Ariens A2042YT (96046001600), 96046001600, 936045 Owner’s Manual

YDRO TRACTO

Operator Manual

Models

936045 42" Hydro Tractor

&_ _ ENGL,SH

433047 Rev. 1 04.08.10

Printed in USA

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

DANGER: THiS CUTTING MACHINE iS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY iNSTRUCTiONS COULD RESULT iN SERIOUS iNJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: in orderto prevent accidental
starting when setting up, transporting,
adjusting or making repairs, always
disconnect spark plug wire and place
wire where it cannot contact spark plug.

WARNING: Do not coast down ahill in neu-tral, you may lose control of the tractor.

WARNING: Tow onlythe attachments that
are recommended by and comply with
specifications of the manufacturer of your
tractor. Use common sense when towing.
Operate only atthe lowest possible speed
when on a slope. Too heavy of a load,
while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires
can lose traction with the ground and
cause you to lose control of your tractor.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain
vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

known to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

SAFETY RULES

• Slow down before turning.

• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always

turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and
remove keys before dismounting.

• Disengage blades when not mowing. Shut off engine
and wait for all parts to come to a complete stop before
cleaning the machine, removing the grass catcher, or

unclogging the discharge chute.

• Operate machine only in daylight or good artificial
light.

• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.

• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.

• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.

• Always wear eye protection when operating machine.

• Data indicatesthat operators, age 60 years and above,

are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-
related injuries. These operators should evaluate their
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to
protect themselves and others from serious injury.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for wheel
weights or counterweights.

• Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris
build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur.
Clean any oil orfuel spillage before operating or storing
the machine. Allow machine to cool before storage.

WARNING

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands

after handling.

I. GENERAL OPERATION

• Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

machine and in the manual before starting.

• Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under
the machine. Keep clear of the discharge opening at

all times.

• Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with
the instructions, to operate the machine.

• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades.

• Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before
operating. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

• Never carry passengers.

• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.

Always look down and behind before and while
backing.

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction.
Material may ricochet back toward the operator. Stop
the blades when crossing gravel surfaces.

• Do not operate machine without the entire grass catcher,
discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and

working.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or

death. Operation on all slopes requires extra caution. If
you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it,

do not mow it.

• Mow up and down slopes, not across.

• 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 that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.

• Do not mow on wet grass. Tires may lose traction.
Always keep the machine in gear when going down

slopes. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

• Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the
tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed

slowly straight down the slope.

• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction,

which could cause the machine to roll over.

• Use extra care while operating machine with grass
catchers or other attachments; they can affect the
stability of the machine. Do no use on steep slopes.

• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.

• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly roll over if awheel isover

the edge or if the edge caves in.

2

Safe Operation Practices for Ride=On Mowers

SAFETY RULES &

ill. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to
the presence of children. Children are often attracted to

the machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.

• Keepchildrenoutofthemowingareaandinthewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

• Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the

area,

• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.

• Never carry children, even withthe blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing

area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

• Never allow children to operate the machine.

• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,

trees, or other objects that may block your view of a
child.

IV. TOWING

• Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the

hitch point.

• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed
equipment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may
cause loss of traction and loss of control.

• Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

V. SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE
To avoid personal injury or property damage, use extreme

care in handling gasoline. Gasoline isextremely flammable
and the vapors are explosive.

• Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other
sources of ignition.

• Use only approved gasoline container.

• Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling.

• Never fuel the machine indoors.

• Never store the machine or fuel container where there
isan open flame, spark, or pilot light such as on awater

heater or other appliances.

• Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck or
trailer bed with plastic liner. Always place containers

on the ground away from your vehicle when filling.

• Remove gas-powered equipment from the truck or
trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible,
then refuel such equipment with a portable container,
rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle incontact 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 fuel is spilled on clothing, change clothing immedi-
ately.

• Never overfill fuel tank. Replace gas cap and tighten
securely.

GENERAL SERVICE

• Never operate machine in a closed area.

• Keep all nuts and bolts tight to ensure the equipment
is in safe working condition.

• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris

build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel-
soaked debris. Allow machine to cool before storing.

• If you strike a foreign object, stop and inspect the
machine. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

• Never make any adjustments or repairs with the engine
running.

• Check grass catcher components and the discharge
chute frequently and replace with manufacturer's rec-
ommended parts, when necessary.

• Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear
gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service
as required.

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

e

Ensure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. Stop machine ifanyone enters the area.

e

Never carry passengers.

e

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while back-
ing.

Never carry children, even with the blades shut off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation. Children who have been given
rides in the past may suddenly appear in the mowing

area for another ride and be run over or backed over
by the machine.

e

Keep children out ofthe mowing area and inthewatchful
care of a responsible adult other than the operator.

e

Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters the
area.

e

Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.

e

Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.
Choose a low ground speed so that you will not have

to stop or shift while on the slope.
Avoid starting, stopping, or turning on a slope. If the

tires lose traction, disengage the blades and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

e

If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades,
shift into reverse and back down slowly.

e

Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

3

PRODUCT SPECiFiCATiONS

Gasoline Capacity 3.00 Gallons
And Type: Unleaded Regular

Oil Type (Api-Sg-SI): SAE 30 (Above 32°F) o
Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 64 Oz.

Spark Plug: Champion QC12YC

Ground Speed (Mph): Forward: 5.2

Charging System: 3 Amps Battery

Battery: AMP/HR: 28

Blade Torque: 45-55 Ft. Lbs. (62-75 Nm)

SAE 5W-30 (Below 32 F)
W/O Filter: 60 Oz.

(Gap: .040")
Reverse: 2.9

5 Amps Headlights
MIN. CCA: 230

Case Size: U1R

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new tractor.

Ithas been designed, engineered and manufactured to give

you the best possible dependability and performance.
Should you experience any problem you can not easily rem-

edy, please contact your nearest authorized service center/
department. We have competent, well-trained technicians

and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.

Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will

enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.
Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for
and using your tractor.

• Follow the instructions under "Maintenance" and "Stor-
age" sections of this manual.

WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any un-

improved 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, itshould be maintained
in effective working order by the operator.

A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your
nearest authorized service center/department.

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.

TABLE F CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2=3

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ................................. 4

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 6=7

OPERATION ............................................................. 8=14

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 15

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 15-18

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 19=25

STORAGE .................................................................... 26

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 27=28

WARRANTY ............................................................ 30-33

4

UNASSEMBLED PARTS

Steering Wheel

I

i J

Steering

Wheel Insert

Steering

Wheel

/1 \ _t

|

i-- __i I /

[ [ '.

Steering Wheel "'J--"

Adapter

I /

\

/ /

J

Steering Boot

(1) Large

Flat Washer

(1) Hex Bolt

(1) Lock

Washer

Steering
Extension

Shaft

_J

(1) Seat

Key(s)

Seat

(1) Washer

(1) Bolt

Slope Sheet

(1) Oil Drain Tube
For Future Use

5

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use

the correct tools as necessary to ensure proper tightness.

TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY

A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.

(1) 5/16" wrench Utility knife
(2) 7/16" wrenches Tire pressure gauge
(2) 1/2" wrenches Pliers
(1) 9/16" wrench

When right or lefthand ismentioned inthis manual, itmeans
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the

steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton.

• Cut along dotted lines on all four panels of carton.
Remove end panels and lay side panels flat.

• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.

INSTALL STEERING WHEEL

• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.

• Remove steering wheel adapter from steering wheel
and slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.

• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal

(left to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.

• Assemble large flat washer, lock washer, hex bolt and
tighten securely.

• Snap steering wheel insert into center ofsteeringwheel.

• Remove protective materials from tractor hood and grill.

IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES IN
SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR IS TO
ROLL OFF SKID.

BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM
SKID

TO CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift seat to raised position.
NOTE: If this battery is put into service after month and

year indicated on label (label islocated between terminals)
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.
(See "BATTERY" in Maintenance section of this manual

for charging instructions.)

• For battery and battery cable installation see "RE-
PLACING BATTERY" in the Service and Adjustments

section in this manual.

LABEL

Fig. 1

TO INSTALL STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 2)

ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT

• Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft.

• Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and
push down to secure.

STEERING
WHEEL

ADAPTER

TABS

EXTENSION

TAB

LOWER
SHAFT

Fig, 2

INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3 and 4)

• Remove bolt and flat washer securing seat tocardboard
packing and set aside for assembly of seat to tractor.

Remove the cardboard packing and discard.

• Connect switch to seat.

• Place seat on seat pan so all three (3) bottom pads
are positioned over large slotted holes in pan.

• Push down on seat to engage pads in slots and pull
seat towards rear of tractor.

• Raise seat and tighten bolt securely.

6

ASSEMBLY

j

/

SEAT /

SWITCH

PAD _

SLOT [

F-_

I

/

TAPE

WiRiNG HARNESS

Fig. 3

e

Remove tape and discard.

e

Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
Press clutch/brake pedal all the way down. If operating

position is not comfortable, adjust seat.

TO ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 4):

• Grasp adjustment handle and pull up, slide seat to
desired position and release adjustment handle.

SLOT TAPE

FLAT
WASHER

SEAT PAN

BO_ TAB ADJUSTMENT

HANDLE

Fig. 4

NOTE: You may now rollyour tractor off the skid. Follow the
instructions below to remove the tractor from the skid.

_i_ WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and fol-

low all instructions in the Operation section of this manual.
Ensure tractor is in awell-ventilated area. Ensure the area

in front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.

TO ROLLTRACTOR OFF SKID (See Operation
section for location and function of controls)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Release parking brake bydepressing clutch/brake pedal.

• Place freewheel control in "transmission disengaged"
position (See "TO TRANSPORT" in the Operation
section of this manual).

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

• Remove banding holding the deflector shield up against
tractor.

Continue with the instructions that follow.

CHECK TiRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory
for shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important

for best cutting performance.

• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown on tires.

CHECK DECK LEVELNESS

For best cutting results, mower housing should be prop-
erly leveled. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF BELTS

See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and
mower blade drive belts inthe Service and Adjustments sec-

tion ofthis manual. Verify that the belts are routed correctly.

CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM

After you learn how to operate your tractor, check to see that
the brake is operating properly. See "TO CHECK BRAKE"

in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.

/'CHECKLIST

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE WISH
TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE BES T PERFO RMA NCE

AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:

J" All assembly instructions have been completed.
J" No remaining loose parts in carton.

Battery is properly prepared and charged.

J" Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
J" All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

J" Ensure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be
properly inflated for leveling).

J" Check mower and drive belts. Ensure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

J" Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

J" Before driving tractor, ensure freewheel control is in

"transmission engaged" position (see "TO TRANS-
PORT" in the Operation section of this manual).

WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USE YOUR TRACTOR, PAYEXTRA
ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS:

J" Engine oil is at proper level.
J" Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

J" Become familiar with all controls, their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.
J" Ensure brake system is in safe operating condition.
J" Ensure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the

Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).
J" It is importantto purge the transmission before operat-

ing your tractor for the first time. Follow proper start-

ing and transmission purging instructions (See "TO

START ENGINE" and "PURGE TRANSMISSION" in

the Operation section of this manual).

7

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.

L I\1

REVERSE NEUTRAL HiGH

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE PARKING BRAKE

OPERATION LOCKED UNLOCKED

SYSTEM (ROS)

LOW CHOKE FAST SLOW

iGNiTiON SWITCH

,t

oi

OVER TEMP

LIGHT

FUEL OiL PRESSURE BATTERY

REVERSE FORWARD MOWER HEIGHT

MOWER LiFT

ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED CLUTCH ENGAGED

LIGHTS ON

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

Failure to follow instructions

could result in serious injury or
death. The safety alert symbol

is used to identify safety inform-

ation about hazards which can

result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.

DANGER, KEEP HANDS

AND FEET AWAY

DANGER indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

might result in minor or moderate injury.

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,

indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

NOT SURFACES indicates a hazard which,
if not avoided, could result in death, serious injury

and/or property damage.

FIRE indicates a hazard which, if not avoided,

could result in death, serious injury and/or

property damage.

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

8

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THiS MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR

Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the locations of various controls and adjustments.
Save this manual for future reference.

Our tractors conform to the applicable safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.

(A) ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise and lower
the mower or other attachments mounted to your tractor.

(B) BRAKE PEDAL - Used for braking the tractor and
starting the engine.

(C) PARKING BRAKE - Locks clutch/brake pedal into
the brake position.

(D) THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL - Used for starting
and controlling engine speed.

(E) ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER -Used to engage the
mowerblades, orother attachmentsmountedtoyour tractor.

03104

Fig. 5

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping

the engine.
(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON"

POSITION -Allows operation of mower or other powered
attachment while in reverse.

(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
(J) MOTION CONTROL LEVER - Selects the speed and

direction of the tractor.
(M) FREEWHEEL CONTROL - Disengages transmission

for pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.

9

OPERATION

The operation of any tractor can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields while operating

your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend standard safety
glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 6)

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sens-
ing switch. When engine is running, any attempt by the

operator to leave the seat without first setting the parking
brake will shut off the engine.

• Depress clutch/brake pedal (B) intofull "BRAKE" posi-
tion and hold.

• Place parking brake lever (C) in "ENGAGED" position
and release pressure from clutch/brake pedal. Pedal

should remain in "BRAKE" position. Ensure parking
brake will hold tractor securely.

Fig. 6

STOPPING (See Fig. 7)

MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, place attachment clutch control
in the "DISENGAGED" position (r_).

• Never use the choke to stop the engine.

iMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY
POSITION OTHER THAN "STOP" WILL CAUSE THE BATTERY
TO DISCHARGE AND GO DEAD.

NOTE: Under certain conditions when tractor is standing
idlewith the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may

cause "browning" of grass. To eliminate this possibility, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

pletely, as described above, and set
CAUTION: Always stop tractor corn=

parking brake before leaving the opera=
tot's position.

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D) (See Fig. 8)

Always operate engine at full speed (fast).

• Operating engine at less than full speed (fast) reduces
the engine's operating efficiency.

• Full speed (fast) offers the best mower performance.

(_il) ATTACHMENT (IJ_) ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH SWITCH CLUTCH SWITCH

"DISENGAGED .... ENGAGED"

Fig. 7

GROUND DRIVE

• To stop ground drive, depress brake pedal all the way
down.

• Move motion control lever (J) to neutral position.

ENGINE

• Move throttle control (D) between half and full speed
(fast) position.

NOTE: Failure to move throttle control between half and full
speed (fast) position, before stopping, may cause engine

to "backfire".

• Turn ignition key (F) to "STOP" position and remove
key.Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent

unauthorized use.

Fig. 8

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

(See Fig. 9)

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
motion control lever. (J)

Fig. 9

• Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral position.

• Release parking brake.

• Slowly move motion control lever to desired position.

10

OPERATION

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

(See Fig. 10)

The position of the attachment lift lever (A) determines the
cutting height.

Fig. 10

• Put attachment lift lever in desired cutting height slot.

The cutting height range is approximately 1" to 4". The

heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with
the engine not running. These heights are approximate

and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of
grass and types of grass being mowed.

• The average lawn should be cut to approximately
2-1/2" during the cool season and to over 3" during hot

months. For healthier and better looking lawns, mow
often and after moderate growth.

• For best cutting performance, grass over 6" in height
should be mowed twice. Make the first cut relatively

high; the second to desired height.

TO OPERATE MOWER

Your tractor is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with

the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will
shut off the engine. You must remain fully and centrally

positioned inthe seat to prevent the engine from hesitat-
ing or cutting off when operating your equipment on rough,

rolling terrain or hills.

• Select desired height of cut with attachment lift lever.

• Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch
control.

TO STOP MOWER BLADES

Disengage attachment clutch control.

CAUTION: Do not operate the mower
without either the entire grass catcher,
on mowers so equipped, or the deflector

shield (S) in place (See Fig. 12).

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 11)

Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly
off the ground when mower isat the desired cutting height

in operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck
in proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain

conditions.
NOTE:Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level

surface.

• Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See "TO AD-
JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT" in the Operation

section of this manual).

• With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge
wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off
the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole as
shown and tighten securely.

• Repeat for opposite side installing gauge wheel insame
adjustment hole.

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

= m

I CAUTION: Do not drive up or down hills i

with slopes greater than 15° and do not

drive across any slope.

• Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down
hills.

• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.

• If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to
slower position.

• If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quicklyto brake position and engage parking brake.

• Move motion control lever to neutral position.

IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT
RETURNTO NEUTRALPOSITIONWHENTHE BRAKEPEDAL
IS DEPRESSED.

Torestart movement, slowly release parking brake and
clutch/brake pedal.

Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting.
Make all turns slowly.

11

02940