MTD X609G, U609H, G609G, 13UV609H063, 13CX609G063 Owner’s Manual

Operator's Manual

Pedal Drive Lawn Tractor

®

Models D609G

G609G

U609H

X609G

IMPORTANT: Read safety rules and instructions carefully before operating equipment.

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should net 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 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

TROY-BILTLLC.P.O.BOX361131,CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-10490A

(12/2001)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

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 .......................................................................................... 15

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor .......................................................................... 17

Service .............................................................................................................. 18

Off-Season Storage ........................................................................................... 22

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 23

Parts List ............................................................................................................ 24

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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 our Customer Support Department or an

authorized dealer.

You can locate the model number by looking beneath the seat. A sample model plate is explained
below. For future reference, please copy model number and serial number of the equipment in the

space below.

(Model Numbe D (Serial Number)

Www.troybiIt.comCLEVELAND, OH44136

330-558-7220
866-840-6483

Copy the model number here:

Copy the serial number here:

ENGINEINFORMATION

The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related issues with regards to performance, power-

rating, specifications, warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's
Manual packed separately with your unit for more information.

CALLINGCUSTOMERSUPPORT

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or

maintenance of this unit, please call the Customer Support Department.

Call 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220 to reach a Customer Support representative. Please
have your unit's model number and serial number ready when you call. See previous section to
locate this information. You will be asked to enter the serial number in order to process your call.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

_ 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.

,_ WARNING: The Battery and Engine Exhaust contains chemicals known to the State of California

to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. The battery and posts contain lead;
wash hands after handling.

_ WARNING: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this

GeneralOperation

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close-

manual. 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.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not

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.

operation. Know how to stop the machine and
disengage them quickly.

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.

proper instruction.

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.

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.

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.

during operation and while performing an
adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown
objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to
the eyes.

fitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and
jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never
operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

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 shifting into 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.

23.Mufflerandenginebecomehotandcancausea
burn.Donottouch.

24.Checkoverheadclearancescarefullybeforedriving
underlowtreebranches,wires,dooropeningsetc.,
wheretheoperatormaybestruckorpulledfromthe
unit,whichcouldresultinseriousinjury.

25.Disengageallattachmentclutches,depressthe
brakepedalcompletelyandshiftintoneutralbefore
attemptingtostartengine.

26.Yourmachineisdesignedtocutnormalresidential
grassofaheightnomorethan10".Donotattempt
tomowthroughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,
pasture)orpilesofdryleaves.Drygrassorleaves
maycontacttheengineexhaustand/orbuildupon
themowerdeckpresentingapotentialfirehazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapproved
forthismachinebythemachinemanufacturer.

Read,understandandfollowallinstructions
providedwiththeaccessoryorattachment.

28.Dataindicatesthatoperators,age60yearsand
above,areinvolvedinalargepercentageoftractor-
relatedinjuries.Theseoperatorsshouldevaluate
theirabilitytooperatethetractorsafelyenoughto
protectthemselvesandothersfromseriousinjury.

29.Ifsituationsoccurwhicharenotcoveredinthis
manual,usecareandgoodjudgment.Contactyour

dealerforassistance.

SlopeOperation

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, 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.
De:

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 or shift 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 of the machine. Use extra care with grass
catchers or other attachments. These can change
stability of the machine.

5. 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.

6. Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blade(s) and proceed
slowly straight down the slope.

DoNot

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 shift to neutral and 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.

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

shifting in reverse. The "No-Cut-In Reverse"

feature emphasises not to cut in reverse and
to 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.

g,

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 shift to neutral and coast downhill.

Service

Safe HandlingOfGasoline

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 ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to
allow space for fuel expansion.

i. Replace gasoline cap andtighten 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.

I. 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 5 minutes

before storing.

GeneralService

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 dealer.

4. Check brake operation frequently as it issubjected
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 safetyF

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.

8. Never tamper with the safety interlocksystem 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.Neverattempttomakeadjustmentsorrepairsto
themachinewhiletheengineisrunning.

11.Grasscatchercomponentsandthedischarge
coveraresubjecttowearanddamagewhichcould
exposemovingpartsorallowobjectstobethrown.
Forsafetyprotection,frequentlycheckcomponents
andreplaceimmediatelywithoriginalequipment
manufacturer's(O.E.M.)partsonly,listedinthis
manual."Useofpartswhichdonotmeetthe
originalequipmentspecificationsmayleadto
improperperformanceandcompromisesafetyF

12.Donotchangetheenginegovernorsettingsor
over-speedtheengine.Thegovernorcontrolsthe

maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

13. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.

14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for
gas, oil, etc. to protect the environment.

YourResponsibility

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.

Label shape may vary by tractor model. Label contentsdo notvary.

iq

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OFA BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

W

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..I

&i

Z

n

I.LI

_IL WARNING

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.

SECTION3: SETTINGUPYOURTRACTOR

NOTE: Any reference in this manual to the RIGHT or
LEFT side of the tractor is observed from operator's

position.

Attachingthe BatteryCables

NOTE: 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 carriage
screw and hex nut at the factory. Make certain that
the rubber boot covers the terminal to help protect it

from corrosion.

• Remove the shoulder bolt and wing nut from the
negative cable.

• Remove the black plastic cover, if present, from the
negative battery terminal and attach the negative
cable (heavy black wire) to the negative battery
terminal (-) with the bolt and the wing nut.

• Make certain the hold-down strap is in position over
the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 1.

4_b WARNING: Use extreme care when

• Your tractor is shipped with motor oil in the engine.
However, you must check the oil level before
operating. Be careful not to overfill.

RemovingShippingBrace

,_ WARNING: Make sure the riding mower's

IMPORTANT:The shipping brace, used for packaging

purposes only, must be removed and discarded before
operating your lawn tractor.

• Locate the shipping brace and accompanying
warning tag on the right side of the tractor, between

the discharge chute and the cutting deck. See

Figure 2.

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.

engine is off, remove the ignition key, and set
the parking brake before removing the shipping

brace.

Figure 1

NOTE: If the battery is put into service after the date

shown on top of battery, charge the battery as
instructed on page 21 of this manual prior to operating

the tractor.

GasandOilFill-Up

• The gasoline tank is located under the hood and
has a capacity of either two or three gallons
according to the respective model. Do not overfill.

• Service the engine with gasoline and oil as
instructed inthe separate engine operator/owner
manual packed with your tractor. Read instructions
carefully.

Mulch Plug (if equipped)

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.Do not discard the

mulch plug, if already installed inside the chute
opening.

,_ WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of

throwing objects. Failure to operate the tractor
without the discharge cover in the proper

operating position could result in serious
personal injury and/or property damage.

SECTION4: KNOWYOURLAWNTRACTOR

Compare the illustration below with the controls on your tractor; get familiar with these features before you start to
operate the tractor. This manual covers two models. So follow the descriptions and instructions pertaining to your
tractor model only.

F

G

H

A

\

\

A Systemslndicator Monitor/Hour Meter
B PTO (Power Take-off) Lever

C Choke Control
D Shift Lever

E Cup Holder
F Throttle Control Lever

G Parking Brake Button

K

_ NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.

Figure 3

H Cruise Control Button

I Ignition Switch
J Brake Pedal

K Drive Pedal
L Deck Lift Lever

M Seat Adjustment Lever

ThrottleControlLever

The throttle control lever is
located on the right 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. On

model D609G, push this
lever all the way forward for

choke control also.
IMPORTANT:When

operating the tractor with the cutting deck engaged,
make sure that the throttle lever is always in the FAST

(rabbit) position.

ChokeControl

On model D609G, moving
the throttle lever all the way

forward activates the
engine's choke control. On

model U609H, 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 12 of this manual for detailed instructions.

BrakePedal

The brake pedal is located
on the right front side of the

tractor above the drive
pedal and along the running

board. This pedal can be
used for sudden stops or
setting the parking brake.

NOTE: Brake pedal must be fully depressed to activate
the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.

Ignition Switch
To start the engine, insert

the key into the ignition On/Lights
switch and turn clockwise Off

to the START position.
Once the engine starts,
turn the key to ON position.

Refer to Starting The
Engine on page 12 of this

manual for more details.
The ignitionswitch is also

used to operate the tractor's headlights. Refer to
Operating The Headlights on page 14 for details.

Choke*

I(o)

/ Choke*

*some models only

WARNING: Never leave a running machineunattended. Always disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral position, set parking

brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.

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 drive

pedal with your right foot
(when the tractor shift lever _)

is in either FORWARD or
REVERSE) to move the

tractor. Ground speed is
also controlled with the

drive pedal. Further down the pedal is depressed,
faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to its
original position when it is not depressed.

IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.

SystemsIndicator Monitor/ HourMeter
Your tractor isequipped

with four indicator lights
and an hour meter located

on the left side of the dash
panel. These indicators

are shown here.
The hour meter operates

whenever the engine is
runningand records the

actual hours oftractor
operation.

It is normal for the oil light
and the battery light to

illuminate whilethe engine
is cranking, but ifeither

illuminates while the

engine is running, follow
the steps given below. If the brake lightor PTO light

illuminates while starting the tractor, proceed as
follows.

Brake Light Engage the parking brake.
PTO Light Move the PTO lever into the OFF

(disengaged) position.

Oil Light Stop the tractor immediately and

check the crankcase oil level as

instructed in the engine manual. Add

oilas required.

Battery Light Indicates that the battery needs to be

charged or that the engine's charging

system is notgenerating sufficient

B= ery Light Oil Light

Hour Meter

PTO Light Brake Light

10

amperage. Refer to Battery charging
procedure on page 21 or have the
engine's charging system checked by

an authorized dealer.

CupHolder
The tractor's cup holder is located on the fender to the

left of the seat and rear of the parking brake lever.

PTO(PowerTake-off) Lever

The PTO lever is located
on the left side of the ®_ _

dashboard next to the _ _ _@

steering wheel. Move the ®_=_=

PTO lever forward to

engage power to the cutting deck or other (separately
available) attachments; move the PTO lever backward

(toward the rear of the tractor) to disengage power to

the attachments.
ElectricPT0 Knob(If equipped)

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 lever/knob must be in the OFF

position when (i) starting the engine, (ii) travelling in

reverse or (iii) if the operator leaves the seat.

ParkingBrakeButton

To set the parking brake,
fully depress the brake
pedal and push the parking

brake button in. Hold the
button in while taking your

foot off the brake pedal.
Both the parking button
and the brake pedal will
then stay depressed. To
release the parking brake,
depress the brake pedal
slightly. The parking brake

button wilt 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: Always set the parking brake when
leaving the tractor unattended.

DeckLift Lever

Located on your tractor's right fender, the deck lift lever
is used to change the height of the cutting deck. To use,
move the lever to the left, then place in the notch best
suited for your application.

CruiseControlButton

The cruise control button is
located on the dash panel

of the tractor to the left of

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located on
the left side of the fender

_,F

and has three positions,

FORWARD, NEUTRAL

and REVERSE. The brake
pedal must be depressed

N

and the tractor must not be
in motion when moving the

shift lever.

Knob

IMPORTANT: Never force
the shift lever. Doing so

may result in serious damage to the transmission.

SeatAdjustmentLever

To adjust the seat forward or backward, slide the seat
adjustment lever to the left and reposition the seat to

the desired position. Once a comfortable position is
found, release the seat adjustment lever to lock the

seat in place. Refer to Seat Adjustment on page 16 for
more detailed instructions.

the cruise control button
the ignition switch. Push ;i;

while the tractor is traveling
forward at a desired speed.

Holding the button in,
release pressure from the

drive pedal. This will
engage cruise control and

allow the tractor to maintain
that speed without applying
pressure to the drive pedal. Depress the brake pedal or

the drive pedal to deactivate cruise control. Refer to
OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR section on

page 12 for detailed instructions.

NOTE: Cruise control cannot 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.

11

SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURLAWNTRACTOR

• Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch.

_ WARNING: Read, understand, and follow all

instructions and warnings on the machine and
in this manual before operating.

SafetyInterlockSwitches

This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. The safety interlock
system prevents the engine from cranking or starting
unless the parking brake is engaged and the PTO lever
is in the disengaged (OFF) position.

The safety interlock system will automatically shut off
the engine if:

1. the operator leaves the seat before engaging the
parking brake;

2. the operator leaves the tractor's seat with the PTO
lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of
whether the parking brake is engaged;

3. the PTO lever is moved to the engaged (ON)
position with drive pedal placed for reverse travel.

IMPORTAWI': Tampering with or attempting to bypass
the tractor's safety interlock switches in any way will

void your tractor's warranty.

,_ WARNING: This safety interlock system

was designed for your safety and protection. If
this system should ever malfunction, do not

operate the tractor; contact an authorized
Service Dealer.

Settingthe CuttingHeight

• Select the height position of the cutting deck by
placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different
cutting height notches on the right fender.

• Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between _A-
inch and I/2-inch above the ground when the tractor
is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.

_ll WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from

the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the
deck and are not designed to support the weight of the
cutting deck.

• Place PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

• Engage the tractor's parking brake.

• Pull the choke control outward (model U609H)or
move the throttle control lever into the CHOKE

position (model D609G).

• Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START
position. After the engine starts, release the key. It
will return to the ON position.

IMPORTAWI': Do not hold the key in the START position
for longer than ten seconds at a time. Doing so may
cause damage to your engine's electric starter.

• After the engine starts, de-activate choke control
and place throttle control in the FAST position.

NOTE: Do not leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel
mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

AV010SERIOUSINJURYORDEATH

• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

• AVOIDSUDDEN 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, EVEN WITH BLADES OFE

• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.

• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) tN
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 PLAC*
tNG HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

• BEFORE LEAVING OPERATOR'S POSmON, DISENGAGE
BLADE(S), PLACE THE SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL, ENGAGE

BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KEY.

Stoppingthe Engine

• Ifthe blades are engaged, place the PTO lever in
the disengaged (OFF) position.

• Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF

position.

• Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent

unintended starting.

WARNING

READOPERATOR'SMANUAL

Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 15 for more details
regarding various deck adjustments.

StartingtheEngine

NOTE: Refer to page 8 of this manual for Gasoline and

Oil Fill-Up instructions.

_ll WARNING: If you strike 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 restarting
and operating

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