Yard-Man 614 Series User manual

vaRD-MaN
OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
for all seasons
Owner’s
Spring
Summer
Winter
1 Fall
FOUR WHEEL
Manual LAWN TRACTOR
> ASSEMBLY
> OPERATION
> MAINTENANCE
Thank you for purchasing an American-built product.
Model Series 614
IMPORTANT!
Record the exact Model No. and Serial No.
which appear on the upper portion of the rear
frame of your unit in the space below. You
must have these numbers, along with the date
of purchase, in order to receive warranty or
service.
IMPORTANT:
Read Safety Rules and
Instructions Carefully
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved
forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by
the operator.
In the State of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine
authorized service dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 368022, Cleveland, Ohio 44136-9722.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO. 770-8786L

IMPORTANT
A
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAP iTY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED, COULD ENDANGER THE PERSON¬
AL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE AHEMPTING TO OPERATE YOUR UN IT. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— A HEED ITS WARNING.
A Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this manual. As
with any type of power ec uipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in injury.
DANGER: This iawn mower is capa He of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Faiiure to observe the
foilowing safety instructio is could result in serious injury or death.
A l . GENERAL OPERATION
1. R ead, understand, and follow all instructions in the nianual and
on the machine before starting. Keep this manual in a safe
piace for future and reguiar reference and for orderirg replace¬
ment parts.
2. O nly allow responsible individuals familiar with the irstructions
to operate the machine. Know controls and how tu stop the
machine quickly.
3. D o not put hands or feet under cutting deck or near rotating
parts.
4. C lear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, (tc., which
could be picked up and thrown by the blade. A small object
may have been overlooked and could be accidentally thrown by
the mower in any direction and cause injury to you or a
bystander. To heip avoid a thrown objects injiry, keep
children, bystanders and helpers at least 75 feel from the
mower while it is in operation. Always wear safety glasses or
safety goggles during operation or whiie performing an
adjustment or repair, to protect eyes from foreign ob ects. Stop
the biade(s) when crossing gravei drives, waiks or roads.
5. B e sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
6. N ever carry passengers.
7. D isengage blade(s) before shifting into reverse and backing up.
Always look down and behind before and while back! ig.
8. B e aware of the mower and attachment discharge dir action and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mowar without
either the entire grass catcher or the chute guard in place.
9. S low down before turning. Operate the machine amoothly.
Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
10. N ever leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set park b ake, stop
engine and remove key before dismounting.
11. T urn off blade(s) when not mowing.
12. S top engine and wait until blade(s) comes to a corrplete stop
before (a) removing grass catcher or unclogging chjte, or (b)
making any repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris.
13. M ow only in daylight or good artificial light.
14. D o not operate the machine while under the inlluence of
alcohol or drugs.
15. W atch for traffic when operating near or crossing roc dways.
16. U se extra care when loading or unloading the macl ine into a
trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up ir down a
ramp onto a trailer or truck under power, because the unit
could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must
be pushed manually on a ramp to load or unload pro|ierly.
17. N e ver make a cutting height adjustment while engine is
running if operator must dismount to do so.
18. W ear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-fitling slacks
and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting clothes or jewelry. They
can be caught in moving parts. Never operate a unit in bare
feet, sandals, or sneakers.
19. C heck overhead clearance carefully before driving urder power
lines, wires, bridges or low hanging tree branch is, before
entering or leaving buildings, or in any other situation where
the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which
could result in serious injury.
20. Disengage all attachment clutches, thoroughly depress the
brake pedal, and shift into neutral before attempting to start
engine.
21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential grass of a
height no more than 10". Do not attempt to mow through
unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
Debris may build up on the mower deck or contact the engine
exhaust presenting a potential fire hazard.
^11. SLOPE OPERATION
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.
For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual
to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly
area. If the slope is greater than 15° as shown on the slope gauge,
do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO;
Mow up and down slopes, not across.
Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
Use slow speed. Choose a low enough gear so that you will not
have to stop or shift while on the slope. Always keep machine in
gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking
action.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for wheel weights or
counterweights to improve stability.
Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can
change the stability of the machine.
Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make
sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or brak¬
ing could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over
backwards which could cause serious injury.
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disen¬
gage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and
gradually downhill, if possible.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments.The mower
could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or
ditch, or if an edge caves in.
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Am. CHILDREN
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the pres¬
ence of children. Children are often attracted to the machine and
the mowing activity. Never assume that children will remain where
you last saw them.
2

1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in watchful care of
an adult other than the operator.
2. Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
3. Before and when backing, look behind and down for small chil¬
dren.
4. Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously injured
or interfere with the safe machine operation.
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine.
Children 14 years and over should only operate machine under
close parental supervision and proper instruction.
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, trees
or other objects that may obscure your vision of a child or
other hazard.
7. Remove key when machine is unattended to prevent
unauthorized operation.
IV. SERVICE
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They
are extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive.
a. Use only an approved container.
b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the engine running.
Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace fuel cap securely and wipe off any spilled fuel
before starting the engine as it may cause a fire or
explosion.
d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other sources of
ignition.
e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel vapors will
accumulate in the area.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine inside where there
is an open flame or spark, such as a gas hot water heater,
space heater or furnace.
2. Never run a machine inside a closed area.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of gra^s, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow
machine to cool at least 5 minutes before storing.
4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, make certain the blade
and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug
wire, and keep the wire away from the spark plug to prevent
accidental starting.
5. Check the blade and engine mounting bolts at frequent
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade for
damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace with
blade which meets original equipment specifications.
6. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equipment
is in safe working condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper operation
regularly. Use all guards as instructed in this manual.
8. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the wire
from the spark plug and thoroughly inspect the mower for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating the
mower.
9. Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. For your safety protection, frequently
check components and replace with manufacturer's
recommended parts when necessary.
10. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing blade(s).
11. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
12. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot during operation
and can cause a burn. Allow to cool down before touching.
13. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed the
engine. Excessive engine speeds are dangerous.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations. Improper dis¬
posal of fluids and materials can harm the environment and the
ecology.
a. Prior to disposal, determine the proper method to dispose
of waste from your local Environmental Protection Agency.
Recycling centers are established to properly dispose of
materials in an environmentally safe fashion.
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids. Do not use
food or beverage containers that may mislead someone
into drinking from them. Properly dispose of the containers
immediately following the draining of fluids.
c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the ground, down a
drain or into a stream, pond, lake or other body of water.
Observe Environmental Protection Agency regulations
when disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, filters,
batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
OWNER’S
MANUAL
SAFETY LABEL
A
WARNING — YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,
understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this
manual and on the machine.
UNPACKING
TO REMOVE UNIT FROM CRATE
1. Remove all screws from the top of the crate using
a 1/4" hex head socket or a flat blade screwdriver.
2. To remove ends, grasp top board on the end, and
pull towards you in a downward motion.
3. Set panel aside to avoid tire punctures.
4. Repeat procedure for each side of the crate.
5. Remove and discard plastic bag which covers
unit.
6. Loose parts (may include the owner’s guide,
steering wheel, battery fluid, chute deflector,
optional mulching kit, etc.) are on the seat and
wrapped in plastic. Carefully cut and remove the
plastic wrap. Remove loose parts from the seat.
7. Make certain brake is released. Raise the deck
and push the unit off the skid.
8. If your unit has a two-piece steering shaft, the
upper steering shaft is tied to the steering wheel
for shipping. Cut and remove the cable tie.
3

ASSEME^LY INSTRUCTIONS
BATTERY INFORMATION
A WARNING
A. Battery acid must be handled with great care as
contact with it can burn and blister the skin. It is also
advisable to wear protective clothing (goggles, rub¬
ber gloves and apron) when working with it.^
B. Should battery acid accidentaiiy splatter into the
eyes or onto the face, rinse the affect 3d area
immediateiy with clean cold water. If thers is any
further discomfort, seek prompt medical attantion.
C. If acid spills on clothing, first dilute it wl h clean
water, then neutralize with a solution of ammonia/
water or baking soda/water.
D. Since battery acid is corrosive, do not po jr it into
any sink or drain. Before discarding empty elec¬
trolyte containers, rinse them with a neutralizing
solution.
E. NEVER connect or disconnect charger clips to bat¬
tery while charger is turned on as it cai cause
sparks.
F. Keep all lighted materials (cigarettes, rr atches,
lighters) away from the battery as the h^^drogen
gas generated during charging can be com¬
bustible.
G. As a further precaution, only charge the battery in
a well-ventilated area,
*Always shield eyes, protect skin and clothing
when working near batteries.
A DANGER
Battery contains sulfuric acid. Refer to w irning
above. Antidote; EXTERNAL—Flush with water.
INTERNAL—Drink large quantities of water or
milk. Follow with milk of magnesia, beaten eggs or
vegetable oil. Call physician immediately. EYES:
Flush with cool water for at least 15 minute ;, then
get prompt medical attention.
Since batteries produce expiosive gases, keep
ali iighted materials (cigarettes, ligliters,
matches, etc.) away. Be sure to charge battery
only in well-ventilated areas. Make certain \ anting
path of battery (drain tube) is always open.
KEEP BATTERIES
OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
IMPORTANT: After assembly, service engine
with gasoline, and check oil level as instructed
in the separate engine manual packed with
your unit.
NOTE: Reference to right or left hand side of the
unit is observed from the driver’s seat, facing for¬
ward.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
(1) 1/4" socket wrench or flat blade screwdriver
(1) 1/2" wrench or socket wrench
0) 9/16" wrench or socket wrench
(2) 7/16" wrenches or socket wrenches
ACTIVATING AND CHARGING THE BAHERY
Do not activate battery (fill with battery acid) until
battery is actuaily placed in service. Be certain to
read previous warnings before activating the
battery.
1. Pivot the seat forward. Unhook the strap which
secures the battery (hook is on rear frame, under
fender). Disconnect the positive cable from the
positive terminal. Save the hardware for
reassembly.
2. Remove the battery from the lawn tractor, paying
attention to how the battery is placed in the unit,
and how the drain tube (attached to the battery) is
routed.
3. Activate the battery as instructed in the “Quick
Start” brochure included with the battery fluid.
Read instructions carefully.
NOTE: You can continue assembling the lawn tractor
while battery is standing for 30 minutes (after filling
with acid), and later while you are charging the battery.
IMPORTANT: To obtain the maximum iife from
your battery, it MUST BE CHARGED prior to initial
use.
CHARGE THE BATTERY after the 30 minute stand¬
ing period. Use a 12-volt automotive type battery
charger to charge the battery at 6 AMPS for one hour
before installation.
NOTE: If you charge the battery at a lower AMP rate,
use a hydrometer to make sure the battery is
completely charged. The hydrometer should read
1.260 minimum. DO NOT CHARGE AT MORE THAN
6 AMPS.
4

Steering Wheel
Insert
Prongs
Shipping
Cap
Upper
Steering I
Shaft
Lock
Nut
Hex Lock Bolt ^BdlSS?
Cupped Washer
FIGURE 1.
Screws
ATTACHING THE STEERING WHEEL
1. Models with two-piece steering shaft: Raise
the hood on the lawn tractor and remove the hex
bolt and lock nut from the lower steering shaft.
Insert end of upper shaft through the hole in dash
panei, and into the lower steering shaft. Align the
holes in the upper and lower steering shafts, and
secure with hex bolt and lock nut just removed.
— See figure 1, inset.
2. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel
has been packed inside the steering wheel.
Carefully pry off the shipping cap and remove the
hardware. Discard the shipping cap.
3. Remove the steering bellow from the lift lever on
the right hand side of lawn tractor. Place steering
bellow over the steering shaft extending through
the dash.
NOTE: If the openings on each end of the steering
bellow are two different sizes, the smaller end goes
down against the dash of the lawn tractor.
4. With the wheels of the tractor pointing
straight forward, place the steering wheel over
the steering shaft, positioning steering wheel as
desired.
5. Place the washer with the cupped side down over
the steering shaft. Secure with hex lock bolt.
6. Snap the steering insert over the four spokes of
the steering wheel.
ATTACHING THE SEAT
Remove the four screws which secure the seat to the
seat pivot bracket. Turn the seat around and place in
position against the seat pivot bracket, lining up the
slotted holes in the pivot bracket with the holes in the
seat. Select desired position for the seat, and secure
with the four screws. See figure 2.
ATTACHING THE CHUTE DEFLECTOR
The chute deflector must be attached to the right side
of the deck so that it covers the chute opening.
A WARNING: Do not operate your unit
unless the chute deflector has been
properly installed.
1. M ake certain deck is raised to its highest position
(lift lever pulled all the way back).
2. R e m ov e the truss machine screws, cupped
washers and hex jam nuts which are attached to
the deck next to the chute opening.
3. P lace the chute deflector in position as shown in
-figure 3. Secure with hardware just removed.
Cupped sides of washers go against the chute
deflector.
5

Deck Hanger O
FIGURE 4.
Positive Terminal
(Inside Rubber Boot)
Battery
'Strap
Negative
Cabie Negative ^ ^
Terminai Battery Openin j
FIGURE 5.
Cable Drain Tube
Tie I
Transaxle
Reinforcement
Bracket
FIGURE 6
TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for ship¬
ping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before oper¬
ating the unit. Recommended operating tire pressure
is approximately 12 p.s.i.
A WARNING: Maximum tire pressure under
any circumstances is 30 p.s.i. Equal tire
pressure should be maintained on all tires.
-•-LEVELING THE DECK
With unit on hard, level surface, measure the distance
from the bottom edge of the center of the left side of
deck to the ground. Measure the same distance on
the right side of the deck, just behind the chute area.
Or, place the blades in a straight line, and measure
the distance from the outside edge of the blade tips to
the ground.
If adjustment is needed, proceed as follows.
1. Remove the hairpin clip and flat washer from the
bottom of the adjustable lift link on the left side of
the deck. (Hairpin clip and flat washer are on the
inside of the lift link.)
2. Pull the adjustable lift link out of the deck hanger
channel. See figure 4. Turn the adjustable lift link
up or down as necessary to level the deck.
Usually only one or two turns are needed.
3. Insert the end of the adjustable lift link into the hole
in the deck hanger channel. Recheck the adjust¬
ment. Readjust if necessary.
4. When deck is level, secure end of adjustable lift
link with flat washer and hairpin clip.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
1. Lift the seat.
2. Make certain both the negative (black) cable and
the positive (red) cable are routed up through the
-battery opening as shown in figure 5.
3. Replace the battery into the battery opening in
the same position as it was before (positive
terminal is toward the front of the unit).
4. Attach the positive (red) cable to the positive
terminal of the battery. Secure with hex bolt and
nut previously removed. Slide rubber boot down
over the positive terminal.
5. Remove the hex bolt and nut from the negative
(black) cable. Attach negative cable to the
negative terminal with this bolt and nut.
6. Secure battery by hooking battery strap into slot
in rear frame, under the fender. See figure 6.
7. Insert the drain tube through the hole in the
transaxle bracket or through the cable tie (if so
equipped) which is attached to the transaxle
reinforcement bracket on the right side of the
-unit. See figure 6. Be certain drain tube is routed
away from the wheel rim.
8. Pull cable tie (if so equipped) to secure the drain
tube, but do not overtighten or the tube could
collapse. Trim excess end of cable tie.
9. Trim excess end of drain tube if necessary (about
4" should extend past the bracket or cable tie).
6

CONTROLS
IGNITION SWITCH
The ignition switch is located on the dashboard. The
engine is started by turning the key to the START
position to start the engine. When the engine is run¬
ning, leave the key in the ON position. To stop the
engine, turn the key to the OFF position. See figure 7.
A WARNING: Remove the key from the
tractor when the tractor is not in use to
prevent accidental starting.
THROTTLE CONTROL
The throttle control is located on the left side of the
dashboard and is used to regulate the engine speed.
See figure 7. The engine should be operated at full
throttle (FAST) when operating the mower.
Ammeter.
Throttle
Control
Clutch-Brake
Pedal
FIGURE 7.
[Parking
Brake
CLUTCH-BRAKE PEDAL
The clutch-brake pedal is located on the left side of
the tractor. See figure 7. Depressing the clutch-brake
pedal partway disengages the clutch. Pressing the
pedal all the way down disengages the clutch and
engages the disc brake.
NOTE: The clutch-brake pedal must be depressed to
start the engine.
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever is located on the right fender and has
three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and
REVERSE. See figure 8. The clutch-brake pedal must
be depressed and the lawn tractor must not be
moving when shifting gears. Do not force the shift
lever. Release the clutch-brake pedal slightly to line
up the shifting collar in the transmission. Then try to
shift gears.
FIGURE 8.
CHOKE CONTROL
The choke control is located on the dashboard and is
operated manually. Details for the choke operation
are covered in the separate engine manual packed
with your unit. See figure 7.
LIGHT SWITCH
The head lamps are operated by pushing the light
switch located on the dashboard. The head lamps will
only operate when the engine is running. See figure 7.
AMMETER
The ammeter registers the rate of battery charge or
discharge. The ammeter will register on the discharg¬
ing side when starting the engine. It should register on
the opposite side (charging) when the engine is
running in the fast position until the battery is com¬
pletely charged. With a fully charged battery or with
the engine idling, the ammeter will not show a charge.
See figure 7.
PARKING BRAKE
To set the parking brake, depress the clutch-brake
pedal and pull up the parking brake knob. It will stay
in the raised position. To release the parking brake,
depress and release the clutch-brake pedal. See
figure 7.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running.
SPEED CONTROL LEVER
The speed control lever is located on the left fender. It
allows you to regulate the ground speed of the lawn
tractor. See figure 9. To select the ground speed,
depress clutch pedal. Push speed control lever out¬
ward and move backward to slow lawn tractor, move
fonward to increase speed. When desired speed has
been obtained, release lever in that position.
Whenever clutch is engaged, unit will automatically go
to the pre-set speed.
7

FIGURE 9.
CUTTING CONTROLS
A. LIFT LEVER
The lift lever is used to raise and lower the cutting
deck and to engage and disengage the l)lades.
Pulling it all the way back and locking it disengages
the blades.
NOTE: The lift lever must be in the BLADl'S OFF
when starting the engine, when shifting into re' 'erse or
if the operator leaves the seat.
B. DECK LIFT INDICATOR
The deck lift indicator marks the position being used
for the lift lever. Select the lift lever position desired,
press the indicator lever outward, move it to tlie posi¬
tion immediately below the lift lever and release the
indicator lever. See figure 10.
C. SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT
1. Select the position for the lift lever whici gives
the desired cutting height. Move the deck lift indi¬
cator so that the lift lever can be returnei i to the
same position after it is raised.
2. Move the deck wheels to the hole location so the
wheels are 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the grour d.
FIGURE 10.
OPERATION
A WARNING
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS. • AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNIT WHERE IT COULD SLIP OR TIP.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.
• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLACING
HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).
• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR’S POSITION, DISENGAGE BLADE(S),
PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE BRAKE LOCK, SHUT
ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL
GAS AND OIL FILL-UP
Check oil level and add if necessary. Service the
engine with gasoline as instructed in the separate
engine manual packed with your tractor. Read
instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT: Your tractor is shipped with oil; how¬
ever, you must check the oil level before operating.
Be careful not to overfill.
A WARNING: Never fill fuel tank indoors,
with engine running or while engine is
hot.
STARTING THE ENGINE
IMPORTANT: This unit is equipped with a safety
interlock system for your protection. The purpose of
the safety interlock system is to prevent the engine
from cranking or starting unless the clutch-brake
pedal is depressed and the lift lever is in the BLADES
OFF position. In addition, the lift lever must be in the
BLADES OFF position when the unit is put into
reverse or the engine will shut off. If the operator
leaves the seat with the lift lever engaged and/or with¬
out setting the parking brake, the engine will shut off.
A WARNING: Do not operate the lawn trac¬
tor if the interlock system is malfunction¬
ing because it is a safety device,
designed for protection.
1. Place the lift lever in the BLADES OFF position.
2. Depress the clutch-brake pedal and set the park¬
ing brake.
3. P lace the shift lever in the NEUTRAL position.
4. S et the throttle control in the FAST position.
8

5. Pull out the choke control (a warm engine may
not require choking).
6. Turn the ignition key to the right to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key.
It will return to the ON position.
7. Slowly push in the choke as the engine warms
up.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Turn the ignition key to the left to the OFF position.
Remove the key to prevent accidental starting.
IMPORTANT: If you strike a foreign object, stop the
engine. Remove wire from spark plug, thoroughly
inspect the unit for any damage, and repair the dam¬
age before restarting and operating the mower.
NOTE: If any problems are encountered, refer to the
Trouble Shooting Chart on page 17.
OPERATING THE LAWN TRACTOR
WARNING: Before operating your four
wheel steer lawn tractor, be certain to
read the next section, “Steering the Lawn
Tractor.” Operate your tractor in an open
area when operating for the first time.
1. Set the desired cutting height.
2. Move throttle control to full throttle to prevent
strain on the engine and to operate attachments.
3. Place the shift lever in either the FORWARD or
REVERSE position. Place the speed control lever
in desired position. Use first speed position when
operating the tractor for the first time.
A WARNING: Look to the rear before back¬
ing up.
4. R elease the parking brake by depressing the
clutch-brake pedal. Release clutch-brake pedal
slowly to put unit into motion.
5. T he lawn tractor is brought to a stop by depress¬
ing the clutch-brake pedal.
NOTE: When operating the unit initially, there will be
little difference between the highest two speeds until
after the belts have seated themselves into the pul¬
leys during the break-in period.
Be sure that the lawn Is clear of stones, sticks, wire,
or other objects which could damage tractor or
engine. For best results and to insure more even
grass distribution, do not mow when lawn is exces¬
sively wet.
A WARNING: Before leaving the operator’s
position for any reason, disengage the
blades, place the shift lever in neutral,
engage the parking brake, shut engine
off and remove the key.
When stopping the unit to empty a grass bag, etc., fol¬
low the instructions above. This procedure will also
eliminate “browning” the grass, which is caused by
hot exhaust gases from a running engine.
If unit stalls with speed control in high speed, or if
unit will not operate with speed control lever in a low
speed position, proceed as follows.
1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL.
2. Restart engine.
3. Place speed control lever in HIGH speed position.
4. Release clutch-brake pedal fully.
5. Depress clutch-brake pedal.
6. Place speed control lever in desired position.
7. Place shift lever in either FORWARD or
REVERSE, and follow normal operating proce¬
dures.
STEERING THE LAWN TRACTOR
Your four wheel steering lawn tractor is designed for
optimum maneuverability. It is important to under¬
stand how it operates before using the lawn tractor.
If the wheels are pointing straight for¬
ward and the steering wheel is turned
less than approximately 45°, only the
front wheels turn. See figure 11 A. When
the steering wheel Is turned sharply (more than
approximately 45°), the rear wheels also turn, but in
the opposite direction as the front wheels to provide a
very small turning radius. See figure 11B.
FIGURE 11.
The important point is this: When operating the
lawn tractor beside a wall or fence, against or on top
of a curb, driving around an object, or in any other
similar situation, turn the steering wheei graduaily
to pull away from the object or curb so the rear of the
tractor does not swing out and hit the object or go
over the curb.
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A WARNING: If operating this lawn tractor
near a drop-off in the ground, do not
make a sharp turn. The rear whet I turns
outward (see figure 12B) and could lose
ground contact, which could cause the
vehicle to tip over.
OPERATING THE CUTTING BLADES
The cutting blades may be engaged while the lawn
tractor is moving or standing still. DO NOT jngage
the cutting blades abruptly as the sudden belt tension
on the pulley may cause the engine to stall.
WARNING: Keep feet and hand:, away
from the discharge opening, the blades
or any part of the deck. When the unit is
used for other than mowing opeiations,
the blade drive should be disengaged.
Move the lift lever into the BLADES OFF position to
raise the deck and disengage the blades.
GRASS COLLECTOR AVAILABLE
GRASS COLLECTOR Model 190-063 is available as
optional equipment.
A WARNING: The mower should not be
operated without the entire grass i:atcher
or chute deflector in place.
NOTE: Under normal usage bag material is sl bject to
wear, and should be checked periodically. Be sure to
use only factory authorized replacement bag.
ADJUSTMENTS
SEAT ADJUSTMENT
The seat may be adjusted to different position ;. Refer
to seat installation section of assembly instruct ons.
DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT
If an uneven cut is obtained, the deck may be leveled
by following instructions at end of assembly section.
CUTTING DECK ENGAGEMENT ADJUSTMENT
The cutting deck engagement may be adjusted to
make certain deck is disengaged when lift le' er is in
the BLADES OFF position, or to obtain more drive in
the cutting positions. Correct adjustment as fol ows.
With the engine off, place the lift lever in the highest
cutting position (first position). Remove the cotter pin
and flat washer which secure the disengagerr ent rod
to the stabilizer shaft assembly. See figure 12.
Shorten the rod by threading it in until the ferrule is
against the back of the slot in the lift shaft assembly,
and the rod lines up with the hole in the stabilizer
shaft. For more belt tension the disengagement rod
must be lengthened. To decrease belt tension the dis¬
engagement rod must be shortened.
Check the adjustment by placing the lift lever in the
BLADES OFF position. The deck should move up and
fonward, allowing the belt to become loose. Start and
test for disengagement. Repeat procedure as
necessary.
SPEED CDNTRDL ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: When operating the unit initially or after
replacing the belts, there will be little difference
between the highest two speeds until after the belts
have gone through a break-in period and have seated
themselves into the pulleys.
To adjust the speed control, proceed as follows.
1. Start the engine.
2. Place the shift lever in Neutral position.
3. Place the speed control lever in high speed posi¬
tion.
4. Release the clutch-brake pedal completely, then
slowly depress the pedal all the way (belt will be
all the way to the outside of the bottom pulley).
Hold the pedal in this position.
5. Turn the engine off.
6. After engine stops completely, release the clutch-
brake pedal.
7. Unscrew the parking brake knob. Remove the
transmission cover by removing two truss head
screws.
8. Disconnect the speed selector rod from the
variable speed pulley by removing the cotter pin
and flat washer and lifting rod off the 3/8” pin. See
figure 13.
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