Cub Cadet Lawn Mower 1517, Lawn Mower 1515 User Manual

Operator’s Manual
Series 1500
Hydrostatic Lawn Tractor
Models 1515
1517
IMPORTANT: READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Warning:
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 Cub Cadet dealer or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.
This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered,
CUB CADET LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
FORM NO.
770-10586.fm (12/2001)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Important Safe Operation Practices ............................................................................... 3
Slope Gauge .................................................................................................................. 7
Tractor Set-up ................................................................................................................ 8
Know Your Lawn Tractor ................................................................................................ 9
Operating Your Lawn Tractor ......................................................................................... 12
Making Adjustments....................................................................................................... 16
Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor....................................................................................... 19
Service ........................................................................................................................... 24
Off-Season Storage ....................................................................................................... 29
Maintenance Chart......................................................................................................... 29
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 30
Specifications................................................................................................................. 31
Attachments & Accessories............................................................................................ 32
Label Map ......................................................................................................................33
Warranty Information...................................................................................................... 34
FINDING MODEL NUMBER
This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.
Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. The information on the model plate is very important if you need help from your Cub Cadet dealer.
You can locate the model number by looking beneath the seat. A sample model plate is explained below. For future reference, please copy the model number and the serial number of the equipment in the space below.
Copy the model number here:
Copy the serial number here:
CUB CADET LLC
www.cubcadet.com
DEALER LOCATOR PHONE NUMBER:
P. O. BOX CLEVELAND, OH 44136
361131
877-282-8684
CALLING CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Dealer Referral Line.
Call 1- (877) 282-8684 to reach the Customer Dealer Referral Line. Please have your unit’s model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to locate this information.
For more details about your unit, visit our website at www.cubcadet.com
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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger
the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-
ual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This 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.
California Proposition 65 Warning:
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.
GENERAL OPERATION
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference and for ordering replacement parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage them quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.
5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.
7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.
8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close­fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.
10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.
11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.
12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.
13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.
14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.
15. Do not operate the machine while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
17. Never carry passengers.
18. Disengage blade(s) before travelling in reverse. Back up slowly. Always look down and behind before and while backing to avoid a back-over accident.
19. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive speed.
20. Disengage blade(s), set parking brake, stop engine and wait until the blade(s) come to a complete stop before removing grass catcher, emptying grass, unclogging chute, removing any grass or debris, or making any adjustments.
21. Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off blade(s), place transmission in neutral, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key before dismounting.
22. Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into a trailer or truck. This unit should not be driven up or down ramp(s), because the unit could tip over, causing serious personal injury. The unit must be pushed manually on ramp(s) to load or unload properly.
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23. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.
24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.
25. Disengage all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely before attempting to start engine.
26. Your machine 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. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.
27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory or attachment.
28. Data indicates that 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.
29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact your Cub Cadet dealer for assistance.
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 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.
DO:
1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.
2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop while on the slope. Tires may lose traction on slopes even though the brakes are functioning properly. Always keep machine in gear when going down slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel weights or counterweights to improve stability.
5. Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments. These can change the stability of the machine.
6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.
7. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down the slope.
DO NOT:
1. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary; then, turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
2. 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, ditch, or if an edge caves in.
3. Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.
4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.
6. Do not coast downhill. Over-speeding may cause the operator to lose control of the machine resulting in serious injury or death.
7. Do not tow heavy pull behind attachments (e.g. loaded dump cart, lawn roller, etc.) on slopes greater than 5 degrees. When going down hill, the extra weight tends to push the tractor and may cause you to loose control. (e.g. tractor may speed up, braking and steering ability are reduced, attachment may jack-knife and cause tractor to overturn).
CHILDREN
1. 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. They do not understand the dangers. Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them.
a. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
watchful care of a responsible adult other than the operator.
b. Be alert and turn machine off if a child enters
the area.
c. Before and while backing, look behind and
down for small children.
d. Never carry children, even with the blade(s)
shut off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
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e. Use extreme care when approaching blind
corners, doorways, shrubs, trees or other objects that may block your vision of a child who may run into the machine.
f. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before
traveling in reverse. The “No-Cut-In Reverse” feature is a reminder not to cut in reverse and to help avoid back over accidents. Do not defeat it.
g. Keep children away from hot or running
engines. They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.
h. Remove key when machine is unattended to
prevent unauthorized operation.
9. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate the machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.
TOWING
1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.
2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction and loss of control.
5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
6. Do not coast downhill.
SERVICE
SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:
1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Never fill 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 filling.
c. When practical, remove gas-powered
equipment from the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a trailer with a portable container, rather than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
d. Keep the 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.
e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and
other sources of ignition. f. Never fuel machine indoors. g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the
engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool
at least two minutes before refueling. h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more
than three inches below the top of the filler
neck to allow space for fuel expansion. i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine
and equipment. Move unit to another area.
Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine. k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of
grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean
up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel
soaked debris. l. Never store the machine or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, spark or
pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,
furnace, clothes dryer or other gas
appliances. m. Allow a machine to cool at least five minutes
before storing.
GENERAL SERVICE:
1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting.
3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be serviced professionally by an authorized Cub Cadet dealer.
4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.
5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”
6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the equipment is in safe working condition.
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8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.
10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running.
11. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.
12. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as necessary.
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.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT OPERATE UNLESS DISCHARGE COVER OR GRASS CATCHER IS IN ITS PROPER PLACE. IF DAMAGED, REPLACE IMMEDIATELY.
13. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.
14. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”
WARNING
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE U NIT 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 CHI LDREN EVEN WITH.
BLADES OFF.
• LOOK DOWN & BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE
BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND
SWITCHES, ETC.) I N PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE
THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).
• KN OW 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), ENGAGE PARKING
BRAKE, SHUT OFF AND REMOVE KEY.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL
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SECTION 2: SLOPE GAUGE
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.
15°
WARNING
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A CORNER OF A BUILDING
SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE
A POWER POLE
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5
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OR A FENCE POST
7
SECTION 3: TRACTOR SET-UP
Attaching the Battery Cables
The positive battery terminal is marked Pos. (+). The negative battery terminal is marked Neg. (–).
The positive cable (heavy red wire) is secured to the positive battery terminal (+) with a hex bolt and hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the terminal to protect it from corrosion.
Lift the tractor’s hood and remove the hex bolt and wing nut from the negative cable (thick black wire).
Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the negative battery terminal and attach the negative cable to the negative battery terminal (–) with the bolt and wing nut..
Negative Cable
Positi ve Cable/
Rubber Boot
IMPORTANT:
engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Refer to Checking the Oil Level on page 19 for detailed instructions. Be careful not to overfill.
Your tractor is shipped with oil in the
Shipping Brace Removal
WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s
engine is off, set the parking brake and remove the ignition key before removing the shipping brace
Locate the shipping brace and warning tag found on the right side of the cutting deck. See Figure 2.
.
Shipping Brace
Wing
Nut
Hex Bolt
Figure 1
NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date
shown on top of battery, charge as instructed on page 26 of this manual prior to operating the tractor.
Gas and Oil Fill-up
The gasoline tank is located under the fender and has a capacity of three gallons. Unthread the fuel cap by turning it counterclockwise. Use only clean, fresh (under 30 days old), unleaded gasoline. Fill tank to no more than four inches below the top of the filler neck to allow space for fuel expansion. Do not overfill.
WARNING: Use extreme care when
handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition.
Mulch Plug
NOTE:
Model 1515 has a hairpin clip in place of a shipping brace
Figure 2
While holding the discharge chute with your left hand, remove the shipping brace with your right hand by grasping it between your thumb and index finger and rotating it clockwise.
Warning Tag
NOTE: Series 1500 tractors come equipped with a
mulch plug installed inside the chute opening. Do NOT discard it. Refer to Mulching on page 16 for detailed information regarding your tractor’s mulching feature.
WARNING: The shipping brace, used for
packaging purposes only, must be removed and discarded before operating your riding mower.
WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of
throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding mower without the discharge cover in the proper operating position could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.
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SECTION 4: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR
A
B
G
D
C
BRAKE
H
I
J
K
L
E
F
M
NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.
Figure 3
A Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter H Ignition Switch B Throttle Control Lever I Brake Pedal C Choke Control J Drive Pedal D Parking Brake Lever K Cruise Control Lever E Fuel Tank Cap L Deck Lift Lever F Seat Adjustment Lever M Cup Holder G PTO (Power Take-off) Knob
NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator’s position.
9
Throttle Control Lever
The throttle control lever is located on the left side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed. See Figure 4.
Ignition Switch
WARNING: Never leave a running
machine unattended. Always disengage the PTO, set parking brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
Fast
Position
Slow
Position
Figure 4
IMPORTANT:
deck engaged, be certain that the throttle lever is always in the FAST (rabbit) position.
When operating the tractor with the cutting
Choke Control
The choke control can be found on the left side of the dash panel and is activated by pulling the knob outward. Activating the choke control closes the choke plate on the carburetor and aids in starting the engine. Refer to Starting The Engine on page 13 of this manual for detailed starting instructions.
Brake Pedal
The brake pedal is located on the right front side of the tractor above the drive pedal along the running board. The brake pedal can be used for sudden stops or setting the parking brake.
NOTE: The brake pedal must
be fully depressed to activate the safety interlock switch when
starting the tractor
.
To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the ON position once engine has fired. See Figure 5.
On/Lights
Off
On
STOP
Start
Figure 5
Refer to Starting The Engine on page 13 of this manual for detailed starting instructions
The ignition switch is also used to operate the tractor’s headlights. Refer to Operating The Headlights on page 16 of this manual for detailed instructions.
Drive Pedal
The drive pedal is located below the brake pedal on the right front side of the tractor along the running board. Depress the upper portion of the drive pedal forward to cause the tractor to travel forward. Depress the lower portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your right foot (NOT your heel) to cause the tractor to travel in reverse. Ground speed is also controlled with the drive pedal. The further forward or rearward that the pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to its original position when it’s not depressed.
IMPORTANT:
parking brake when leaving the tractor unattended.
10
Always set the
Hour Meter
Located in the center of the tractor’s console, the hour meter operates whenever the engine is running and records the actual hours of tractor operation. See Figure 6.
Figure 6
System Indicator Lights
Electric PTO (Power Take-off) Knob
To engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments, pull outward on the PTO knob. Push the PTO knob inward to disengage the power to the cutting deck.
NOTE: The PTO knob must be in the disengaged
(OFF) position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.
Cruise Control Lever
The cruise control lever is located on the tractor dash panel, below the steering wheel. Push the cruise control lever downward while traveling forward at a desired speed. While holding the lever down, release pressure from the drive pedal.
Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights in the center of its dash panel. If the Brake light or PTO light illuminates when attempting to start the unit, proceed as follows:
Brake Engage the parking brake. PTO Move the PTO knob into the disengaged
(OFF) position.
It is normal for the Oil light and the Battery light to illuminate while the engine is cranking, but if either illuminates while the engine is running, proceed as follows:
Oil Stop the tractor immediately and check the
crankcase oil level as instructed on page 19 of this manual. Add oil as required.
Battery— If this light illuminate’s while the engine is
running, it indicates that the battery is in need of a charge OR that the engine’s charging system is not generating sufficient amperage. Refer to Battery on page 25 of this manual for the proper battery charging procedure or have the engine’s charging system checked by a Cub Cadet dealer.
Cup Holder
The tractor’s cup holder is located on the fender to the right of the seat, just to the rear of the deck lift lever.
This will engage the cruise control and allow the tractor to remain at that speed without applying pressure to the drive pedal. Depress the brake pedal or the drive pedal to deactivate cruise control. Refer to page 14 for detailed instructions regarding the cruise control feature.
NOTE: Cruise control can NOT be engaged at the
tractor’s fastest ground speed. If the operator should attempt to do so, the tractor will automatically decelerate to the fastest optimal mowing ground speed.
Parking Brake Lever
To set the parking brake, fully depress the brake pedal and push the parking brake lever down. Hold the lever down while taking your foot off the brake pedal. Both the parking lever and the brake pedal will then stay depressed. To release the parking brake, depress the brake pedal slightly. The parking brake lever will then return to its original position.
NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator
leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.
IMPORTANT:
leaving the tractor unattended.
11
Always set the parking brake when
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