Toro TimeCutter 74766 User manual

Form No. 3409-414 Rev A
TimeCutter®MX 4200 Riding
Mower
Model No. 74766—Serial No. 400000000 and Up
Register at www.Toro.com.
Original Instructions (EN) *3409-414* A

WARNING
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains a chemical or chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer,
birth defects, or reproductive harm.
The engine exhaust from this product
contains chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm.
This spark ignition system complies with Canadian ICES-002
It is a violation of California Public Resource Code
Section 4442 or 4443 to use or operate the engine on any
forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless
the engine is equipped with a spark arrester, as dened in
Section 4442, maintained in effective working order or the
engine is constructed, equipped, and maintained for the
prevention of re.
Gross Horsepower
The gross or net horsepower of this engine was laboratory
rated by the engine manufacturer in accordance with the
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1940. As congured
to meet safety, emission, and operating requirements,
the actual engine torque on this class of mower will be
signicantly lower.
Go to www.Toro.com to view specications on your mower
model.
Important: If you are using a machine with a Toro
engine above 1500 m (5,000 ft) for a continuous period,
ensure that the High Altitude Kit has been installed so
that the engine meets CARB/EPA emission regulations.
The High Altitude Kit increases engine performance
while preventing spark-plug fouling, hard starting, and
increased emissions. Once you have installed the kit,
attach the high-altitude label next to the serial decal
on the machine. Contact any Authorized Toro Service
Dealer to obtain the proper High Altitude Kit and
high-altitude label for your machine. To locate a dealer
convenient to you, access our website at www.Toro.com
or contact our Toro Customer Care Department at the
number(s) listed in your Emission Control Warranty
Statement.
Remove the kit from the engine and restore the engine
to its original factory conguration when running the
engine under 1500 m (5,000 ft). Do not operate an engine
that has been converted for high-altitude use at lower
altitudes; otherwise, you could overheat and damage
the engine.
If you are unsure whether or not your machine has been
converted for high-altitude use, look for the following
label.
decal127-9363
Introduction
This machine is a ride-on, rotary-blade lawn mower intended
to be used by homeowners in residential applications. It is
primarily designed for cutting grass on well-maintained lawns.
It is not designed for cutting brush, mowing grass and other
growth alongside highways, or for agricultural uses.
Read this information carefully to learn how to operate and
maintain your product properly and to avoid injury and
product damage. You are responsible for operating the
product properly and safely.
You may contact Toro directly at www.Toro.com for product
safety and operation training materials, accessory information,
help nding a dealer, or to register your product.
Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or additional
information, contact an Authorized Service Dealer or Toro
Customer Service and have the model and serial numbers of
your product ready. Figure 1 identies the location of the
model and serial numbers on the product. Write the numbers
in the space provided.
g188142
Figure 1
Under the seat
1. Model and serial number plate
Write the product model and serial numbers in the space
below:
© 2017—The Toro® Company
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420 2
Contact us at www.Toro.com.
Printed in the USA
All Rights Reserved

Model No.
Serial No.
This manual identies potential hazards and has safety
messages identied by the safety-alert symbol (Figure 2),
which signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or death
if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
g000502
Figure 2
1. Safety-alert symbol.
This manual uses 2 words to highlight information.
Important calls attention to special mechanical information
and Note emphasizes general information worthy of special
attention.
Contents
Safety ........................................................................... 4
General Safety......................................................... 4
Slope Indicator ....................................................... 5
Safety and Instructional Decals ................................. 6
Product Overview .........................................................11
Controls ...............................................................11
Before Operation ......................................................13
Before Operation Safety..........................................13
Recommended Fuel................................................13
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner ...................................14
Filling the Fuel Tank...............................................14
Checking the Engine-Oil Level.................................14
Breaking in a New Machine......................................14
Think Safety First...................................................14
Using the Safety-Interlock System.............................15
Positioning the Seat ................................................16
Adjusting the Motion-Control Levers........................16
During Operation .....................................................17
During Operation Safety .........................................17
Operating the Mower Blade-Control Switch
(PTO) ...............................................................18
Operating the Throttle............................................19
Operating the Choke...............................................19
Operating the Ignition Switch ..................................19
Starting and Shutting Off the Engine.........................20
Using the Motion-Control Levers .............................20
Driving the Machine ...............................................20
Stopping the Machine .............................................22
Adjusting the Height of Cut .....................................22
Adjusting the Anti-Scalp Rollers ...............................22
Using the Side Discharge.........................................23
Operating Tips ......................................................23
After Operation ........................................................24
After Operation Safety............................................24
Pushing the Machine by Hand..................................24
Transporting the Machine........................................25
Loading the Machine ..............................................26
Maintenance .................................................................27
Recommended Maintenance Schedule(s) ......................27
Pre-Maintenance Procedures ......................................28
Maintenance and Storage Safety................................28
Raising the Seat......................................................28
Lubrication ...............................................................29
Greasing the Bearings .............................................29
Engine Maintenance ..................................................29
Engine Safety.........................................................29
Servicing the Air Cleaner.........................................29
Servicing the Engine Oil..........................................30
Servicing the Spark Plug..........................................33
Cleaning the Cooling System....................................34
Fuel System Maintenance ...........................................35
Replacing the In-Line Fuel Filter...............................35
Electrical System Maintenance ....................................36
Electrical System Safety...........................................36
Servicing the Battery...............................................36
Servicing the Fuses.................................................37
3

Drive System Maintenance .........................................38
Checking the Tire Pressure ......................................38
Releasing the Electric Brake .....................................38
Mower Maintenance...................................................39
Servicing the Cutting Blades.....................................39
Leveling the Mower Deck........................................41
Removing the Mower Deck .....................................43
Installing the Mower...............................................44
Replacing the Grass Deector..................................44
Mower Belt Maintenance ............................................46
Inspecting the Belts ................................................46
Replacing the Mower Belt........................................46
Cleaning ...................................................................47
Washing the Underside of the Mower ........................47
Storage ........................................................................48
Cleaning and Storage ..............................................48
Troubleshooting ...........................................................49
Schematics ...................................................................51
Safety
This machine has been designed in accordance with ANSI
B71.1-2012.
General Safety
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
of throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious personal injury.
Using this product for purposes other than its intended use
could prove dangerous to you and bystanders.
•Read and understand the contents of this Operator’s Manual
before you start the engine. Ensure that everyone using
this product knows how to use it and understands the
warnings.
•Do not put your hands or feet near moving components
of the machine.
•Do not operate the machine without all guards and other
safety protective devices in place and working on the
machine.
•Keep clear of any discharge opening. Keep bystanders a
safe distance away from the machine.
•Keep children out of the operating area. Never allow
children to operate the machine.
•Stop the machine and shut off the engine before servicing,
fueling, or unclogging the machine.
Improperly using or maintaining this machine 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, Warning, or
Danger—personal safety instruction. Failure to comply with
these instructions may result in personal injury or death.
You can nd additional items of safety information in their
respective sections throughout this manual.
4

Slope Indicator
G01 1841
g011841
Figure 4
This page may be copied for personal use.
1. The maximum slope you can safely operate the machine on is 15 degrees. Use the slope chart to determine the degree of slope
of hills before operating. Do not operate this machine on a slope greater than 15 degrees. Fold along the appropriate line
to match the recommended slope.
2. Align this edge with a vertical surface, a tree, building, fence pole, etc.
3. Example of how to compare slope with folded edge
5

Safety and Instructional 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 missing.
decal93-7009
93-7009
1. Warning—do not operate the mower with the deector up
or removed; keep the deector in place.
2. Cutting/dismemberment hazard of hand or foot, mower
blade—stay away from moving parts.
decal105-7015
105-7015
decal106-8717
106-8717
1. Read the instructions before servicing or performing
maintenance.
2. Check tire pressure every 25 operating hours.
3. Grease every 25 operating hours.
4. Engine
decal112-9840
112-9840
1. Read the Operator's
Manual.
3. Remove the ignition key
and read the instructions
before servicing or
performing maintenance.
2. Height of cut
decal119-8814
119-8814
1. Parking position 4. Neutral
2. Fast 5. Reverse
3. Slow
decal119-8815
119-8815
1. Parking position 4. Neutral
2. Fast 5. Reverse
3. Slow
6

decal119-8871
119-8871
1. Height of cut
decal121-2989b
121-2989
1. Bypass lever position for
pushing the machine
2. Bypass lever position for
operating the machine
decaloemmarkt
Manufacturer's Mark
1. Indicates the blade is identied as a part from the original
machine manufacturer.
decalbatterysymbols
Battery Symbols
Some or all of these symbols are on your battery.
1. Explosion hazard 6. Keep bystanders a safe
distance away from the
battery.
2. No re, open ame, or
smoking
7. Wear eye protection;
explosive gases can
cause blindness and other
injuries.
3. Caustic liquid/chemical
burn hazard
8. Battery acid can cause
blindness or severe burns.
4. Wear eye protection. 9. Flush eyes immediately
with water and get medical
help fast.
5. Read the Operator's
Manual.
10. Contains lead; do not
discard.
decal131-1097
131-1097
1. Oil drain
7

decal132-0872
132-0872
1. Thrown object
hazard—keep bystanders
away from the machine.
3. Severing hazard of hand
or foot—keep away from
moving parts.
2. Thrown object hazard,
raised bafe—do not
operate the machine with
an open deck; use a
bagger or a bafe.
4. Entanglement
hazard—keep away
from moving parts; keep
all guards and shields in
place.
decal131-3947
131-3947
1. Trim—slow 3. Mow—fast
2. Tow—medium
8

decal121-0772
121-0772
1. Fast 4. Choke
2. Continuous-variable setting 5. Power takeoff (PTO), Blade-control switch
3. Slow
9

decal132-0869
132-0869
This machine complies with the industry standard stability test in the static lateral and longitudinal tests with the maximum
recommended slope indicated on the decal. Review the instructions for operating the machine on slopes in the Operator's
Manual and the conditions in which the machine is being operated to determine whether the machine can be operated in
the conditions on that day and at that site. Changes in the terrain can result in a change in slope operation for the machine.
If possible, keep the cutting units lowered to the ground while operating the machine on slopes. Raising the cutting units
while operating on slopes can cause the machine to become unstable.
1. Warning—read the
Operator's Manual.
3. Cutting hazard of hand,
mower blade; pinching
hazard of hand, belt—keep
hands and feet away from
moving parts; keep all
guards and shields in place.
5. Ramp tipping
hazard—when loading
onto a trailer, do not use
dual ramps; only use a
single ramp wide enough
for the machine and that
has an incline less than
15 degrees; back up the
ramp (in reverse) and drive
forward off the ramp.
7. Tipping hazard on
slopes—do not use on
slopes near open water; do
not use on slopes greater
than 15 degrees.
2. Warning—before servicing,
engage the parking brake,
remove the key and the
spark plug connection.
4. Thrown object
hazard—keep bystanders
away from the machine;
remove debris from the
area before mowing; keep
the deector shield down.
6. Bodily harm hazard—no
riders; look behind you
when mowing in reverse.
10

Product Overview
g028166
9
2
1
5 3
4
7
2
10
8
6
11
12
g028166
Figure 5
1. Deector 4. Height-of-cut lever 7. Footrest 10. Engine
2. Rear drive wheel 5. Operator seat 8. Fuel-tank cap 11. Engine guard
3. Motion-control levers 6. Smart Speed™lever 9. Control panel 12. Front caster wheel
Controls
Become familiar with all the controls in Figure 5 and Figure 6
before you start the engine and operate the machine.
g032603
Figure 6
Control panel
1. Throttle 3. Blade-control switch
(power takeoff)
2. Choke 4. Ignition switch
Ignition Switch
Use this switch to start the mower engine. It has 3 positions:
START, RUN, and OFF.
Choke Control
Use the choke to start a cold engine. Pull the choke knob
up to engage it. Push the choke knob down to disengage
it (Figure 6).
Throttle Control
The throttle controls the engine speed, and it has a
continuous-variable setting from the SLOW to FAST position
(Figure 6).
Blade-Control Switch (Power
Takeoff)
The blade-control switch, represented by a power-takeoff
(PTO) symbol, engages and disengages power to the mower
blades (Figure 6).
11

Motion-Control Levers
Use the motion-control levers to drive the machine forward,
reverse, and turn either direction.
Park Position
Move the motion-control levers outward from the center to
the PARK position when exiting the machine (Figure 21).
Always position the motion-control levers into the PARK
position when you stop the machine or leave it unattended.
Smart Speed™Control System
Lever
The Smart Speed™ Control-System lever, located below the
operating position, gives you a choice to drive the machine at
3 speed ranges— trim, tow, and mow (Figure 24).
Fuel-Presence Window
You can use the fuel window, located on the left side of the
machine, to verify the presence of fuel in the tank (Figure 7).
G014521
1
g014521
Figure 7
1. Fuel-presence window
Height-of-Cut Lever
The height-of-cut lever works with the foot pedal to lock the
deck in a specic cutting height. Adjust the height of cut only
when the machine is not moving (Figure 6).
Hour Meter
The hour meter records the number of hours when you
are in the seat and the ignition switch is in the ONposition
(Figure 8).
g027869g027
1
g027869
Figure 8
1. Hour meter location behind the seat
Attachments/Accessories
A selection of Toro approved attachments and accessories is
available for use with the machine to enhance and expand
its capabilities. Contact your Authorized Service Dealer or
Distributor or go to www.Toro.com for a list of all approved
attachments and accessories.
12

Operation
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Before Operation
Before Operation Safety
General Safety
•Never allow children or untrained people to operate or
service the machine. Local regulations may restrict the
age of the operator. The owner is responsible for training
all operators and mechanics.
•Become familiar with the safe operation of the equipment,
operator controls, and safety signs.
•Know how to stop the machine and shut off the engine
quickly.
•Check that operator-presence controls, safety switches,
and shields are attached and functioning properly. Do not
operate the machine unless they are functioning properly.
•Before mowing, always inspect the machine to ensure that
the blades, blade bolts, and cutting assemblies are in good
working condition. Replace worn or damaged blades and
bolts in sets to preserve balance.
•Inspect the area where you will use the machine and
remove all objects that the machine could throw.
•Evaluate the terrain to determine the appropriate
equipment and any attachments or accessories required to
operate the machine properly and safely.
Fuel Safety
•To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme
care in handling fuel. Fuel vapors are ammable and
explosive.
•Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources
of ignition.
•Use only an approved fuel container.
•Do not remove the fuel cap or add fuel to the fuel tank
while the engine is running or while hot.
•Do not refuel the machine indoors.
•Do not store the machine or fuel container where there
is an open ame, spark, or pilot light, such as on a water
heater or on other appliances.
•Do not ll containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on
the ground, away from your vehicle before lling.
•Remove the equipment from the truck or trailer and
refuel it while it is on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel from a portable container rather than a
fuel-dispenser nozzle.
•Do not operate the machine without the entire exhaust
system in place and in proper working condition.
•Keep the fuel-dispenser nozzle in contact with the rim of
the fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling
is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
•If you spill fuel on your clothing, change your clothing
immediately. Wipe up any fuel that spills.
•Never overll the fuel tank. Replace the fuel cap and
tighten it securely.
•Store fuel in an approved container and keep it out of the
reach of children. Never buy more than a 30-day supply
of fuel.
•Do not ll the fuel tank completely full. Add fuel to the
fuel tank until the level is 6 to 13 mm (1/4 to 1/2 inch)
below the bottom of the ller neck. This empty space in
the tank allows fuel to expand.
– Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors.
– Keep your face away from the nozzle and fuel tank
opening.
– Avoid contact with skin; wash off spills with soap and
water.
Recommended Fuel
•For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days
old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or
higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).
•Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol)
or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume
is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same.
Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not
approved for use. Never use gasoline that contains
more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15
(contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or
E85 (contains up to 85% ethanol). Using unapproved
gasoline may cause performance problems and/or engine
damage which may not be covered under warranty.
•Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
•Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel containers
over the winter unless you use a fuel stabilizer.
•Do not add oil to gasoline.
13

Using
Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide
the following benets:
•Keeps fuel fresh during storage of 90 days or less (drain
the fuel tank when storing the machine for more than
90 days)
•Cleans the engine while it runs
•Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system,
which causes hard starting
Important: Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner
to the fuel.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective
when mixed with fresh fuel. To minimize the chance of
varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at
all times.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1. Park the machine on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.
4. Clean around the fuel-tank cap.
5. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the ller neck (Figure
9).
Note: Do not ll the fuel tank completely full. The
empty space in the tank allows the fuel to expand.
g027243
AB
E
D
C
g027243
Figure 9
Checking the Engine-Oil
Level
Before you start the engine and use the machine, check
the oil level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the
Engine-Oil Level (page 30).
Breaking in a New Machine
New engines take time to develop full power. Mower decks
and drive systems have higher friction when new, placing
additional load on the engine. Allow 40 to 50 hours of
break-in time for new machines to develop full power and
best performance.
Think Safety First
Please read all safety instructions and symbols in the safety
section. Knowing this information could help you or
bystanders avoid injury.
DANGER
Operating the machine on wet grass or steep slopes
can cause sliding and loss of control.
• Do not operate on slopes greater than 15 degrees.
• Reduce speed and use extreme caution on
slopes.
• Do not operate the machine near water.
14

DANGER
Wheels dropping over edges can cause rollovers,
which may result in serious injury, death, or
drowning.
Do not operate the machine near drop-offs.
g000513
Figure 10
1. Safe Zone—use the
machine here on slopes
less than 15 degrees or
at areas.
3. Water
2. Danger Zone—use a
walk-behind mower and/or
a hand trimmer on slopes
greater than 15 degrees,
near drop-offs and water.
CAUTION
This machine produces sound levels in excess of
85 dBA at the operator’s ear and can cause hearing
loss through extended periods of exposure.
Wear hearing protection when operating this
machine.
Use protective equipment for your eyes, ears, hands, feet,
and head.
G009027
12
g009027
Figure 11
1. Wear eye protection. 2. Wear hearing protection.
Using the Safety-Interlock
System
WARNING
If the safety-interlock switches are disconnected or
damaged, the machine could operate unexpectedly,
causing personal injury.
• Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
• Check the operation of the interlock switches
daily and replace any damaged switches before
operating the machine.
Understanding the
Safety-Interlock System
The safety-interlock system is designed to prevent the engine
from starting unless:
•The blade-control switch (PTO) is disengaged.
•The motion-control levers are in the PARK position.
The safety-interlock system also is designed to shut off the
engine whenever the control levers are out of the PARK
position and you rise from the seat.
15

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. Sit on the seat, move the motion-control levers in the
PARK position, and move the blade-control switch to
the ONposition. Try starting the engine; the engine
should not crank.
2. Sit on the seat and move the blade-control switch to
the OFF position. Move either motion-control lever to
the center, unlocked position. Try starting the engine;
the engine should not crank. Repeat with the other
motion-control lever.
3. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the
OFF position, and lock the motion-control levers in
the PARK position. Start the engine. While the engine
is running, engage the blade-control switch, and rise
slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.
4. Sit on the seat, move the blade-control switch to the
OFF position, and lock the motion-control levers in the
PARK position. Start the engine. While the engine is
running, move the motion-control levers to the center,
unlocked position, engage the blade-control switch, and
rise slightly from the seat; the engine should shut off.
Positioning the Seat
The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat
where you have the best control of the machine and are most
comfortable (Figure 12).
g027249
B
C
A
g027249
Figure 12
Adjusting the
Motion-Control Levers
Adjusting the Height
You can adjust the motion-control levers higher or lower for
maximum comfort (Figure 13).
g027252
B
A
g027252
Figure 13
16

Adjusting the Tilt
You can adjust the motion-control levers forward or rearward
for your comfort.
1. Loosen the upper bolt holding the control lever to the
control-arm shaft.
2. Loosen the lower bolt just enough to pivot the control
lever forward or rearward (Figure 13).
3. Tighten both bolts to secure the control lever in the
new position.
4. Repeat the adjustment for the other control lever.
During Operation
During Operation Safety
General Safety
•The owner/operator can prevent and is responsible for
accidents that may cause personal injury or property
damage.
•Wear appropriate clothing, including eye protection;
slip-resistant, substantial footwear; and hearing
protection. Tie back long hair and do not wear jewelry.
•Do not operate the machine while ill, tired, or under the
inuence of alcohol or drugs.
•Never carry passengers on the machine and keep
bystanders and pets away from the machine during
operation.
•Operate the machine only in good visibility to avoid holes
or hidden hazards.
•Avoid mowing on wet grass. Reduced traction could
cause the machine to slide.
•Ensure that all drives are in neutral, the parking brake
is engaged, and you are in the operating position before
you start the engine.
•Keep your hands and feet away from the cutting units.
Keep clear of the discharge opening at all times.
•Look behind and down before backing up to be sure of
a clear path.
•Use care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees,
or other objects that may obscure your vision.
•Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if a wheel goes
over the edge or if the edge gives way.
•Stop the blades whenever you are not mowing.
•Stop the machine and inspect the blades after striking an
object or if there is an abnormal vibration in the machine.
Make all necessary repairs before resuming operation.
•Slow down and use caution when making turns and
crossing roads and sidewalks with the machine. Always
yield the right-of-way.
•Disengage the drive to the cutting unit and shut off the
engine before adjusting the height of cut (unless you can
adjust it from the operating position).
•Never run an engine in an area where exhaust gases are
enclosed.
•Never leave a running machine unattended.
•Before leaving the operating position (including to empty
the catchers or to unclog the chute), do the following:
– Park the machine on a level surface.
– Disengage the power take-off and lower the
attachments.
– Engage the parking brake.
17

– Shut off the engine and remove the key.
– Wait for all moving parts to stop.
•Do not operate the machine when there is the risk of
lightning.
•Do not use the machine as a towing vehicle.
•Do not change the governor speed or overspeed the
engine.
•Use accessories and attachments approved by Toro only.
Slope Safety
•Establish your own procedures and rules for operating on
slopes. These procedures must include surveying the site
to determine which slopes are safe for machine operation.
Always use common sense and good judgment when
performing this survey.
•Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. Operating the machine on any slope requires extra
caution.
•Operate the machine at a lower speed when you are on a
slope.
•If you feel uneasy operating the machine on a slope, do
not do it.
•Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden
objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
•Choose a low ground speed so you will not have to stop
or shift while on a slope.
•A rollover can occur before the tires lose traction.
•Avoid operating the machine on wet grass. Tires may
lose traction; regardless if the brakes are available and
functioning.
•Avoid starting, stopping, or turning the machine on a
slope.
•Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
suddenly change the speed or direction of the machine.
•Do not operate the machine near drop-offs, ditches,
embankments, or bodies of water. The machine could
suddenly roll over if a wheel goes over the edge or the
edge caves in. Establish a safety area between the machine
and any hazard (2 machine widths).
Operating the Mower
Blade-Control Switch (PTO)
The blade-control switch (PTO) starts and stops the mower
blades and any powered attachments.
Engaging the Blade-Control
Switch (PTO)
G008945
g008945
Figure 14
Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the FAST
position (Figure 15).
g187516
Figure 15
Disengaging the Blade-Control
Switch (PTO)
G009174
g009174
Figure 16
18

Operating the Throttle
You can move the throttle control between the FAST and
SLOW positions (Figure 17).
Always use the FAST position when turning on the mower
deck with the blade-control switch (PTO).
g187517
Figure 17
Operating the Choke
Use the choke to start a cold engine.
1. If the engine is cold, use the choke to start the engine.
2. Pull up the choke knob to engage the choke before
using the ignition switch (Figure 18).
Note: Ensure that you fully engage the choke. You
may need to hold the knob up when you use the
ignition switch.
3. Push down the choke to disengage the choke after the
engine has started (Figure 18).
G008959
1
2
g008959
Figure 18
1. ONposition 2. OFF position
Operating the Ignition
Switch
1. Turn the ignition key to the START position (Figure 19).
Note: When the engine starts, release the key.
Important: Do not engage the starter for more
than 5 seconds at a time. If the engine fails to
start, wait 15 seconds between attempts. Failure to
follow these instructions can burn out the starter
motor.
Note: You may need multiple attempts to start the
engine when you start it the rst time after the fuel
system has been without fuel completely.
START
RUN
ST OP
G008947
g008947
Figure 19
2. Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to shut off
the engine.
19

Starting and Shutting Off
the Engine
Starting the Engine
Note: A warm or hot engine may not require choking.
Important: Do not engage the starter for more than
5 seconds at a time. Engaging the starter motor for
more than 5 seconds can damage the starter motor. If
the engine fails to start, wait 10 seconds before operating
the engine starter again.
g027581
B
CD
E
A
G
F
g027581
Figure 20
Shutting Off the Engine
1. Disengage the blades by moving the blade-control
switch to the OFF position (Figure 20).
2. Move the throttle lever to the FAST position.
3. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position and remove
the key.
Using the Motion-Control
Levers
g004532
Figure 21
1. Motion-control
lever—PARK position
4. Backward
2. Center, unlocked position 5. Front of machine
3. Forward
Driving the Machine
The drive wheels turn independently, powered by hydraulic
motors on each axle. You can turn 1 side in reverse while you
turn the other forward, causing the machine to spin rather
than turn. This greatly improves the machine maneuverability
but may require sometime for you to adapt to how it moves.
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured
in rpm (revolutions per minute). Place the throttle control in
the FAST position for best performance. Always operate in
the full throttle position when mowing.
WARNING
The machine can spin very rapidly. You may lose
control of the machine and cause personal injury or
damage to the machine.
• Use caution when making turns.
• Slow the machine down before making sharp
turns.
20