For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: in the U. S., call 1-800-849-YARD; in Canada, call 1 -800-263-0660
mi
139700 Rev. 1 5.18.93
Printed in the U.S.A.
■:ДГГ:ГГ r„
Safe Operation Practices for Bit >-Рг1 i-mmfs
IMPORTANT: THISCUTTINGMACHINEISCAPABLEOFAMPUTATiNGHANDSANDFEETANDTHROWlNGOBJECTS.
FA!LURETOOBSERVETHEFOLLOWiNGSAFETYiNSTRUCT!ONSCOULDRESULTINSERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
Read, understand, and follow a!i instructions in the manual
and on the machine before starting.
Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the
instructions, to operate the machine.
Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing. Stop
machine if anyone enters the area.
Never carry passengers.
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always
look down and behind before and while backing.
Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point
it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without either the
entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
Slow down before turning.
Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn off
blades, set parking Brake, stop engine, and remove keys
before dismounting.
Turn off blades when not mowing.
Stop engine before removing grass catcher or unclogging
chute.
Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
Do not operate the machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.
Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine into
a trailer or truck.
II. SLOPE OPERATiON
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and tipover
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.
DO:
« Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
• Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have
to stop or shift while on the slope.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the
slope.
•Donot mow near drop-orbs, diiche: c embankments. The
mower could sudden ^ : «r a v--‘-<;el is over the edge
of a cliff or dltcr., or * an eoje cnves r.
•Do notmow on wc: grasr. Reduceu traction could cause
sliding.
•Do nottry to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the
ground.
» Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.
Hi. 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. /Veverassume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful
care of another responsible adult.
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small
children.
Never carry children. They may fail off and be seriously
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.
Never allow children to operate the machine.
Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.
IV. SERVICE
• Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels. They are
flammable and vapors are explosive.
Use only an approved container.
Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine
running. Allow engine to cool before refueling. Do not
smoke.
Never refuel the machine indoors.
Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, such as a water heater.
® Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, tight
and keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris build-up.
Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
« Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage, and
deterioration, which could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Frequently check components and
replace with manufacturer's recommended parts, when nec
essary.
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or
wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
® Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and service as
required.
Look for this symbol to point out impor
tant safety precaution's. It means
CAUTION!!! BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
Cmu r-ON. Always disconnect »park
p>ug wYe and pia be wire where :t cannot
contact spark plug In order to prevent
arcidenta! starting when setting up,
transc'Ortmg, adjusting or making
recr-srs.
CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a new trac
tor. !t has been designed, engineered and manufactured
to give you the best possible dependability and perfor
mance.
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service
center. 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 prop
erly. Always observe the "SAFETY RULES".
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
HORSEPOWER:18.0
GASOLINE CAPACITY:3.5 GALLONS
UNLEADED REGULAR
OIL (3.0 PINTS):
SPARK PLUG (GAP.025 IN.):
VALVE CLEARANCE:
SAE 30 (above 32° F)
SAE 5W-30 (below 32° F)
CHAMPION RJ19LM
INTAKE .004 - .006 IN .
EXHAUST .007-.009 IN.
MODEL
NUMBER
X1844A
SERIAL
NUMBER
DATEOFPURCHASE.
THE MODELANDSERIALNUMBERSWILLBE FOUND
ON A PLATE UNDER THE SEAT,
YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIALNUMBER AND
DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Read and observe the safety rules.
• Followa reguiarschedule in maintaining, caringforand
using your tractor.
• Follow the instructions under "Customer Responsibili
ties" and "Storage" sections of this manual.
GROUND SPEED:
TIRE PRESSURE:
CHARGING SYSTEM:
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:30-35 FT. LBS.
FORWARD:
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
REVERSE:
FRONT: 14 PSI
REAR: 10 PSI
SAMPS BATTERY
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS
.71
1.05
1.82
3.24
4.12
5.29
1.62
MPH
MPH
MPH
MPH
MPH
MPH
MPH
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal
combustion engine and should not be used on or near any
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov
ered 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 authorized service center (See RE
PAIR PARTS section of this manual).
The Manufacturer warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this product as manufactured is free from
defects in materials and workmanship. For a period of two (2) years from date of purchase by the original
consumer purchaser, we will repair or replace, at our option, without charge for parts or labor incurred in replacing
parts, any part which we find to be defective due to materials or workmanship. This Warranty is subject to the
following limitations and exclusions.
1. This warranty does not apply to the engine, transaxle/transmission components, battery (except as noted
below) or components parts thereof. Please refer to the applicable manufacturer's warranty on these items.
2. Transportation charges for the movement of any power equipment unit or attachment are the responsibility of
the purchaser. Transportation charges for any parts submitted for replacement under this warranty must be
paid by the purchaser unless such return is requested by American Yard Products, Inc.
3. Battery Warranty: On products equipped with a Battery, we will replace, without charge to you, any battery
which we find to be defective in manufacture, during the first ninety (90) days of ownership. After ninety (90)
days, we will exchange the Battery, charging you 1/12 of the price of a new Battery for each full month from
the date of the original sale. Battery must be maintained in accordance with the instructions furnished.
4. The Warranty period for any products used for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the
date of original purchase.
5. This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled, adjusted, operated, and main
tained in accordance with the instructions furnished. This Warranty does not apply to any product which has
been subjected to alteration, misuse, abuse, improper assembly or installation, delivery damage, or to normal
wear of the product.
6. Exclusions: Excluded from this Warranty are belts, blades, blade adapters, normal wear, normal adjustments,
standard hardware and normal maintenance.
7. In the event you have a claim under this Warranty, you must return the product to an authorized service
dealer.
Should you have any unanswered questions concerning this Warranty, please contact:
American Yard Products, Inc.
Service Department
P.O. Box 1687
Orangeburg, SC 29116 USA
giving the model number, serial number and date of purchase of your product and the name and address of the
authorized dealer from whom it was purchased.
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT APPLY TO INCIDENTAL ORCONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES AND ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED TO THE SAME TIME PERIODS STATED HEREIN FOR OUR EXPRESSED
WARRANTIES. Some areas do not allow the limitation of consequential damages or limitations of how long an
implied Warranty may last, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from locale to locale.
This is a limited Warranty within the meaning of that term as defined in the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975.
in Canada contact:
AYP Canada, Inc.
1040 Jayson Court
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 2V5
CONTENTS OF HARDWARE PACK
Parts packed separately in carton
Seat
Battery
Parts Bag
Owner's Manual
Parts bag contents not shown full size
O
(2) Washer
3/4x1"x18Ga.
.
(2) Battery Carriage Bolts 1/4-20 x 7-1/2
(2) Keys
Steering
Wheel Insert
Terminal
oj Guard
Battery Caps
and Instructions
ASSEMBLY
Your new tractor has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping puposes.
To ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use
the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard
wrench sizes are listed.
(2) 7/16" wrenches (1) Tire pressure gauge
(1) 3/4" wrench (1) Utility knife
(1) Adjustable wrench
When right and left hand is mentioned in this manual, it
means when you are in the operating position (seated
behind the steering wheel).
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CARTON
UNPACK CARTON
• Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons
from carton (See page 6).
• Cut along lines on the carton, from top to bottom, all
four corners of carton and lay panels flat.
• Remove mower deck from skid.
• Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and
remove.
BEFORE ROLLING UNIT OFF SKID
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)
• Remove locknut and large flat washer from steering
shaft.
• Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing
straight forward.
• Position steering wheel so cross bars are horizontal
(left to right) and slide onto adapter.
• Secure steering wheel to steering shaft with locknut
and large flat washer previously removed. Tighten
securely.
• Snap steering wheel insert into center of steering
wheel.
• Remove protective plastic from tractor hood and grill.
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE UNIT IS
TO ROLL OFF SKID.
TO ROLL UNIT OFF SKID (See Fig. 10)
• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.
• Release parking brake by depressing clutch/brake
pedal.
• Place gearshift lever in “NEUTRAL” position.
• Roll tractor backwards off skid.
ASSEMBLY
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR
PREPARE BATTERY (See Fig. 2)
CAUTION: Wear eye and face shield.
Wash hands or clothing immediately if
accidentailf in contact with battery acid.
Do not smote. Fumes from charged bat
A
Your tractor has a battery charging system which is suffi
cient for normal use. However, periodic charging of the
battery with an automotive charger will extend its life.
® See instructions packed with vent caps in parts bag.
® Fill battery with acid. Fill each cell until it reaches the
bottom of the vent wells. Do not overfiil.
® Allow battery to stand and settle for at least thirty
minutes. After standing, check the level of acid. If
below the vent wells, add more acid until the correct
level is reached.
While battery is standing (after adding acid) and later, while
battery is being charged, continue with assembly of tractor.
IMPORTANT: TO MAXIMIZE THE LIFE OF YOUR
BATTERY, IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE BATTERY BE
CHARGED BEFORE USE. FAILURE TO CHARGE
BATTERY CAN RESULT IN A SHORTENED BATTERY
LIFE.
® Charge battery at a rate of 6 amperes for 1 hour. Use
a 12 volt battery charger. Observe all safety precau
tions required for batteiy charging.
® Check the acid level after the battery is charged, if the
acid has fallen below the correct level, add distilled or
iron free water.
® Install the vent caps to cover the vent wells. Wash the
top of the battery with water to remove any acid, then
wipe dry.
® Check battery case for leakage to make sure that no
damage has occurred in handling.
® Dispose of excess battery acid. Neutralize acid for
disposal by adding it to four inches of water in a five
gallon plastic container. Stir with a wooden or plastic
paddle white adding baking soda until the addition of
more soda causes no more foaming.
® Follow instructions on how to install battery.
tery acid are explosive.
Read the instructions inclyded with the
battery vent caps. Always wear gloves,
clothing and goggles to protect your hands,
skin and eyes.
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment knob.
• Remove cardboard packing on seat pan.
• Place seat on pan and assemble shoulder bolt.
• Assemble adjustment knob and fiat washer loosely.
Do not tighten.
• Tighten shoulder bolt securely.
® Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.
• Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which
allows you to press ciutch/brake pedal all the way
down.
• Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.
» Raise seat and tighten adjustment knob securely.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
The tires on your tractor were overinflaied at the factory for
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for
best cutting performance.
• Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in “PRODUCT
SPECIFICATIONS” on page 3 of this manual.
8
ASSEMBLY
INSTALL MOWER (See Figs. 4, 5, 6 & 7)
• Remove banding holding parallel link up against tractor.
• Remove retainer securing long hinge pin to parallel link
and remove hinge pin.
• Raise attachment lift lever to its highest position.
• Remove banding from mower deck links and V-belt.
• Slide mower under tractor with discharge guard to right
side of tractor.
• Attach front of mower to parallel link with long hinge pin.
Secure hinge pin with retainer spring.
• Turn height adjustment knob to its lowest setting.
• Lower attachment lift lever to lower suspension arms.
Remove retainer springs from lift trunnions.
• Slide trunnions through upper hole in lift brackets and
secure with retainer springs.
• Pull L.H. idler pulley toward the right hand side of tractor
and roll belt over mower drive pulley.
NOTE: Mower drive belt installation decal located on mower
housing.
• Raise attachment lift lever to raise mower.
• Turn height adjustment knob clockwise to the middle of
its travel.
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly
leveled. See “TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING” in the
Service and Adjustments section of this manual.
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL
BELTS
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion, mower
drive, 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 properly adjusted. See “TO ADJUST
BRAKE” in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
ASSEMBLY
INSTALL BATTERY (See Figs. 8 & 9)
CAUTION: Do not short battery termi
nals. Before installing battery, remove
metal bracelets, wristwatch bands,
rings, etc.
A
® Lift hood to raised position.
® Lower battery into battery tray with terminals to rear of
tractor.
• Be sure battery drain tube has not come loose and is
securely attached to drain in battery tray.
• First connect RED battery cable to positive {+) battery
terminal with hex bolt, flat washer, lock washer and hex
nut as shown. Tighten securely.
® Connect BLACK grounding cable to negative (-) bat
tery terminal with remaining hex bolt, fiat washer, lock
washer and hex nut. Tighten securely.
® Place terminal guard onto the battery, covering the
terminals.
• Slide one (1)1" washer onto battery bolt. Slide bolt up
through key hole, through terminal guard and thread
wing nut onto bolt. Do not tighten.
® Repeat for opposite side.
® Tighten wing nuts while making sure the square shafts
of the bolts are into the slots of keyholes. By hand only,
tighten securely.
• Be sure terminal access doors are closed.
Use terminal access doors for:
• Inspection for secure connections (to tighten hard
ware).
• Inspection for corrosion.
• Testing battery.
• Periodic charging.
Positive terminal must be connected
first to prevent sparking from acciden
tal grounding.
^CHECKLIST
BEFORE YOU OPERATE AND ENJOY YOUR NEW
TRACTOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RE
CEIVE THE BEST PERFORMANCE AND SATISFAC
TION FROM THIS QUALITY PRODUCT.
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:
/ All assembly instructions have been completed.
/ No remaining loose parts in carton.
/ 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 se
cure and wires are properly clamped.
WHILE LEARNING HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR,
PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IM
PORTANT 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.
OPERATION
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOi
Compare the illustrations with your tractor to familiarize yourself with the location of various controls and adjustments. Sa'
this manual for future reference.
Your tractor conforms to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH SWITCH - Used to engage mower
blades or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER - Used to raise and lower
mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor.
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL - Used for declutching and
braking the tractor and starting the engine.
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB - Used to adjust the mower
height.
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER - Used to release attachment lift
lever when changing its position.
11
GEARSHIFT LEVER - Selects the speed and direction c
the tractor.
IGNITION SWITCH - Used to start and stop the engine
LIGHT SWITCH - Turns the headlights on and off.
PARKING BRAKE LEVER - Locks clutch/brake pedal inf
the brake position.
THROTTLE CONTROL - Used to control engine speed
CHOKE CONTROL - Used when starting a cold engine.
AMMETER - Indicates charging (+) or discharging (-) c
battery.
The operation of any tractor can result in foreign cbiecis thrown into the eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Always wear safety otesses cr eye shields before starting your tractor
and while moving. We recommend wide vision safety mask for over the spectacles or standard
safety glasses.
Alw: ■>: i-f ►-'fai“ fi y-t full throttle.
* O' i ' C ' I ' -ss than full throttle reduces the
bet. iV Uiio. C!| C icjIG.
* -oil и г( it,6 !. П6 best mower performance.
TO FOVL FORWARD AND BACKWARD
(See Fif.. Hf
The Direction 3i б speed of movement is controlled by the
gearshift levec
* Gtori iiC-cTc- witn cutch/brake pedal depressed and
ce.ir.'^hiti t /er in “NEUTRAL” position.
* Mow qei.r.-hiit lever to desired position.
« Ь .e'cdse clutch/brake pedal to start movement.
iKPGRT/rtI • FRI^'G TRACTOR TO A COMPLETE STOP
BFfOF Г S.-H-OMG OR CHANGING GEARS. FAILURE
Tore 5< vVIlL SHORTEN THE USEFUL LIFE OF YOUR
TRAiyS k/Lf
OPPING (See Fig. 11 j
WER BLADES -
Move attachment dutch switch to “DISENGAGED”
position.
3UND DRIVE -
Depress clutch/brake pedai into full “BRAKE” position.
Move gear shift lever to “NEUTRAL” position.
51NE -
Move throttle control to “SLOW” position.
TE: Failure to move throttle control to “SLOW” position
allowing engine to.idle before stoppinq may cause
ine to “backfire”.
Turn ignition key to “OFF” position and remove key.
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent
unauthorized use.
Never use choke to stop engine.
TE: Under certain conditions when unit is standing idle
the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may
se “browning” of grass. To eliminate this possibility,
ays stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT
(See Fig. 11)
The cutting height is controlled by turning the height adjust
ment knob in desired direction.
* Turn knob clockwise ) to raise cutting height.
* Turn knob counterdcckwiseC kl ) to lower cutting height.
The cutti.ng heigh! range is approximately 1-1/4" to 3-3/4".
The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip
with the engine not running. These heights are approxi
mate and may vary depending upon soil conditions, height
of grass and 'types of grass being mow/ed.
® The average lawn should be cut to approximately
2-1/2 inches during the coo! season and to over 3
inches during hoi 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.
12
OPERATION
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Figs. 10 and 11)
Your unit is equipped with an operator presence sensing
switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with
the engine running and the mower clutch engaged will shut
off the engine.
• Select desired height of cut.
• Lower mower with attachment lift control.
• 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
A
mowers so equipped, or the discharge
guard in place.
TO TRANSPORT
• Raise attachment lift control to highest position.
• When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure gearshift
lever is in “NEUTRAL” position.
• Do not push or tow tractor at more than five (5) MPH.
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting
yourtractor 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.).
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL (See Fig. 13)
• The engine in your unit has been shipped, from the
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.
• Check engine oil with unit on level ground.
• Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,
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
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).
• To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili
ties section in this manual.
TO OPERATE ON HILLS
CAUTION: Do not drive up or down
A
Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down
hills.
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.
If slowing is necessary, move throttle control to slower
position.
if stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking
brake.
Move gearshift lever to “NEUTRAL" position.
T0 restart movement, move gearshift lever to 1 st gear.
Be sure you have allowed room for tractor to roll slightly
as you 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.
13
OPERATION
ADD GASOUNE
• Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded
gasoline. (Use of leaded gasoline will increase carbon
and lead oxide deposits and reduce valve life).
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING ¡N TEMPERATURES
BELOW 32“F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER
STARTING.
WARNING; Experience indicates that alcohol blended
fuels (called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can
attract moisture which leads to separation and formation of
acids during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel
system of an engine while in storage. To avoid engine
probiems, the fuel system should be emptied before stor
age 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 Instruc
tions for additional information. Never use engine or
carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent
damage may occur.
CA'JTION: Fil! to bottc-m of gas tank
filler neck. Donctoverfili. Wipecffany
A
spilied oil or fue!. Do not stere, spili or
use gasciirse near an open tìanie.
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 11)
When starting engine for the first time or if engine has
run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move
fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Depress the clutch/brake pedal and set the parking
brake,
• Place gearshift lever in “NEUTRAL” position.
® Move attachment clutch to “DISENGAGED” position.
® Pull choke control out to “CHOKE” position for cold
engine start. For warm engine start do not use choke
control.
® Move throttle control to midway between “FAST” and
“SLOW” positions.
® Turn ignition key clockwise to “START” position and
release key as soon as engine starts. Do not run
starter continuously for more than fifteen seconds
per minute, if engine does not start after several
attempts, move throttle control to “FAST" position,
wait a few minutes and try again.
• When engine starts, slowly push choke control in.
® Move throttle control to “FAST” position.
® Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before
engaging clutch/brake pedal or attachment clutch
switch.
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
® Tire chains cannot be used when the mower housing
is attached to tractor.
• Mower should be properly leveled for best mowing
performance. See ‘TO LEVEL MOWER HOUSING”
in the Service and Adjustments section of this
manual.
• Use the runner on the right hand side of mower as
a guide. The blade cuts approximately an inch out
side the runner (See Fig. 12).
« 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 tractor. This will result in a more even distribu
tion of clippings and more uniform cutting.
• When mowing large areas, start by turning to the
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. 14).
® If grass is extremely tall, it should be mowed twice
to reduce load and possible fire hazard from dried
clippings. Make first cut relatively high; the second
to the desired height.
• Do not mow grass when it is wet. Wei grass will
plug mower and leave undesirable clumps. Allow
grass to dry before mov/ing.
® Always operate engine at full throttle when mowing
to assure better mowing performance and proper
discharge of material. Regulate ground speed by
selecting a tow enough gear to give the mower cut
ting performance as well as the quality of cut de
sired.
• When operating attachments, select a ground speed
that will suit the terrain and give best performance of
the attachment being used.
FIG. 14
A
CAUTION: Before driving the tractor,
instai! mower or remove front mower
suspension bracket and suspension
arms.
Check Engine Oil Level
Change Engine Oil
Clean Air Filter
Clean Air Screen
Inspect Muffler/Spark Arrester
Replace Oil Filter (If equipped)
Clean Engine Cooling Fins
Replace Spark Plug
Replace Air Filter Paper Cartridge
Replace Fuel Filter
1 - Change more often when operating under a heavy load or in high ambient temperatures.
2 - Service more often when operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
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SERVICE DATES
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3 - If equipped with oil filter, change oil every 50 hours.
4 - Replace blades more often when mowing in sandy soil.
5 - If equipped with adjustable system.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The warranty on this tractor does not cover items that have
been subjected to operator abuse or negligence. To
receive full value from the warranty, operator must main
tain tractor as instructed in this manual.
Some adjustments will need to be made periodically to
properly maintain your tractor.
Ail adjustments in the Service and Adjustments section of
this manual should be checked at least once each season.
• Once a year you should replace the spark plug, clean
or replace air filter, and check blades and belts for
wear. A new spark plug and clean air filter assure
proper air-fuel mixture and helpyourengine run better