Husqvarna YT1942T, 96043000301 Owner’s Manual

Husqvarna

YT 1942T

Owner's Manual

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES &

DANGER: THIS CUTTINGMACHINEIS CAPABLEOF AMPUTATINGHANDSAND FEETAND THROWINGOBJECTS. FAILURE

TO OBSERVETHE FOLLOWINGSAFETY INSTRUCTIONSCOULDRESULTIN SERIOUS INJURYOR DEATH.

• Donot operate machine without the entire grass catcher,

WARNING: In order to prevent acci-
dental starting when setting up, trans-

porting, adjusting or making repairs,
always disconnect spark plug wire
and place wire where it cannot contact

spark plug.

I _ WARNING: Do not coast down a hill I

&

in neutral, you may lose control of the
tractor.

WARNING: Tow only the attachments
that are recommended by and comply

with specifications of the manufacturer

of your tractor. Use common sense

when towing. Operate only at the low-

est 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 cer-
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals

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

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 ofobjects such as rocks, toys, wire,etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blades,

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing. 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 back-

ing,

• Never direct discharged material toward anyone. Avoid
discharging material against a wall or obstruction, Ma-
terial may ricochet back toward the operator, Stop the

blades when crossing gravel surfaces,

I

I

2

discharge guard, or other safety devices in place and
working.

• 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 guard.

• 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 road-
ways.

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

• Always wear eye protection when operating ma-
chine.

• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-

lated 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 or fuel spillage before operating or

storing the machine, Allow machine to cool before
storage,

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 rollover ifa wheel isover
the edge or if the edge caves in,

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

SAFETY RULES &

II1. 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,

• Keep children out of the mowing area and inthe watchful
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 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.

• 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 equip-

ment.

• 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
Toavoid 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 run-

ning. 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 a water
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 ortrailer
and refuel it on the ground, Ifthis is not possible, then

refuel such equipment with a portable container, rather

than from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.

• Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank
or container opening atall times untilfueling iscomplete,

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 be sure 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 orfuel 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
guard 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,

• Be sure the area is clear of bystanders before operat-
ing, 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 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,

• Keep children outof the mowing area and inthe watchful
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.

• 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,

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

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

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Gasoline Capacity 2.50 Gallons

and Type: Unleaded Regular

Oil Type (API-SG-SL): SAE 10W30 (above 32°F)

SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)

Oil Capacity: W/Filter: 51 oz.

W/O Filter: 35 oz.

Spark Plug: Champion RC12YC

(Gap: .030")

Ground Speed (MPH): Forward:

1st 1.2

2nd 1.5
3rd 2.4
4th 3.5

5th 4.8

6th 5.3

Reverse: 1.5
Charging System: 15 Amps @ 3600 RPM
Battery: AMP/FIR: 35

Min. CCA: 280

Case Size: U1R
BladeTorque: 27-35 FT.LBS.

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 cannot 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 "Maintenace" and "Stor-
age" sections of this owner's manual.

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

unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered orgrass-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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY RULES ......................................................... 2-3

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

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

ASSEMBLY ................................................................. 5-6

OPERATION ............................................................. 7-12

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ...................................... 13

MAINTENANCE ..................................................... 13-15

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................ 16-21

STORAGE .................................................................... 22

TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................ 23-24

REPAIR PARTS ...................................................... 26-37

WARRANTY ................................................................. 38

4

CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK

Key

Slope Sheet

(1) Oil Drain Tube

(2) Keys

ASSEMBLY

Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping

puposes.

When right or left hand ismentioned in this manual, itmeans
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the
steering wheel).

TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM
CARTON

UNPACK CARTON

• Cut along dashed 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.

ADJUST SEAT (See Fig. 2)

• Sit in seat.

• Lift up adjustment lever (A) and slide seat until a com-
fortable position is reached which allows you to press

clutch/brake pedal all the way down.

• Release lever to lock seat in position.

CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 1)

• Lift seat to raised position.
NOTE: Ifthis battery isput into service aftermonth andyear

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

for charging instructions).

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid,

Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the

tractor from the skid,

_L,WARNING: Before starting, read,understand and follow
all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be

sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in

front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.

TO ROLL TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op-
eration section for location and function of

controls)

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal.

• Place gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Roll tractor forward off skid.

ASSEMBLY

TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Op-
eration section for location and function of

controls)

A_,WARNING: Before starting, read, understand and follow
all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be

sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Besure the area in

front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.

• Be sure all the above assembly steps have been com-
pleted.

• Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline.

• Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set the parking brake,

• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.

• Remove key from bag and start the engine (see "TO
START ENGINE" in the Operation section of this man-

ual), After engine has started, move throttle control to
idle (slow) position.

• Depress clutch/brake pedal into full "BRAKE" position
and hold. Move gearshift lever to 1st gear,

• Slowly release clutch/brake pedal and slowly drive
tractor off skid,

• Apply brake to stop tractor, set parking brake and place
gearshift lever in neutral position.

• Turn ignition key to "STOP" position,

Continue with the instructions that follow,

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE

The tires on your tractor were overinfiated 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 beproperly
leveled, See "TO LEVEL MOWER" in the Service and

Adjustments section of this manual,

,/CHECKL IS T

BEFORE YOU OPERATE YOUR NEW TRACTOR, WE
WISH TO ASSURE THATYOU RECEIVE THE BEST PER-

FORMANCE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS QUALITY
PRODUCT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
,/ All assembly instructions have been completed.

,/ No remaining loose parts incarton.
,/ Battery is properly prepared and charged. (Minimum

1 hour at 6 amps).
,/ Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.
,/ All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,

the tires were overinflated at the factory).

,/ Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/

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

,/ Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed

properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.

,/ Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure

and wires are properly clamped.

WHILE LEARNING HOWTO USEYOURTRACTOR, PAY
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT

ITEMS:
,/ Engine oil is at proper level.

,/ Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded

gasoline.

,/ Become familiar with all controls, their location and

function. Operate them before you start the engine.
,/ Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.
,/ Be sure Operator Presence System and Reverse Op-

eration System (ROS) are working properly (See the

Operation and Maintenance sections in this manual).

CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL

BELTS

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

section of this 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.

6

OPERATION

These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product, Learn and understand their mean-
ing,

R N

I\1

CHOKE FASTREVERSE NEUTRAL HIGH LOW SLOW

6 ® (®} @,

ENGINE OFF REVERSE ENGINE ON ENGINE START PARKING BRAKE MOWER HEIGHT

LIGHTS ON FUEL BATTERY REVERSE FORWARD

OPERATION

SYSTEM (ROS)

rl

CRUISE CONTROL CLUTCH/BRAKE

®@@@@

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH DISENGAGED

FREE WHEEL

(Automatic Models only)

ATTACHMENT

CLUTCH ENGAGED

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.

KEEP AREA CLEAR SLOPE HAZARDS

(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)

IGNITION SWITCH

MOWER LIFT

PEDAL

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.

,_hlll/lt£Bl,,

CAUTION when used without the alert symbol,
indicates a situation that could result in damage

to the tractor and/or engine.

HOT 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.

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TRACTOR

READ THIS OWNER'S 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, lower,

and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted
to your tractor.

(B) CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for declutching and
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 mower blades, or other attachments mounted to your
tractor,

FIG. 3

(F) IGNITION SWITCH - Used for starting and stopping
the engine.

(G) REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS) "ON" POSI-

TION - Allows operation of mower deck or other powered

attachment while in reverse.
(H) LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off,

(J) GEARSHIFT LEVER -Selects the speed and direction
of the tractor,

8

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 awide vision safety mask over spectacles
or standard safety glasses.

HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR

TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 4)

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) all the way down and
hold.

• Pull parking brake lever (C) up and hold, release pres-
sure from clutch/brake pedal (B), then release parking

brake lever. Pedal should remain in brake position.
Make sure parking brake will hold tractor secure.

FIG. 4

GROUND DRIVE -

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

• Move gear shift 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 en-
gine to "backfire".

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

unauthorized use.

• Never use choke (N) to stop 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

idle with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
cause "browning" of grass. Toeliminate this possibility, al-
ways stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.

CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-

pletely, as described above, and set
parking brake before leaving the
operator's position.

STOPPING (See Figs. 5 and 6)

MOWER BLADES -

• To stop mower blades, move attachment clutch clutch
lever to disengaged position ( r_ ).

(__) Attachment (ll'_) Disengaged

Clutch Position

Engage Position

FIG. 5

FIG. 6

TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (D)

(See Fig. 6)

Always operate engine at full speed (fast).

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

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

OPERATION

TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD

(See Fig. 7)

The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift lever (J),

FIG. 7

• Start tractor with clutch/brake pedal depressed and
gearshift lever in neutral (N) position.

• Move gearshift lever to desired position,

• Slowly release clutch/brake pedal to start move-
ment,

IMPORTANT: Bring tractor to acomplete stop beforeshifting

or changing gears. Failure to do so will shorten the useful

life of your transaxle,

TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT

(See Fig. 8)

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

FIG. 8

• 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 toapproximately 2-1/2
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches
during hot months, For healthier and better looking
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.

• For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches
in height should be mowed twice, Make the first cut
relatively high; the second to desired height.

TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 9)

Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly
off the ground when mower is at 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 this section of

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,
Tighten securely.

• Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in same adjust-
ment hole.

©

3/4

FIG. 9

REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM (ROS)

Your tractor is equipped with a Reverse Operation System
(ROS), Any attempt by the operator to travel in the reverse
direction with the attachment clutch engaged will shut off
the engine unless ignition key is placed in the ROS "ON"

position.

_iLWARNING: Backing up with the attachment clutch en-

gaged while mowing is strongly discouraged, Turning the
ROS "ON", to allow reverse operation with the attachment
clutch engaged, should only be done when the operator
decides it is necessary to reposition the machine with the

attachment engaged, Do not mow in reverse unless
absolutely necessary.

USING THE REVERSE OPERATION SYSTEM -

• Depress clutch/brake pedal all the way down and
hold,

• With engine running, turn ignition key counterclockwise
to ROS "ON" position,

• Look down and behind before backing.

• Move gear shift lever to reverse (R) position and slowly

release clutch/brake pedal to start movement,

• When use of the ROS is no longer needed, turn the
ignition key clockwise to engine "ON" position.

10

OPERATION

ROS "ON" POSITION ENGINE "ON" POSITION

(NORMAL OPERATING)

TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 10)

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 in the seat to prevent the engine from hesitating
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 soequipped, or thedeflector

shield (S) in place.

TO TRANSPORT

• Raise attachment liftto highest position with attachment
lift control.

• When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift
lever is in neutral (N) position.

• Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH,

NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting

your tractor on a truck or a trailer, be sure hood is closed
and secured to tractor. Use an appropriate means of tying

hood to tractor (rope, cord, etc,),

TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACH-

MENTS

Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and
comply with specifications of the manufacturer ofyour trac-
tor. Use common sense when towing. 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,

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil,

• Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.

• Pull up and remove oil fill cap/dipstick; wipe oil off, Re-
insert the dipstick into the tube and push down firmly
into place. Remove and read oil level. If necessary,
add oil until "FULl" mark on dipstick is reached. Do

not overfill,

• For cold weather operation you should change oil for
easier starting (See "OIL VISCOSITY CHART" in the
Maintenance section of this manual).

• Tochange engine oil, see the Maintenance section in
this manual,

02940

FIG. 10

TO OPERATE ON HILLS

I_lh WARNING: Do not drive up or down I

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

• Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.

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

brake,

• Move gearshift lever to 1st gear, Be sure you have

allowed room for tractor to roll slightly as you restart

movement,

• To restart movement, slowly release parking brake and

clutch/brake pedal,

• Make all turns slowly,

hills with slopes greater than 15° and

do not drive across any slope.

ADD GASOLINE

• Fill fuel tank to bottom of filler neck, Do not overfill,
Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded gasoline with a

minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded gasoline will
increase carbon and lead oxide deposits and reduce

valve life), Do not mix oil with gasoline. Purchase fuel

in quantities that can be used within 30 days to assure
fuel freshness,

I

I& CAUTION: Wipe off any spilled oil or I

IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES

BELOW32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE

GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.

fuel. Do not store, spill or use gasoline
near an open flame.

11

I

OPERATION

CAUTION: Alcohol blended fuels (called gas-
ohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract

moisture which leads to separation and for-
mation of acids during storage. Acidicgascan

damage the fuel system of an engine while in
storage. To avoid engine problems, the fuel
system should be emptied before storage of
30 days or longer. Drain the gas tank, start
the engine and let it run until the fuel lines

and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next
season. See Storage Instructions for additional

information. Never use engine or carburetor
cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.

TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 3)

When starting the engine for the first time or ifthe engine

has run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move

fuel from the tank to the engine,

• Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake
pedal and set parking brake.

• Place gear shift lever in neutral (N) position,

• Move attachment clutch to "DISENGAGED" position.

• Move throttle control to choke (1\1)position,

NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting
procedures below,

• Insertkeyintoignitionandturnkeyclockwiseto"START"
position and release key as soon as engine starts.

Do not run starter continuously for more than fifteen
seconds per minute, If the engine does not start after
several attempts, move throttle control to fast position,
wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still does

not start, move the throttle control back to the choke (

I\1)position and retry,

WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)

• When engine starts, move the throttle control to the
fast position.

• The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke

as described above,

COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)

• When engine starts, allow engine to run with the throttle
control in the choke (1",1)position until the engine runs

roughly, then move throttle control to fast position. This
may require an engine warm-up period from several
seconds to several minutes, depending on the tem-

perature.

• The attachments can also be used during the engine
warm-up period.

NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold

temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may

need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See "TO

ADJUST CARBURETOR" in the Service and Adjustments

section of this manual,

MOWING TIPS

• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing per-
formance. See "TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING" in the

Service and Adjustments section of this manual,

• The left hand side of mower should be used for trim-
ming,

• Drive so that clippings are discharged onto the area
that has been cut. Have the cut area to the right of the

machine. This will result in a more even distribution of
clippings and more uniform cutting.

• When mowing large areas, start byturning tothe right so
that clippings will discharge away from shrubs, fences,

driveways, etc, After one or two rounds, mow in the
opposite direction making left hand turns until finished
(See Fig, 11).

j

(

FIG. 11

• If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice to
reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried clip-

pings. Make first cut relatively high; the second to the

desired height.

• Do not mow grass when it is wet, Wet grass will plug
mower and leave undesirable clumps, Allow grass to

dry before mowing,

• Always operate engine at full throttle when mow-
ing to assure better mowing performance and proper

discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by se-

lecting a low enough gear to give the mower cutting
performance as well as the quality of cut desired.

• When operating attachments, select a ground speed

that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used,

12