result in damage to the machine.

Product Identification
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Product Id entification
Record Identification Numbers
Sabo Lawn Tractor
Sabo 108-17 HS
PIN (010001 - )
If you need to contact a Sabo dealer for information on
servicing, always provide the product model and
identification numbers.
You will need to locate the model and serial number for the
machine and for the engine of your machine and record the
information in the spaces provided below.
DATE OF PURCHASE:
_________________________________________
DEALER NAME:
_________________________________________
DEALER PHONE:
_________________________________________
MX13769
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (A):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER (B):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
MOWER DECK SERIAL NUMBER (C):
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
B
A
C

Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
All information, illustrations and
specifications in this manual are based
on the latest information at the time of
publication. The right is reserved to
make changes at any time without
notice.
COPYRIGHT© 2006
Deere & Co.
John Deere Worldwide Commercial and
Consumer Equipment Division
All rights reserved
Previous Editions
COPYRIGHT©
OMGX20997 B2 - English
Table of Contents
Safety .....................................................................................................................................................................................1
Operating................................................................................................................................................................................9
Replacement Parts ...............................................................................................................................................................25
Service Intervals...................................................................................................................................................................26
Service Lubrication...............................................................................................................................................................28
Service Engine .....................................................................................................................................................................30
Service Transmission ...........................................................................................................................................................34
Service Mower......................................................................................................................................................................35
Service Electrical..................................................................................................................................................................41
Service Miscellaneous..........................................................................................................................................................43
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................................45
Storage .................................................................................................................................................................................49
Assembly ..............................................................................................................................................................................51
Specifications .......................................................................................................................................................................52
Index.....................................................................................................................................................................................55

Safety - 1
SAFETY
Safe ty
Pictorial Safety Signs
Safety-Alert Symbol
At several important places on this machine safety signs
are affixed intended to signify potential danger. The hazard
is identified by a pictorial in a warning triangle. An adjacent
pictorial provides information how to avoid personal injury.
These safety signs, their placement on the machine and a
brief explanatory text are shown in this Safety section.
Avoid Injury
GX21000; MX7692
Read Operators Manual
• This operator’s manual contains important information
necessary for safe machine operation. Carefully read
operator’s manual before operating machine. Observe all
safety rules to avoid accidents.
Keep Children and Bystanders Away From Mower
• Make sure that children stay clear of mower at all times
when the engine is running. Stay a safe distance from the
machine.
Avoid Injury From Tipping
• Do not drive where tractor could slip or tip. Do not drive
on slope with more than a 11° (19%) incline.
Avoid Injury: Use Transmission Free-
Wheeling Lever Safely
GX21086; MX7691x
• Carefully read operator’s manual for safe operation of
transmission free-wheeling lever.
Drawbar Load
GX21091; MX7691x
• Do not exceed the following drawbar loads:
• Horizontal 250 N (56 lb)
• Vertical 65 N (15 lb)

Safety - 2
SAFETY
Avoid Injury From Battery Gases and Acids
M133159x; MX7686
• Batteries contain explosive gases and sulfuric acid. Use
extreme caution when handling battery. Read operator’s
manual before operating machine.
Avoid Injury From Getting Caught In Belt
MX10511x; M121912
• Do not operate mower without shields in place.
• Stay clear of belts.
Avoid Injury From Rotating Blades and
Thrown Objects
MX10511x; M118040
• Do not put hands or feet under or into mower when
engine is running.
• Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire
grass catcher in place.
• Stay clear while engine is running.
Avoid Injury From Rotating Blades and Belts
MX10511x; M118041
• Do not put hands or feet under or into mower when
engine is running.
• Stay clear of belts.

Safety - 3
SAFETY
CE Certification, Specification and Sound
Label
GX21069
• These labels on your machine indicate that this model
has been certified and is in compliance with European
Directive 98/37EC (89/392EEC) and 2000/14/EC
Standards.
Operating Safely
• Read, understand and follow all instructions in the
manual and on the machine before starting.
• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine.
• Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper
use of the machine before starting.
• Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware
is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing
parts. Be sure guards and shields are in good condition
and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments
before you operate.
• Be sure all drives are in neutral and parking brake is
locked before starting engine. Only start engine from the
operator’s position.
• Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire
grass catcher in place. Never operate with the discharge
deflector raised, removed, or altered, unless using a grass
catcher.
• Check brake action before you operate. Adjust or
service brakes as necessary.
• Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• If you hit an object, stop the machine and inspect it.
Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine and
attachments properly maintained and in good working
order.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and make
sure that no one is in the path of the discharge direction.
• Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.
• Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.
• Be careful of traffic when operating near roadways.
• Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
• Older adults are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower accidents involving injury. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate a mower safely enough to
protect the operator and others from serious injury.
• Do not wear radio or music headphones. Safe service
and operation requires your full attention.
Checking Mowing Area
• Clear mowing area of objects that might be thrown.
Keep people and pets out of mowing area.
• Low-hanging branches and similar obstacles can injure
the operator or interfere with mowing operation. Before
mowing, identify potential obstacles such as low-hanging
branches, and trim or remove those obstacles.
• Study mowing area. Set up a safe mowing pattern. Do
not mow where traction or stability is doubtful.
• Test drive area with mower lowered but not running.
Slow down when you travel over rough ground.
3020 min-1
213 kg
[ ]

Safety - 4
SAFETY
Parking Safely
1. Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.
2. Disengage mower blades.
3. Lower attachments to the ground.
4. Lock the park brake.
5. Stop the engine.
6. Remove the key.
7. Wait for engine and all moving parts to stop before you
leave the operator’s seat.
8. Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable or remove the
spark plug wire (for gasoline engines) before servicing the
machine.
Rotating Blades are Dangerous
HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:
• Rotating blades can cut off arms and legs, and throw
objects. Failure to observe safety instructions could result
in serious injury or death.
• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from mower deck
when engine is running.
• Be alert at all times, drive forward carefully. People,
especially children can move quickly into the mowing area
before you know it.
• Before backing up, stop mower blades or attachments
and look down and behind the machine carefully, especially
for children.
• Do not mow in reverse.
• Shut off blades when you are not mowing.
• Park machine safely before leaving the operator’s
station for any reason including emptying the catchers or
unplugging the chute.
• The mower blades should stop in approximately five
seconds when the mower is disengaged. If you believe that
your blades may not be stopping in that period of time, take
your machine to your authorized dealer where they can
safely check and service your machine.
PROTECT CHILDREN:
• Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Keep children out of the mowing
area and under the watchful care of another responsible
adult.
• Never assume that children will remain where you last
saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay
alert to the presence of children.
• Keep children indoors when you are mowing. Turn the
machine off if a child enters the mowing area.
• Use extra care when you come to blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may block your vision.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate the
machine.
• Do not carry or let children ride on any attachment or
machine even with the blades off. Do not tow children in a
cart or trailer.

Safety - 5
SAFETY
Avoid Tipping
• Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate on
a slope. Choose a low gear or speed so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary. Turn slowly and
turn downhill. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.
• Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the
terrain. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
• Keep away from drop-offs, ditches and embankments.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other
attachments. These can change the stability of the
machine. Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
• Use recommended weights for added stability when
operating on slopes or using front or rear mounted
attachments. Remove weights when not required.
• Drive up and down a hill - not across.
• Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If machine
stops going up hill, disengage mower blades and back
down slowly.
• Mowing when grass is wet can cause reduced traction
and sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
Keep Riders Off
MIF
• Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.
• Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by
foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious
injury.
• Riders obstruct the operator’s view resulting in the
machine being operated in an unsafe manner.
Towing Loads Safely
• Limit loads to those you can safely control. Use only
approved hitches when pulling loads or using heavy
equipment. Use counterweights or wheel weights as
required in this manual or your attachment manual.
• Do not tow children in a cart or trailer.
• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch
point.
• On slopes, the weight of towed equipment may cause
loss of traction and loss of control.

Safety - 6
SAFETY
Wear Appropriate Clothing
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating the machine.
• Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment
appropriate for the job.
• Wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs.
Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing.
Practice Safe Maintenance
• Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep
area clean and dry.
• Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is
moving. Keep safety devices in place and in working
condition. Keep hardware tight.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, jewelry, and long hair away
from any moving parts, to prevent them from getting
caught.
• Lower attachments to the ground before servicing
machine. Disengage all power and stop the engine. Lock
park brake and remove the key. Let machine cool.
• Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before
making any repairs.
• Before servicing the machine, carefully release pressure
from any components with stored energy, such as hydraulic
components.
• Keep all nuts and bolts tightened, especially blade
attachment bolts.
• Securely support any machine elements that must be
raised for service work. Use jack stands to support
components when needed.
• Never run engine unless park brake is locked.
• Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed.
Fix damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts.
Replace all worn or damaged safety and instruction decals.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
damage, and deterioration which could expose moving
parts or allow objects to be thrown. Check components
frequently and replace with manufacturer’s recommended
parts when necessary.
• To prevent fires, remove any buildup of grease, oil, or
debris from the machine, especially the engine
compartment.
• Charge batteries in an open, well-ventilated area, away
from sparks. Unplug battery charger before connecting or
disconnecting from the battery. Use insulated tools.
• Do not modify machine or safety devices. Unauthorized
modifications may impair its function and safety.
• Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
needed.
Prevent Fires
• Remove grass and debris from engine compartment
and muffler area, before and after operating machine,
especially after mowing or mulching in dry conditions.
• To reduce fire hazard, keep engine and engine
compartment free of grass, leaves, or excessive grease.
• Allow engine to cool before storing in any enclosure.
• Never remove fuel cap, or add fuel with engine running

Safety - 7
SAFETY
or hot. Allow engine to cool for several minutes.
• Never store equipment with fuel in the tank inside a
building where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
Tire Safety
Explosive separation of a tire and rim parts can cause
serious injury or death:
• Do not attempt to mount a tire without the proper
equipment and experience to perform the job.
• Always maintain the correct tire pressure. Do not inflate
the tires above the recommended pressure. Never weld or
heat a wheel and tire assembly. The heat can cause an
increase in air pressure resulting in a tire explosion.
Welding can structurally weaken or deform the wheel.
• When inflating tires, use a clip-on chuck and extension
hose long enough to allow you to stand to one side and
NOT in front of or over the tire assembly.
• Check tires for low pressure, cuts, bubbles, damaged
rims or missing lug bolts and nuts.
Handling Fuel Safely
Fuel and fuel vapors are highly flammable:
• Do not refuel machine while you smoke, when machine
is near an open flame or sparks, or when engine is running.
Stop engine and allow to cool before filling.
• Never remove the fuel cap or add fuel with the engine
running.
• Never fill fuel tank or drain fuel from a machine in an
enclosed area. Fill fuel tank outdoors.
• Prevent fires. Clean up spilled fuel immediately.
• Do not store machine with fuel in tank in a building
where fumes may reach an open flame or spark.
• Prevent fire and explosion caused by static electric
discharge. Use only approved non-metal, portable fuel
containers. If using a funnel, make sure it is plastic and has
no screen or filter.
• Static electric discharge can ignite gasoline vapors in an
ungrounded fuel container. Remove the fuel container from
the bed of a vehicle or the trunk of a car and place on the
ground away from the vehicle before filling. Keep nozzle in
contact with container opening while filling.
• When practical, remove equipment from trailers or truck
beds and refuel them on the ground. If this is not possible,
use a portable, plastic fuel container to refuel equipment on

Safety - 8
SAFETY
a truck bed or trailer.
• For gasoline engines, do not use gas with methanol.
Methanol is harmful to your health and to the environment.
Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
Waste products, such as, used oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid,
and batteries, can harm the environment and people:
• Do not use beverage containers for waste fluids -
someone may drink from them.
• See your local Recycling Center or authorized dealer to
learn how to recycle or get rid of waste products.

Operating - 9
OPERATING
Operating
Daily Operating Checklist
❏Test safety systems.
❏Check tire pressure.
❏Check fuel level.
❏Check engine oil level.
❏Remove grass and debris from engine compartment
and muffler area, before and after operating machine.
❏Clean air intake screen.
❏Check area below machine for leaks.
Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted
Surfaces
• Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.
• Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted
surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.
• Be careful not to spill fuel on machine. Fuel may
damage surface. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight will damage the hood
surface.
Operator Station Controls
MX7697
A - Throttle/Choke Lever
B - Service Reminder/Hour Meter
C - Mechanical PTO Lever
D - Cruise Control Lever
E - Key Switch
F - Reverse Implement Option Switch
MX7694
A - Park Brake Lock Lever
B - Brake/Clutch Pedal
MX7696
A - Forward Travel Pedal
B - Reverse Travel Pedal
MX7695
A - Attachment Lift Lever
B - Mower Deck Height Reminder Tab
B
A
C
D
E
F
A
B
A
B
A
B

Operating - 10
OPERATING
MX7698
A - Seat Adjustment Lever
Miscellaneous Controls
MX10513
A - Mower Deck Leveling Bracket
MX7695
A - Fuel Level Window
MX7691x
A - Free-Wheeling Lever (Foot Control Models)
Miscellaneous Accessories
MX7694
A - Front and Rear CargO Mount System™
MX10524
A - Glove Storage Pocket
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

Operating - 11
OPERATING
Adjusting Seat
MX7698
1. Sit in seat.
2. Lift up on bracket (A).
3. Lean forward and slide seat forward or rearward to
desired position. Do not lean back on seat to push
rearward.
4. Release bracket to lock in position.
Adjusting Cutting Height
Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 25–100
mm (1–4 in.). When mower deck is in transport position,
cutting height is approximately 100 mm (4 in.).
MX7695
1. Put attachment lift lever (A) into the slot adjacent to
desired cutting height.
• Slide the height reminder tab (B) to the desired
cutting height for the next time you mow.
2. Adjust mower deck wheels.
Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY section.)
2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.
3. Lower mower deck to the desired mowing position.
Mower Setting Approximate Cutting Height
1 25 mm (1 in.)
– 38 mm (1 1/2 in.)
2 50 mm (2 in.)
– 65 mm (2 1/2 in.)
3 75 mm (3 in.)
– 90 mm (3 1/2 in.)
4 (Transport) 100 mm (4 in.)
A
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing
mower:
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent
engine from starting accidently.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The mower deck can
be damaged if mower wheels are adjusted wrong:
• Wheels must not ride on ground supporting
mower weight.
• Check wheel adjustment each time cutting height
is changed.
A
B

Operating - 12
OPERATING
NOTE: Bottom of wheels should be approximately 3-13
mm (1/8-1/2 in.) from the ground.
MX10509
4. Check mower wheel position. Remove bolt (A), bushing
(B), and nut (C) and move mower wheels to proper hole.
M92897 mif
A - 38 mm (1.5-In.)
B - 51 mm (2-In.)
C - 64 mm (2.5-In.)
D - 76 mm (3-In.) and above
5. Install bolts, bushings and nuts to lock wheels in
position. Tighten nuts to 34 N•m (25 lb-ft).
Checking Mower Level
NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground
when leveling the deck.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY section.)
2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.
3. Move mower lift handle to preferred cutting height.
4. Measure mower level (side-to-side).
MX4871
Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge (A)
(AM130907) is available from your dealer.
a. Position mower blades as follows and measure from
each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.
MX4896
b. Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold drive belt and turn
right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both
blades.
The difference between blade measurements must not
be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).
c. Adjust mower level, if necessary.
5. Measure mower level (front-to-rear).
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing
mower:
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent
engine from starting accidently.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
C
A
B
D
C
B
A
A
B
D
C

Operating - 13
OPERATING
MX4896a
a. Turn right blade (E) so blade tip points straight
forward.
b. Measure from blade tip to the surface. Take
measurement for both blades.
The front blade tip must be 3–6 mm (1/8 -1/4 in.) lower
than rear blade tip.
c. Adjust mower level, if necessary.
Adjusting Mower Level
NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground
when leveling the deck.
1. Make sure machine is on a flat level surface.
2. Raise mower deck to highest position.
MX7674x; MX7674b
3. Place a straight 2x4 piece of wood (A) or a 38 mm (1.5
in.) thick block under the edge (B) of each side of mower
deck.
• Shims can be added, on both sides, between block of
wood and mower deck edge to obtain a specific deck
height, if desired.
4. Put mower lift handle in the lowest position, bringing
deck down onto blocks.
5. Check that blocks are positioned under each edge.
Make sure blocks do not interfere with gage wheels.
6. Check that there is no tension on the front draft arm. If
necessary, loosen adjusting nut (C) on front draft arm so
front of deck rests on wood blocks.
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing
mower:
• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent
engine from starting accidently.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
E
C
B
A

Operating - 14
OPERATING
MX7674x
7. Loosen leveling nut (D), one on each side, and make
sure bolts and leveling brackets slide freely in slots.
8. Raise lift handle to highest position and then lower back
down to 25 mm (1 in.) cutting height to position the deck
and brackets.
9. Apply slight pressure on leveling brackets (E), one on
each side, by pulling down to remove slack in linkage.
Tighten nuts (D), one on each side, to 55 N•m (40 ft-lbs).
10.Turn adjusting nut (C) on front draft arm clockwise until
deck begins to raise off wood blocks.
11.Set preferred cutting height.
12.Check front-to-rear mower level again and adjust if
necessary.
MX10529
• Turn front adjusting nut (C) clockwise to raise front of
mower deck or counterclockwise to lower front of mower
deck.
Testing Safety Systems
Use the following checkout procedure to check for normal
operation of machine.
If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, Do
not operate machine. See your Sabo dealer for service.
Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders
away.
Testing Park Brake Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
2. Sit on seat.
D
E
C
C
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes
contain carbon monoxide and can cause
serious illness or death.
Move the vehicle to an outside area before
running the engine.
Do not run an engine in an enclosed area
without adequate ventilation.
• Connect a pipe extension to the engine
exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of
the area.
• Allow fresh outside air into the work area to
clear the exhaust fumes out.

Operating - 15
OPERATING
MX7694
3. Unlock the park brake (A).
4. Try to start engine.
Result: Engine must not start. If engine starts, there is a
problem with your safety interlock circuit.
Testing Park Brake
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
MX7694
2. Lock the park brake (A).
3. Put transmission in neutral. Engage free-wheeling lever
on units with an automatic transmission.
4. Try to push machine manually.
Result: Park brake must prevent machine from moving. If
machine moves, parking brake needs to be adjusted.
Testing PTO Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
2. Sit on seat.
MX7697
3. Lock the park brake (A).
4. Engage PTO lever (B).
5. Try to start engine.
Result: Engine must not start. If engine starts, there is a
problem with your safety interlock circuit.
Testing Seat Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY Section.)
2. First test:
a. Start engine.
A
A
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! The mower blades
should stop in approximately five seconds
when the mower is disengaged.
If you believe that your blades may not be
stopping in that period of time, take your
machine to your authorized dealer where they
can safely check and service your machine.
A
B

Operating - 16
OPERATING
MX7697
Picture Note: Machine with mechanical PTO
shown.
b. Move throttle lever (A) up to maximum engine speed.
c. Unlock park brake and release brake pedal (B).
d. Engage PTO (C).
e. Raise up off seat. Do not get off tractor.
Result: Engine and mower blades should begin to stop. If
engine and mower blades do not begin to stop, there is a
problem with your safety interlock circuit.
3. Second test:
MX7697
Picture Note: Machine with mechanical PTO
shown.
a. Disengage PTO (C).
b. Start engine.
c. Unlock park brake and release brake pedal (B).
d. Raise up off seat. Do not get off tractor.
Result: Engine should begin to stop. If engine does not
begin to stop, there is a problem with your safety interlock
circuit.
4. Third test:
MX7697
Picture Note: Machine with mechanical PTO
shown.
a. Disengage PTO (C).
b. Start engine.
c. Lock park brake.
d. Raise up off seat. Do not get off tractor.
Result: Engine should continue to run. If engine stops,
there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.
Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the
SAFETY section.)
2. Start engine.
3. Engage mower engagement lever (PTO) to start
attachment.
4. Look behind the vehicle to be sure there are no
bystanders.
5. Begin reverse travel by depressing reverse foot pedal.
Result: Attachment and engine should stop operation. If
attachment or engine continues to operate as machine
begins travel in reverse, do not continue to operate mower.
A
B
C
B
C
cCAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are
dangerous. Children or bystanders may be
injured by runover and rotating blades.
Before backing up, carefully check the area
around the machine.
C