Toro 13BX60RG544 Operator's Manual

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Form No. 3357-946 Rev. A

LX425 Lawn Tractor

Model No. 13BX60RG544

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769-03028 (1/15/07)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Safety Labels 7 Slope Gauge 9 Tractor Set-Up 10 Know Your Lawn Tractor 13

Operating Your Lawn Mower 16 Making Adjustments 19

Content Page

Maintaining Your Lawn Tractor 21 Service 23 Off-Season Storage 26 Maintenance Chart 27 Troubleshooting 28 Specifications 29 Warranty Information 31

FINDING MODEL NUMBER

This Operator’s Manual is an important part of your new lawn tractor. It will help you assemble, prepare and maintain the unit for best performance. Please read and understand what it says.

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate on the equipment and copy the information from it in the space provided below. A sample model plate is also illustrated below. You can locate the model plate by looking at the underside of the tractor’s seat. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer’s web site and/or help from a Toro Service Dealer.

MODEL NUMBER SERIAL NUMBER DOM

Copy the model number here:

THE TORO COMPANY 8111 LYNDALE AVE. SOUTH

TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER: 1-888-384-9942 USA TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER: 1-888-848-4073 Canada

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA 55420-1196

Copy the serial number here:

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Please do NOT return the unit to the retailer without first contacting Customer Support.

If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation or maintenance of this unit, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:

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SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

WARNING: This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed, could endanger

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal injury. When you see this symbol—heed its warning.

DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation in this man-

ual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety instructions could result in serious injury or death.

GENERAL OPERATION

1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for future and regular reference.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation. Know how to stop the machine and disengage PTO/blades them quickly.

3. Never allow children under 14 years old to operate this machine. Children 14 years old and over should read and understand the operation instructions and safety rules in this manual and should be trained and supervised by a parent.

4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper instruction.

5. To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

6. Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used. Remove all stones, sticks, wire, bones, toys, and other foreign objects which could be picked up and thrown by the blade(s). Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.

7. Plan your mowing pattern to avoid discharge of material toward roads, sidewalks, bystanders and the like. Also, avoid discharging material against a wall or obstruction which may cause discharged material to ricochet back toward the operator.

8. Always wear safety glasses or safety goggles during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.

9. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and closefitting slacks and shirts. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry can be caught in movable parts. Never operate this machine in bare feet or sandals.

10. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without the discharge cover or entire grass catcher in its proper place.

11. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts or under the cutting deck. Contact with the blade(s) can amputate hands and feet.

12. A missing or damaged discharge cover can cause blade contact or thrown object injuries.

13. Stop the blade(s) when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads and while not cutting grass.

14. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing roadways. This machine is not intended for use on any public roadway.

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

16. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.

17. Never carry passengers.

18. Disengage blade(s) before 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. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do not touch.

24. Check overhead clearances carefully before driving under low hanging tree branches, wires, door openings etc., where the operator may be struck or pulled from the unit, which could result in serious injury.

25. Disengage the PTO and all attachment clutches, depress the brake pedal completely and shift into neutral before attempting to start engine.

26. Your machine is designed to cut normal residential grass of a height no more than 10”. Do not attempt to mow through unusually tall, dry grass (e.g., pasture) or piles of dry leaves. Dry grass or leaves may contact the engine exhaust and/or build up on the mower deck presenting a potential fire hazard.

27. Use only accessories and attachments approved for this machine by the machine manufacturer. Read, understand and follow all instructions provided with the approved accessory or attachment.

28. Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-related injuries. These operators should evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to protect themselves and others from serious injury.

29. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use care and good judgment. Contact an authorized MTD Service Dealer for assistance.

SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

For your safety, use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge, do not operate this unit on that area or serious injury could result.

DO:

1. Mow up and down slopes, not across. Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

2. Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

3. Use slow speed. Choose a low enough speed setting so that you will not have to stop 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.

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

6. Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual. Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction. Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards which could cause serious injury.

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

DO NOT:

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

2. Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff, ditch, or if an edge caves in.

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

4. Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.

5. Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Overspeeding 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. To avoid back-over accidents, always

disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting

into reverse. The “Reverse Caution Mode” should not be used when children or others are around.

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.

2. 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 or responsible adult.

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. 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).

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

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

7. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

SERVICE

SAFE HANDLING OF GASOLINE:

1. To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite. Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.

a. Use only an approved gasoline container. b. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a

truck or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place containers on the ground away from your vehicle before filling.

c. When practical, remove gas-powered

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

d. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the

fuel tank or container opening at all times until fueling is complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.

e. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and

other sources of ignition. f. Never fuel machine indoors. g. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the

engine is hot or running. Allow engine to cool

at least two minutes before refueling. h. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more

than ½ inch below bottom of filler neck to

allow space for fuel expansion. i. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely. j. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine

and equipment. Move unit to another area.

Wait 5 minutes before starting the engine. k. To reduce fire hazards, keep machine free of

grass, leaves, or other debris build-up. Clean

up oil or fuel spillage and remove any fuel

soaked debris. l. Never store the machine or fuel container

inside where there is an open flame, spark or

pilot light as on a water heater, space heater,

furnace, clothes dryer or other gas

appliances. m. Allow a machine to cool at least 5 minutes

before storing.

GENERAL SERVICE:

1. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless, and deadly gas.

2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Remove the ignition key 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 this time frame, your unit should be serviced professionally by an authorized Service Dealer.

4. Check brake operation frequently as it is subjected to wear during normal operation. Adjust and service as required.

5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) blade(s) only. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

6. Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the

equipment is in safe working condition.

8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the ignition key to prevent unintended starting. Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before starting and operating.

10. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the machine while the engine is running.

11. Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are subject to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or allow objects to be thrown.

12. For safety protection, frequently check components and replace immediately with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only. “Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety!”

13. Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine.

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

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

WARNING: YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read,

understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

his operator’s manual describes safety symbols and pictographs that may appear on this product.

Symbol Meaning

SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL —

Indicates Danger, Warning or Caution. May be used in conjunction with other symbols or pictographs.

WARNING – READ OPERATOR’S MANUAL —

Read the Operator’s Manual(s) and follow all warning and safety instructions. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the operator and/or bystanders.

SECTION 2: SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONAL LABELS

Safety and instructional labels found on your lawn tractor are illustratefd below. Always follow their instructions and heed their warnings. If you discover a safety label is scratched, damaged or missing, order a replacement immediately.

Part No. 112-0865

R R

Part No. 112-3706

CI00171

OIL

Part No. 112-5960

Part No. 112-3702

MARCHE

OFF

ARRÊT

PTO PDF

Part No. 112-3704

CI00104

Part No. 112-0533

Part No. 112-1270

MAX 20

Part No. 112-1267

S30296

S30544

Part No. 112-3709

SECTION 3: SLOPE GAUGE

Use this page as a guide to determine slopes where you may not operate safely. Do not operate your lawn tractor on such slopes.

Operate WALK-BEHIND mowers across the face of slopes, never up and down slopes.

Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

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.

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

DANGER

15°

SECTION 4: TRACTOR SET-UP

Attaching The Steering Wheel

Tools Required

(1) 1/2" socket wrench

1. The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has been packed within the steering wheel, beneath steering wheel cap. Carefully pry off the steering wheel cap and remove the hardware.

2. With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight forward, place the steering wheel over the steering shaft.

3. Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over the steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See Figure 1.

Cap

Hex Bolt

Washer

Attaching the Battery Cables

Tools Required

(1) 7/16" wrench

NOTE: Your tractor’s battery cables may have

already be attached at the factory.

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 bolt and hex nut at the factory. Make certain that the rubber boot covers the terminal to help protect it from corrosion.

• Remove the carriage bolt and hex 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 hex nut.

• Make certain the hold-down rod is in position over the battery, securing it in place. See Figure 2.

Steering Shaft

Figure 1

4. Place the steering wheel cap over the center of the steering wheel and push downward until it “clicks” into place.

Rubber

Boot

Hold Down Rod

Carriage Bolt

Hex Nut

Figure 2

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

shown on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed on page 24 of this manual prior to operating the tractor.

Tire Pressure

Shipping Brace Removal

WARNING: Never exceed the maximum

inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire.

NOTE: The tires on your unit may be over-inflated for

shipping purposes. Reduce the tire pressure before operating the tractor. Recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 p.s.i. for the rear tires and 14 p.s.i. for the front tires. Check sidewall of tire for maximum p.s.i.

Attaching The Seat

1. Remove the two knobs from the bottom of seat.

2. Position the shoulder screws (found on the base of the seat) inside the slot openings in the seat pivot bracket.

3. Slide the seat slightly rearward in the seat pivot bracket, lining up the rear slots in the pivot bracket with the remaining two holes in the seat’s base.

4. Select desired position for the seat, and secure with the two knobs removed earlier. See Figure 3.

WARNING: Make sure the riding mower’s

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

• Locate the shipping brace, if present, and warning tag found on the right side of the cutting deck. See Figure 4.

• 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.

Knobs

Figure 3

Shoulder Screws

Figure 4

WARNING: The shipping brace, used for

packaging purposes only, must be removed and discarded before operating your riding mower.

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of

throwing objects. Failure to operate the riding mower without the discharge cover in the proper operating position could result in serious personal injury and/or property damage.

Setting the Gauge Wheels

Tools Required

(2) 9/16" wrenches 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 ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground as follows.

• If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with the surface below, lower the wheels to the index hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance as described above.

Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 19 of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.

Gas and Oil Fill-up

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away

from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

Place the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, refer to Figure 5, and proceed as follows:

• Place the tractor’s deck lift handle in the normally desired mowing height setting, then check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance with the surface below. There should be approximately 1/2" clearance.

• If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:

a. Raise the deck lift handle to its highest

setting.

b. Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing

the lock nuts and shoulder screws which secure them to the deck.

c. Place the deck lift handle in the desired

mowing height setting.

d. Insert the shoulder screw with the rear gauge

wheel into the index hole that leaves approximately 1/2" between the bottom of the wheel and the pavement. See Figure 5.

Lock Nut

WARNING: Use extreme care when

handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive. Never fuel machine indoors or while the engine is hot or running. Extinguish cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other sources of ignition before filling the fuel tank.

Service the engine with gasoline and oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your tractor. Read instructions carefully.

Fuel Tank

Gauge Wheel

Shoulder Screw

Figure 5

e. Note the position of the index hole used; then

install the other rear gauge wheel into the corresponding index hole of the other gauge wheel brackets.

Figure 6

IMPORTANT: You tractor is shipped with oil in the

engine. However, you MUST check the oil level before operating. Refer to the separate engine manual packed with your tractor.

SECTION 5: KNOW YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

NOTE: Steering Wheel not shown for clarity.

Figure 7

A Systems Indicator Monitor/Hour Meter G Throttle / Choke Control B PTO (Blade Engage) Lever H Ignition Switch Module C Parking Brake Lever I Brake Pedal D Cruise Control Lever J Drive Pedal

E Shift Lever K Deck Lift Lever F Cup Holder

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

Throttle / Choke Control

The throttle/choke control is located on the right side of the tractor’s dash panel. This lever controls the speed of the engine and, when pushed all the way forward, closes the choke for cold starting. When set in a given position, the throttle will maintain a uniform engine speed.

IMPORTANT: When operating the

tractor with the cutting deck engaged, be certain that the throttle/choke control is always in the FAST (rabbit) position.

Choke

Position

CI00171

Ignition Switch Module

WARNING: Never leave a running machine

unattended. Always disengage the PTO, move the shift lever into Neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key to prevent unintended starting.

To start the engine, insert the key into the ignition switch and turn clockwise to the START position. Release the key into the NORMAL MOWING MODE position once the engine has fired.

To stop the engine, turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position. See Figure 8.

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is located on the right front side of the tractor above the drive pedal along the running board. The brake pedal can be used for sudden stops or setting the parking brake.

NOTE: The brake pedal must

be fully pressed to activate the safety interlock switch when

starting the tractor

Shift Lever

The shift lever is located on the left side of the fender and has three positions, FORWARD, NEUTRAL and REVERSE. The brake pedal must be depressed and the tractor must not be in motion when the moving shift lever. See Figure 10.

IMPORTANT: Never force the shift

lever. Doing so may result in serious damage to the tractor’s transmission.

Deck Lift Lever

Found 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.

N R

Normal

Stop

Position

Mowing

Mode

Start

Position

Figure 8

IMPORTANT: Prior to operating the tractor, refer to Safety

Interlock System on page 16 and Reverse Caution Mode on page 16 of this manual for detailed instructions regarding the Ignition Switch Module and operating the tractor in REVERSE CAUTION MODE.

Drive Pedal

The drive pedal is located on the right side of the tractor, along the running board. Press the upper portion of the drive pedal forward to cause the tractor to travel forward. Press the lower portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your right foot (NOT your heel) to cause the tractor to travel in reverse. Ground speed is also controlled with the drive pedal. The further forward or rearward that the pedal is pivoted, the faster the tractor will travel. The pedal will return to its original position when it’s not pressed.

IMPORTANT: Always set the parking brake when

leaving the tractor unattended.

Systems Indicator Monitor / Hour Meter

PTO (Blade Engage) Lever

Battery

42.0

PTO

(Blade Engage)

LCD

Located in the center of the tractor’s console, the systems indicator monitor records, and displays on its LCD, hours of tractor operation whenever the ignition key is rotated out of the STOP position.

The Indicator Monitor will also remind the operator of maintenance intervals for changing the engine oil. The LCD will alternately flash the recorded hours, “CHG” and “OIL” for five minutes, after every 50 hours of recorded operation elapse. The maintenance interval lasts for two hours (from 50-52, 100-102, 150-152, etc.). The LCD will also flash as described above for five minutes every time the tractor’s engine has been started during this maintenance interval. Before the interval expires, change the crankcase oil as instructed on page 26 of this manual.

Brake

If the Brake light illuminates when attempting to start the tractor’s engine, press the brake pedal.

PTO (Blade Engage)

If the PTO light illuminates when attempting to start the tractor’s engine, move the PTO lever into the disengaged (OFF) position.

Battery

It is normal for the Battery light to illuminate while the engine is cranking during start-up, but if it illuminate’s during operation, while the engine is running, the battery is in need of a charge or the engine’s charging system is not generating sufficient amperage. Refer to the MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR section of this manual for the proper battery charging procedure or have the charging system checked by an authorized service dealer.

Parking Brake

LCD

OFF

PTO

PTO / BLADE ENGAGE

The PTO (Blade Engage) lever is located on the left side of the dash, next to the steering wheel. Move the PTO (Blade Engage) lever forward to engage the power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments; move the PTO (Blade Engage) lever rearward to disengage the power to the attachments.

NOTE: The PTO (Blade Engage) lever must be in the

disengaged (OFF) position when starting the engine.

Cruise Control Lever

The cruise control lever is located on the tractor dash panel, below the steering wheel. Push the cruise control lever downward while traveling forward at a desired speed. While holding the lever down, release pressure from the drive pedal.

This will engage the cruise control and allow the tractor to remain at that speed without applying pressure to the drive pedal. Press the brake pedal or the drive pedal to deactivate cruise control. Refer to page 17 for detailed instructions regarding cruise control.

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.

Parking Brake Lever

To set the parking brake, fully press the brake pedal and push the parking brake lever down. Hold the lever down while taking your foot off the brake pedal. Both the parking lever and the brake pedal will then stay pressed. To release the parking brake, press the brake pedal slightly. The parking brake lever will then return to its original position.

IMPORTANT: Always set the parking

brake when leaving the tractor unattended.

SECTION 6: OPERATING YOUR LAWN TRACTOR

Safety Interlock System

This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system for the protection of the operator. Before each use, check the safety interlock system for proper operation. If the interlock system should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor. Contact an authorized Toro service dealer.

• The safety interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or starting unless the parking brake is engaged, and the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is in the disengaged (OFF) position. To check for proper operation, move the PTO (Blade Engage) lever into the engaged (ON) position and release the parking brake. Attempts to start the tractor’s engine should fail.

• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the seat before engaging the parking brake. To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s engine, release the parking brake and momentarily raise yourself from the seat. The engine should stall.

• The engine will automatically shut off if the operator leaves the tractor’s seat with the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position, regardless of whether the parking brake is engaged. To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s engine, move the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position and momentarily raise yourself from the seat. The engine should stall.

• With the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, the engine will automatically shut off if the PTO (Blade Engage) lever is moved into the engaged (ON) position with the drive pedal in position for Reverse travel. To check for proper operation, start the tractor’s engine with the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position, move the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the engaged (ON) position, and place the shift lever into REVERSE. The engine should stall.

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the

interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

WARNING: Use extreme caution while

operating the tractor in the REVERSE CAUTION MODE. Always look down and

behind before and while backing. Do not operate the tractor when children or others are around. Stop the tractor immediately if someone enters the area.

To use the REVERSE CAUTION MODE:

IMPORTANT:The operator MUST be seated in the

tractor seat.

1. Start the engine as previously instructed in this Operator’s Manual.

2. Turn the key from the NORMAL MOWING (Green) position to the REVERSE CAUTION MODE (White) position of the key switch module. See Figure 9.

3. Press the REVERSE PUSH BUTTON (Orange, Triangular Button) at the top, right corner of the key switch module. The red indicator light at the top, left corner of the key switch module will be ON while activated. See Figure 9.

4. Once activated (indicator light ON), the tractor can be driven in reverse with the cutting blades (PTO) engaged.

5. Always look down and behind before and while backing to make sure no children are around.

6. After resuming forward motion, return the key to the

NORMAL MOWING position.

IMPORTANT: The REVERSE CAUTION MODE will

remain activated until:

a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL

MOWING position or STOP position.

b. The operator engages the parking brake by

fully depressing the brake pedal and holding it down while gently pushing the parking brake button inward.

Reverse

Indicator

Light

Stop

Position

Push Button

Reverse

Caution Mode

Position

Reverse Caution Mode

The REVERSE CAUTION MODE position of the key switch module allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged.

IMPORTANT: Mowing in reverse is not recommended.

Start

Position

Figure 9

Starting the Engine

WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the

interlock system is malfunctioning. This system was designed for your safety and protection.

NOTE: Service the engine with gasoline and oil as

instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your tractor. Read instructions carefully.

1. Insert the tractor key into the ignition switch module.

2. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

3. Engage the tractor’s parking brake.

4. Activate the choke control.

5. Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START position. After the engine starts, release the key. It will return to the NORMAL MOWING position.

IMPORTANT: 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.

6. After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control. Move the throttle control to 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.

Stopping the Engine

WARNING: If you strike a foreign object,

stop the engine and remove the ignition key disconnect the spark plug wire and thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair the damage before restarting and operating

1. If the blades are engaged, place the PTO/Blade Engage lever in the disengaged (OFF) position.

2. Position the throttle/choke control between halfthrottle and the FAST (rabbit) position.

3. Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the STOP position.

4. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent unintended starting.

• Briefly depress the brake pedal to release the parking brake.

• Move the throttle lever into the FAST (rabbit) position.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT use the shift lever to change the

direction of travel when the tractor is in motion. Always use the brake pedal to bring the tractor to a complete stop before shifting.

• To move forward, place the shift lever in the FORWARD position, then slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

• To move in reverse, place the shift lever in the REVERSE position, check that the area behind is clear then slowly depress the drive pedal.

Driving On Slopes

Refer to the SLOPE GAUGE on page 9 to help determine slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

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). The tractor could overturn and cause serious injury.

• Mow up and down slopes, NEVER across.

• Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

• Watch for holes, ruts, bumps, rocks, or other hidden objects. Uneven terrain could overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.

• Avoid turns when driving on a slope. If a turn must be made, turn down the slope. Turning up a slope greatly increases the chance of a roll over.

• Avoid stopping when driving up a slope. If it is necessary to stop while driving up a slope, start up smoothly and carefully to reduce the possibility of flipping the tractor over backward.

Setting The Cruise Control

WARNING: Never engage cruise control

while traveling in Reverse.

Driving The Tractor

WARNING: Avoid sudden starts, ex-

cessive speed and sudden stops.

WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the

tractor without first placing the PTO/Blade Engage lever in the disengaged (OFF) position, pressing the brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the ignition key off and remove the key.

1. Slowly press the drive pedal until the desired speed is achieved.

2. Lightly press the cruise control lever.

3. While continuing to hold the cruise lever down, lift your foot from the drive pedal (you should feel the cruise latch engage).

4. Once engaged, the cruise control lever and the drive pedal will lock in the “down” position, and the tractor will maintain the same forward speed.

NOTE: Cruise control can not be set 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.

Disengage the cruise control using one of the following methods:

• Press the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and stop the tractor.

• Lightly press the drive pedal.

To change to the reverse direction when operating with cruise control, press the brake pedal to disengage the cruise control and bring the tractor to a complete stop. Then slowly press the rear portion of the drive pedal with the ball of your foot to travel in reverse.

PTO

Lever

Disengaged

Engaged

SLOW

Engaging the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:

1. Fully press the brake pedal and hold it while gently pushing the parking brake lever downward.

2. Hold the parking brake lever down while removing your foot from the brake pedal.

3. Once engaged, the parking brake lever and the brake pedal will lock in the “down” position.

To disengage the parking brake, slightly press the brake pedal.

NOTE: The parking brake must be engaged if the

operator leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine will automatically shut off.

Engaging the Blades

Engaging the PTO (Blade Engage) transfers power to the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments. To engage the blades, proceed as follows:

1. Move the throttle/choke control to the FAST (rabbit) position.

2. Grasp the PTO (Blade Engage) lever and pivot it all the way forward into the engaged (ON) position. See Figure 10.

3. Keep the throttle/choke control in the FAST (rabbit) position for the most efficient use of the cutting deck or other (separately available) attachments

IMPORTANT: The engine will automatically shut off if the

PTO is engaged with the shift lever in position for reverse travel and the ignition key in the NORMAL MOWING position. Refer to Safety Interlock System on page 16.

Using the Deck Lift Lever

To raise the cutting deck, move the deck lift lever to the left, then place it in the notch best suited for your application.

NOTE: Steering wheel not shown for clarity.

Figure 10

Mowing

WARNING: To help avoid blade contact or

a thrown object injury, keep bystanders, helpers, children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

The following information will be helpful when using the cutting deck with your tractor.

WARNING: Plan your mowing pattern to

avoid discharge of materials 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.

• Do not mow at high ground speed, especially if a mulch kit or grass collector is installed.

• For best results it is recommended that the first two laps be cut with the discharge thrown towards the center. After the first two laps, reverse the direction to throw the discharge to the outside for the balance of cutting. This will give a better appearance to the lawn.

• Do not cut the grass too short. Short grass invites weed growth and yellows quickly in dry weather.

• Mowing should always be done with the throttle control in the FAST (rabbit) position.

• Under heavy conditions it may be necessary to go over the cut area a second time to get a clean cut.

• Do NOT attempt to mow heavy brush and weeds and extremely tall grass. Your tractor is designed to mow lawns, NOT clear brush.

• Keep the blades sharp and replace the blades when worn. Refer to Cutting Blades on page 23 of this manual for proper blade sharpening instructions.

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