Toro ProLine 30159 User manual

Operator’s Manual
IMPORTANT: Read this manual carefully. It contains information about your
safety and the safety of others. Also become familiar with the controls and
their proper use before you operate the product.
FORM NO. 3322–180
ProLine Mid-Size
13 HP
Traction Unit
Model No. 30159 – 990001 & Up

The Toro Company – 1998
All Rights Reserved
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Toro product.
All of us at Toro want you to be completely satisfied
with your new product, so feel free to contact your
local Authorized Service Dealer for help with service,
genuine replacement parts, or other information you
may require.
Whenever you contact your Authorized Service
Dealer or the factory, always know the model and
serial numbers of your product. These numbers will
help the Service Dealer or Service Representative
provide exact information about your specific
product. You will find the model and serial number
plate located in a unique place on the product as
shown below .
1m–4189
1. Model and Serial Number Plate
For your convenience, write the product model and
serial numbers in the space below.
Model No:
Serial No.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate
and maintain your product correctly. Reading this
manual will help you and others avoid personal injury
and damage to the product. Although we design,
produce and market safe, state-of-the-art products,
you are responsible for using the product properly
and safely. You are also responsible for training
persons, who you allow to use the product, about safe
operation.
The warning system in this manual identifies
potential hazards and has special safety messages that
help you and others avoid personal injury, even death.
DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION are signal
words used to identify the level of hazard. However,
regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
DANGER signals an extreme hazard that will cause
serious injury or death if the recommended
precautions are not followed.
WARNING signals a hazard that may cause serious
injury or death if the recommended precautions are
not followed.
CAUTION signals a hazard that may cause minor or
moderate injury if the recommended precautions are
not followed.
Two other words are also used to highlight
information. “Important” calls attention to special
mechanical information and “Note” emphasizes
general information worthy of special attention.
The left and right side of the machine is determined
from the normal operator’s position.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT: This engine is not equipped
with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation
of California Public Resource Code Section
4442 to use or operate this engine on any
forest–covered, brush–covered or
grass–covered land. Other states or federal
areas may have similar laws.

1
Contents
Page
Safety 2.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Operating Practices 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope Chart 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Instruction Decals 7 . . . . . . . . . .
Gasoline and Oil 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Gasoline 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stabilizer/Conditioner 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Engine Oil Level 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Set-Up 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loose Parts 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mount Control Panel and Fuel Tank 11 . . . . .
Install Shift Lever 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Install Upper Handle 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect Throttle Cable 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connect W ire Harness 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Install Control Rods 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Think Safety First 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking Brake 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting and Stopping
the Engine 17
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Mower Blade Control (PTO) 18 . .
The Safety Interlock System 18 . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving Forward or Backward 19 . . . . . . . . . .
Lower Control Bar Operation 20 . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Machine 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Maintenance 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service Interval Chart 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Air Cleaner 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spark Plug 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greasing and Lubrication 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Cooling System 27 . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Pressure 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel Filter 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Traction Belt 31 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Drive Belt 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Electric Clutch 31 . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Diagram 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and Storage 33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranty Back Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
       
     
    
         
       
      
 

2
Safety
This machine meets or exceeds safety
requirements B71.4–1990 of the American
National Standards Institute for commercial
mowers, in effect at time of production. However,
improper use or maintenance by the operator or
owner can result in injury. To reduce the potential
for injury, comply with these safety instructions
and always pay attention to the safety alert
symbol which means CAUTION, W ARNING or
DANGER—“personal safety instruction.” Failure
to comply with the instruction may result in
personal injury.
Safe Operating Practices
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet
and throwing objects. Always follow all safety
instructions to avoid serious injury or death.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide,
which is an odorless, deadly poison.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•Carbon monoxide can kill you and is also
known to the State of California to cause
birth defects.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Do not run engine indoors or in an enclosed
area.
This mower is designed for cutting and recycling
grass or, when equipped with a grass bag, for
catching cut grass. Any use for purposes other than
these could prove dangerous to user or bystanders.
Note: This engine is NOT equipped with a
spark arrester muffler. Use or operation
of this mower in the State of California
on any forest-covered, brush-covered
or unimproved grass-covered land,
without an approved spark arrester
muffler, is a violation of the law. Other
states may have similar laws.
General Operation
1. Read this manual carefully before operating the
mower. Become familiar with the controls and
proper use of the mower. Never allow children
under 16 years of age to operate the mower.
Never allow adults to operate mower without
proper instructions.
2. The operator of the mower is responsible for
keeping everyone, especially children and pets,
away from area of operation. The operator is
responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to
other people or their property.
3. Thoroughly inspect area where mower will be
used and remove sticks, stones, wire, and debris
that could be picked up and thrown by mower.
Watch for foreign objects while mowing.
4. Wear long pants and substantial shoes. Do not
operate mower while wearing open-toed shoes,
jewelry, loose clothing or when barefoot.

Safety
3
5. Check fuel level before starting engine. Because
fuel is highly flammable, handle it carefully.
A. Use an approved fuel container.
B. Fill fuel tank outdoors, not indoors.
NEVER ADD FUEL TO AN ENGINE
THAT IS RUNNING OR HOT.
C. Install gas cap on fuel container and gas
tank, and wipe up any spilled gasoline
before starting engine.
D. Do not smoke while refueling.
6. Keep all guards, shields, safety devices,
cover-deflector assembly, optional grass catcher,
optional side discharge chute or optional
discharge tunnel plug in place. Repair or replace
damaged parts, including decals. Check all
safety devices before each use.
7. Engine, blade and self–propelled drive
(self-propelled model) are designed to stop when
control bails are released. Ensure control and
brake function properly before each use of
mower.
8. Disengage the self-propelled mechanism or drive
clutch (self-propelled model) before starting the
engine.
9. Before using, always visually inspect to see that
the blades, blade fasteners and cutter assembly
are not worn or damaged. Replace worn or
damaged blades and fasteners in sets to preserve
balance.
While Operating
1. Do not run engine indoors.
2. Start the engine carefully according to
instructions and with feet well away from the
blade.
3. Always maintain secure footing. Keep a firm
grip on the handle and walk; never run. Never
operate mower in wet grass. Mow only in
daylight or in good artificial light.
4. Mow across the face of slopes; never up and
down. Use extreme caution when changing
direction on slopes. Do not mow excessively
steep slopes. W ear skid resistant shoes on slopes.
5. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during
operation to protect eyes from foreign objects
that may be thrown from the machine.
6. Keep face, hands, and feet away from the mower
housing and cutter blade when the engine is
running. Blade can cause injury to hands and
feet. Stay behind the handle until the engine
stops.
7. Use extreme caution when reversing or pulling
the mower towards you.
8. Since the blade rotates for a few seconds after
the control bar is released, stay behind the
handle until all moving parts stop.
9. After striking a foreign object or if mower
vibrates abnormally, stop engine and remove
wire from spark plug. Check mower for damage
and make all repairs before using mower again.
If major repairs are ever needed or if assistance
is desired, contact your local Authorized TORO
Service Dealer.
10. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop before adjusting the height-of-cut.
11. Stop the blade when pushing the mower outside
the lawn area.
12. Stop engine before leaving the operator’s
position—behind the handle. Disconnect wire
from spark plug if mower will be unattended.
13. Do not touch engine while it is running or
shortly after it is stopped because engine will be
hot enough to cause a burn.
14. Refuel only when engine is cool.
15. If mower must be lifted to be transported, turn
off engine and stay behind the handle until all
moving parts stop. Disconnect spark plug wire.

Safety
4
Maintenance And Storage
1. Perform only those maintenance instructions
described in this manual. If major repairs are
ever needed or if assistance is desired, contact
your local Authorized TORO Service Dealer.
2. Before mower is cleaned, inspected, serviced, or
adjusted, stop engine and disconnect wire from
spark plug. Keep wire away from plug to prevent
accidental starting.
3. To ensure the mower is in safe operating
condition, frequently check and keep all nuts,
bolts, and screws tight. Ensure blade bolt is
tightened to 85–110 ft-lb (115–149 Nm
4. When servicing blade, refer to blade
maintenance section for correct installation and
servicing procedures.
5. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of
excessive grease, grass, leaves, and
accumulations of dirt.
6. Allow engine to cool before storing mower in
any enclosure. Do not store mower with gasoline
in fuel tank, near any open flame or where
gasoline fumes may be ignited by a spark.
7. Do not overspeed the engine by changing
governor settings.
8. At the time of manufacture, the mower
conformed to the safety standards in effect for
rotary mowers. To assure best performance and
continued safety certification of the mower, use
genuine TORO replacement parts and
accessories. Replacement parts and accessories
made by other manufacturers may result in
non–conformance with the safety standards, and
that could be dangerous.

Safety
5
Slope Chart
Read all safety instructions on pages 2–7.

6

Safety
7
Safety and Instruction Decals
Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near
any area of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or lost.
ON UPPER CONTROL BAR
(Part No. 82-2290)
ON CONTROL PANEL
  (Part No. 82-7730)
ON CONTROL PANEL
 (Part No. 71-1280)
ON LOWER CONTROL BAR
(Part No. 82-2280)
ON CONTROL PANEL
(Part No. 65-3090)
ON CONTROL PLATE
  (Part No. 82-7750)
 ON REAR FRAME
(Part No. 95-2814)
P
A
R
K
I
N
G
B
R
A
K
E
 ON PARKING BRAKE LE ER
(Part No. 52-2010)
 ON ENGINE NEAR MUFFLER
(Part No. 63-8440)

8
Gasoline and Oil
Recommended Gasoline
Use UNLEADED Regular Gasoline suitable for
automotive use (85 pump octane minimum). Leaded
regular gasoline may be used if unleaded regular is
not available.
IMPORTANT: Never use methanol, gasoline
containing methanol, or gasohol containing
more than 10% ethanol because the fuel
system could be damaged. Do not mix oil with
gasoline.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•In certain conditions gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn
you, others, and cause property damage.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Use a funnel and fill the fuel tank outdoors,
in an open area, when the engine is cold.
Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
•Do not fill the fuel tank completely full.
Add gasoline to the fuel tank until the level
is 1/4” to 1/2” (6 mm to 13 mm) below the
bottom of the filler neck. This empty space
in the tank allows gasoline to expand.
•Never smoke when handling gasoline, and
stay away from an open flame or where
gasoline fumes may be ignited by a spark.
•Store gasoline in an approved container
and keep it out of the reach of children.
Never buy more than a 30-day supply of
gasoline.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•When fueling, under certain circumstances,
a static charge can develop, igniting the
gasoline.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•A fire or explosion from gasoline can burn
you and others and cause property damage.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
•Always place gasoline containers on the
ground away from your vehicle before
filling.
•Do not fill gasoline containers inside a
vehicle or on a truck or trailer bed because
interior carpets or plastic truck bed liners
may insulate the container and slow the
loss of any static charge.
•When practical, r emove gas–power ed
equipment from the truck or trailer and
refuel the equipment with its wheels on the
round.
•If this is not possible, then refuel such
equipment on a truck or trailer from a
portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
•If a gasoline dispenser nozzle must be used,
keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of
the fuel tank or container opening at all
times until fueling is complete.

Gasoline and Oil
9
Stabilizer/Conditioner
Add the correct amount of gas stabilizer/conditioner
to the gas. Using a stabilizer/conditioner in the
machine:
•Keeps gasoline fresh during storage of 90 days
or less. For longer storage it is recommended
that the fuel tank be drained.
•Cleans the engine while it runs
•Eliminates gum-like buildup in the fuel system,
which causes hard starting
IMPORTANT: Never use fuel additives
containing methanol or ethanol.
Filling the Fuel T ank
1. Shut the engine off.
2. Clean around the fuel tank cap and remove the
cap. Use a funnel and add unleaded regular
gasoline to the fuel tank, until the level is 1/4 to
1/2 inch (6 mm to 13 mm) below the bottom of
the filler neck. This space in the tank allows
gasoline to expand. Do not fill the fuel tank
completely full.
3. Install the fuel tank cap securely. Wipe up any
gasoline that may have spilled.
Check Engine Oil Level
Before you start the engine and use the machine,
check the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to
Checking Oil Level, page 24.

10
Set-Up
Loose Parts
Note: Use the chart below to verify all parts have been shipped.
DESCRIPTION QTY. USE
Upper handle
Flanged bolt 3/8–16 x 1” (26 mm)
Flange nut 3/8–16
1
4
4
Install upper handle to frame
Shift lever
Shift lever mounting bracket
W asher 1/4”
Bolt 1/4–28 x 2” (51 mm)
1
1
1
1
Install shift lever to transmission
Rod fitting
Clevis pin
W asher 1/4”
Hairpin cotter
2
2
2
2
Install control rods
Fuel tank
Control panel
Bolt 5/16–1/ x 7/8” (22.5 mm)
Lock washer 5/16”
W asher 5/16”
Hose clamp
1
1
4
4
4
1
Install fuel tank and control panel
Screw self-tapping
Star washer
Wire tie
1
1
2
Install wire harness to frame
Operator’ s Manual
Engine Operator ’ s Manual
Parts Catalog
Registration card
1
1
1
1
Read before operating machine
Fill out and return to T oro

Set-Up
11
Install Shift Lever
1. Align mounting block with flats of shaft on top
of transmission and slide onto shaft (Fig. 1).
Note: DO NOT remove rubber washer on
transmission shaft.
2. Slide shift lever through control panel and align
mounting hole in lever with mounting block on
transmission. Secure lever to transmission with
2 in. (51 mm) bolt and washer. Torque bolt to
115 in. lb. (155 N.m).


m–2574


Figure 1
1. Mounting block
2. Shift lever
3. Bolt 1/4–28 x 2” (51 mm)
4. Washer
Mount Control Panel and Fuel
Tank
1. Slide control panel over shift lever and under
bottom of rear frame (Fig. 2). Align fuel tank to
top of rear frame (Fig. 2).
m–1716
1
2
3
Figure 2
1. Rear frame
2. Control panel
3. Fuel tank
2. Secure control panel and fuel tank to rear frame
with (4) 7/8 in. (22.5 mm) bolts, lock washers
and washers (Fig. 3).
Note: Place transmission in neutral. Align
control panel so there is 1/16 in.
(2 mm) space between panel and lever.
3. Slide hose clamp onto fuel line (Fig. 3). Push
fuel line onto fuel tank fitting and secure with
hose clamp (Fig. 3).
m–1717
1
2
3
5
4
6
Figure 3
1. Bolt 5/8–18 x 7/8”
(22.5 mm)
2. Lock washer
3. Washer
4.
Fuel line
5. Hose clamp
6. Fuel fitting

Set-UP
12
Install Upper Handle
1. Align upper handle mounting holes with desired
mounting holes in rear frame (upper or lower set
of holes)
2. Secure each side with (2) 3/8 –16 x 1” (26mm)
flange bolts and flange nuts (Fig. 4). Torque
bolts to 25 ft. lbs. (34 N.m).
3. Route cables and wire harness inside of frame
(Fig. 4). Secure wires and cable to handle with
wire tie.
m–4189






Figure 4
1. Upper handle
2. Rear frame
3. Flange bolt 3/8 x 16–1”
(26mm)
4.
Flange nut 3/8
5. Wires and cables
Connect Throttle Cable
1. Place throttle control lever in FAST
position.(Fig. 5).
2. Hook wire Z–bend into hole of speed control
lever (Fig. 5).
3. Loosen cable clamp screw allowing cable
installation, but do not tighten (Fig. 5).
4. Move control cable casing and wire until hole in
speed control lever is aligned with hole in base
plate. Insert a 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) diameter pin or
bolt into aligned holes to hold adjustment.
5. Pull throttle cable slightly to remove any slack
and tighten cable clamp screw to lock
adjustment in place.
6. Remove alignment pin and check control
operation.
m–22596





Figure 5
1. Wire Z-bend
2. Speed control lever
3. Base plate
4. Alignment holes 1/4 in.
(6.35mm)
5.
Cable clamp

Set-Up
13
Connect W ire Harness
1. Route wires around J-clip on engine, and plug in
clutch and engine in-line wire connectors
(Fig. 6).
2. Secure ground wire to one of three holes in
frame, at rear of engine, with self-tapping screw
and star washer (Fig. 6).
3. Secure wire harness and throttle to upper handle
with cable tie (Fig. 6)


m–2596




Figure 6
1. J-clip
2. Clutch
wire connector
3. Engine wire connector
4. Ground wire
5. Screw-self tapping
6. Star washer
Install Control Rods
1. Thread rod fittings equal distance onto each
control rod. For a starting point thread on
approximately 2 in. (51 mm) (Fig. 7).
2. Slide clevis pins through rod fittings and
mounting holes in idler brackets (from outside)
(Fig. 7). Secure with washers and hairpin cotters
(Fig. 7).
m–2073





Figure 7
1. Control rod and fitting
2. 2 in. (51 mm)
3. Idler bracket
4. Clevis pin, washer and
hairpin cotter

Set-UP
14
3. Check the gap between upper control bar and
fixed control bar with wheel drive fully engaged.
Gap should be approximately 1 to 1-1/4 in.
(25–32 mm) (Fig. 8).
Note: The upper control bar and fixed control
bar must be parallel when in engaged,
relaxed and brake positions.
4. Check operation. If adjustment is required,
remove hairpin cotter securing rod to upper
control bar. Thread rod in or out of fitting for
proper position and install into upper control bar
with hairpin cotter.
m–4183




Figure 8
1. Control rod
2. Fixed control bar
3. Parking brake lever
4. Upper control bar
5. Check parking brake adjustment. Brake rods
should be adjusted so parking brake lever is snug
when swung into position against the fixed bar
while pulling back on upper control bar (Fig. 8).
6. If brake adjustment is required, remove hairpin
cotter and washer securing brake rod fitting to
idler bracket (Fig. 9).
7. Adjust wing nut up or down on brake rod and
secure fitting to idler bracket (Fig. 9). Check
adjustment and readjust if necessary.
Note: Make sure brake rod is installed in rear
(“R”) mounting hole in idler bracket.
8. Repeat procedure on opposite side if adjustment
is required to keep control bar parallel with fixed
bar.




m–2073
Figure 9
1. Idler bracket
2. Brake rod fitting
3. Hairpin cotter and washer
4. Wing nut

15
Operation
Think Safety First
Please carefully read all the safety instructions and
symbols in the safety section. Knowing this
information could help you, your family, pets or
bystanders avoid injury.
Controls
Become familiar with all the controls (Fig. 10) before
you start the engine and operate the machine.
Throttle Control – The throttle control has three
positions: CHOKE, FAST and SLOW.
Deck Engagement Control Bail – Control bail used
in conjunction with deck engagement switch (PTO) to
release blade brake and engage clutch to drive mower
blades. Release bail to disengage mower blades.
Blade Control Switch (PTO)
– Rocker switch used
in conjunction with control bail to release blade brake
and engage clutch to drive mower blades.
Gear Shift Lever – Transmission has four forward
speeds, neutral and reverse, and has an in-line shift
pattern. Do not shift while unit is moving, as
transmission damage may occur.
Upper Control Bar – Shift to desired gear and push
forward on control bar to engage forward traction
operation and pull back to brake. Pull right side of
control bar to turn right and left side to turn left.
Lower Contr ol Bar – Shift transmission to reverse
and pull rearward on lower control bar to engage
rearward traction operation.
Parking Brake Lever – Pull back on upper control
bar and swing brake lever up against the upper
handle.
Ignition Switch – Key switch is used in conjunction
with recoil starter. Switch has two positions: RUN
and OFF.
Recoil Starter – Pull recoil Starter handle to start
engine.
Fuel Shut–off Valve – (Under fuel tank) Close fuel
shut–off valve when transporting or storing mower.
2
3
4
8
m–4183
1
6
5
7
Figure 10
1. Throttle control
2. Blade control bail
3. Blade control switch
(PTO)
4.
Gear shift lever
5. Upper control bar
6. Lower control bar
7. Parking brake lever
8. Ignition switch

Operation
16
Parking Brake
Always set the parking brake when you stop the
machine or leave it unattended.
Setting the Parking Brake
1. Pull the upper control bar (Fig. 11) rearward and
hold it in this position.
2. Lift the parking brake lock (Fig. 11) up and
gradually release the upper control bar. The
brake lock should stay in the set (locked)
position.
Releasing the Parking Brake
1. Pull rearward on the upper control bar (Fig. 11).
Lower the parking brake lock to the released
position.
2. Gradually release the upper control bar.
1
2
m–4184
Figure 1 1
1. Upper control bar 2. Parking brake lock

Operation
17
Starting and Stopping
the Engine
Starting
1. Make sure spark plug wire(s) areinstalled on
spark plug(s) and fuel valve is open.
2. Move the shift lever to neutral, set the parking
brake and turn ignition key to RUN.
3. Move the throttle control to CHOKE position
before starting a cold engine.
Note: A warm or hot engine usually does not
require any choking. To start a warm
engine, move throttle control to FAST
position.
4. Grasp recoil starter handle firmly and pull out
until positive engagement results; then pull
handle vigorously to start engine and allow rope
to recoil slowly.
IMPORTANT: Do not pull recoil rope to its
limit or let go of the starter handle when rope
is pulled out because rope may break or recoil
assembly may be damaged.
Stopping
1. Move the throttle lever to “SLOW” (Fig. 12).
Note: If the engine has been working hard or
is hot, let it idle for a minute before
turning the ignition key “OFF.” This
helps cool the engine before it is
stopped. In an emergency, the engine
may be stopped by turning the ignition
key to “OFF.”
2. Turn the ignition key to “OFF” (Fig. 12).
1
2
m–4184
Figure 12
1. Throttle lever 2. Ignition key
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Pull wire off spark plug(s) to prevent possibility
of accidental starting before storing machine.
5. Close fuel shut off valve before storing machine.
IMPORTANT: Make sure fuel shut off valve
is closed before transporting or storing
machine, as fuel leakage may occur.

Operation
18
Operating Mower Blade
Control (PT O)
The blade control switch (PTO) in conjunction with
the blade control bail engages and disengages power
to the electric clutch and mower blades.
Engaging the Mower Blades (PTO)
1. Pull on the upper control bar to stop the machine
(Fig. 13).
2. To engage blade, squeeze blade control bail
against upper control bar
3. Press rocker switch forward “ON” and release.
Hold blade control bail against control bar while
operating.
4. Repeat procedure to engage mower blades if
blade control bail is released.
13
m–4184
2
Figure 13
1. Upper control bar
2. Blade control bail
3. Blade control switch
(PTO)
Disengaging the Mower Blades (PTO)
1. Releasing blade control bail to disengage blades
(PTO) (Fig. 13).
2. Or push the blade control switch (PTO) to the
“OFF”position (Fig. 13).
The Safety Interlock System
Understanding the Safety Interlock
System
The safety interlock system is designed to prevent the
mower blades from rotating unless:
•The control bail is depressed
•The blade control switch (PTO) is pressed “ON”
The safety interlock system is designed to stop the
mower blades if you released the blade control bail.
Testing the Safety Interlock System
Test the safety interlock system before you use the
machine each time. If the safety system does not
operate as described below, have an Authorized
Service Dealer repair the safety system immediately.
1. Set the parking brake and start the engine: refer
to Starting and Stopping the Engine, page 17
2. Squeeze the blade control bail against upper
control bar. The blades should not rotate.
3. Then continue holding the blade control bail and
press the rocker switch forward “ON” and
release. The clutch should engage and the mower
blades begin rotating.
4. Release the blade control bail. The blades should
stop rotating.
5. Then push the blade control switch (PTO) to
“ON” without holding the blade control bail.
The blades should not rotate.