maintained. Read this manual to familiarize yourself with the
unit, its features and operation.
Our products have passed the rigid safety standards set by the
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing
laboratory.
The unit's warranty statement is included on the back cover of
this manual. Read it thoroughly. Also, please complete and
return the postpaid owner registration card included with this
manual. This card registers each unit and owner at the factory in
order to provide bulletins and safety literature.
Contact an authorized dealer to service your unit. Provide the
dealer with the unit's model/serial number and the part’s
description. Do not return parts directly to the factory.
Warranty Service
The warranty tor this unit is printed on the back cover of this
manual. Warranty service is available from your authorized
dealer.
Lett and Right Sides
Left and right sides of this unit are determined from the
operator's position, facing the direction of forward travel.
Engine Service
For engine service, contact an authorized engine dealer. To
locate an authorized engine dealer, refer to the “Yellow Pages”
under “Engines—Gasoline” or “Gasoiine — Engines”. Provide
the dealer with the engine model and serial numbers.
Warning to all operators in California
and other applicable states.
Under California law, and under the laws of several other states, it is not lawful to operate an internal
combustion engine using hydrocarbon fuels on any forest covered, brUsh covered, or grass covered
land, or on land covered with grain, hay, or other flammable agricultural crop, without an engine
spark arrester in continuous effective working order.
The engine on this unit, like most outdoor power equipment, is an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline, a
hydrocarbon fuel. Therefore, this unit must be equipped with a spark arrester muffler in continuous effective working order. The
spark arrester must be attached to the engine exhaust system in such a manner that flames or heat from the system will not
ignite flammable material. Failure of the owner/operator of this unit to comply with this regulation is a misdemeanor under
California law, and may also be a violation of other state and/or federal regulations, laws, ordinances, or codes. Contact the
local fire marshal or forest service for specific information about which regulations apply in your area.
A
Identification Numbers
Section 1
Safety
This is a safety alert symbol. It is used in this manual and on decals on the unit to alert you to
A
potential hazards. Whenever you see this symbol, read and obey the safety message that follows it.
Failure to obey the safety message could result in personal injury or property damage.
Important!
Safe Operating Practices for This Unit
INTRODUCTION
1. Unit is capable of amputating hands
and feet and throwing objects. Failure to
observe the following safety instructions
could result in serious injury or death.
2. Serious accidents which may cause
injury or property damage can occur if the
following safety guidelines are not
followed. Operator is solely responsible
for accidents or hazards that occur when
using unit. Preventing accidents is the
responsibility of every equipment
operator. Accidents can be prevented. Be
careful before, during and immediately
after use of any powered equipment. The
following general safety precautions must
be fully understood and followed during
operation. Review these instructions
frequently and never take chances. If you
do not understand any part of this manual
or need assistance, contact your dealer or
our service department.
TRAINING
factory at the address indicated in this
manual. Provide the model/serial number
of unit when ordering.
2. Read and understand the owners
manual provided with each attachment
used with this unit.
3. Read the engine operation and
maintenance manual provided with this
unit before operation. Read and follow all
safety instructions provided in that
manual.
4. Only allow responsible adults, who are
familiar with the instructions, to operate
the unit.
5. Know the location and function of all
controls before operating unit. Know how
to stop engine and attachments quickly in
case of emergency. Familiarize yourself
with all safety and operation decals on unit
and attachments. If these decals are
damaged or not legible, clean or replace
them as needed.
PREPARATION
c. Do not operate unit while barefoot.
Do not wear sandals.
d. Wear long trousers.
e. Wear hearing protection.
2. Do not operate unit when tired, ill or
under the influence of alcohol and/or other
drugs.
3. Be prepared for an emergency. Keep a
first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency telephone numbers for
ambulance, fire, hospital, doctor and
rescue near your telephone.
BEFORE OPERATION
1. Before each use, clear work area of
objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by
mower blades.
1. Read, understand and follow all
instructions in this manual and on unit
before starting. A free replacement
manual is available from the factory. To
order a replacement manual, contact the
1. Wear proper clothing when operating
unit. Always wear sturdy footwear
(preferably steel-toed shoes) and hearing
protection during operation.
a. Wear heavy leather gloves whenever
working near or servicing any cutting
edges on unit.
b. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing,
jewelry, scarves, ties, etc., which may
get caught in moving parts. Tie up or
restrain long hair.
2. Keep unit in safe operating condition.
Check the following each time before
starting unit:
a. All hardware for tightness (especially
blade mounting hardware—check for
proper torque specifications
frequently in this area-refer to
maintenance section of attachment
owners manual).
b. Brakes, steering and other major
controls for proper operation.
Safety (continued)
c. Inspect mower blades for wear or
damage. Broken pieces thrown from
a worn or damaged blade can cause
serious injury.
d. Check for and maintain correct tire
pressure. Check tires for cuts or
bubbles. Check wheels for damage
or missing hardware. Repair or
replace as required.
e. Check engine oil level and add oil as
required. If oil level is below “ADD”
mark, DO NOT run engine.
3. Do not operate unit or attachments
without safety devices and shields in place
and operating properly.
4. Only use attachments which are
approved for use with this unit. Contact
our service department if there is a
question whether an attachment is
approved for unit.
5. When using attachments, use wheel
weights (where required) for extra traction
and proper balance.
6. Check brake function frequently. Adjust
and service as required. See “Brake ■
Adjustment” in Section 6, “Maintenance”.
7. Unit is equipped with a safety interlock
system, designed to shut off engine when
operator leaves seat while an attachment
is running or if parking brake is not
engaged. If the interlock system is not
working properly, repair it before
operating this unit.
CORRECT ANY MALFUNCTION BEFORE
USING THIS UNIT OR ATTACHMENTS!
gasoline and gasoline containers away
from hot engine exhaust. Never allow
flame, sparks, smoking materials or
other hot objects near gasoline or
gasoline fumes.
2. Wipe up spilled gasoline immediately.
Only use approved gasoline containers.
3. Leave two inches of air space at top of
fuel tank to allow room for expansion.
4. Store gasoline in a cool, well-ventilated
area. Never store unit or fuel container
inside where there is an open flame, such
as a hot water heater, furnace, etc.
5. Never remove fuel fill cap, or add fuel to
fuel tank, if engine is running or hot.
Always replace fuel fill cap before starting
engine.
6. Never refuel unit indoors. Refuel
outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
OPERATION
1. When starting engine:
a. Disengage attachment/PTO (Power
Take-Off) drive.
b. Set parking brake.
c. Place transmission into neutral
position.
2. Remain seated when starting engine
and during operation. Operate unit with
feet flat on running boards at all times.
height adjustment while the engine is
running.
c. Disengage attachment/PTO drive,
shut off engine, remove ignition key
and wait for all moving parts to stop
before unclogging discharge chute,
mounting grass catcher or Grass
Reduction System (GRS).
5. Disengage attachment/PTO drive when
transporting unit to work area or when
attachments are not in use.
6. Be aware of attachment discharge
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do
not operate mower decks without either
the entire grass catcher or the guard in
place.
7. If you strike a foreign object, disengage
attachment/PTO drive, shut off engine,
wait for all moving parts to come to a stop
and remove ignition key. Inspect for and
repair any damage before operating
equipment again.
8. Never carry passengers. Passengers
interfere with the safe operation of this
unit. Passengers could be struck by
foreign objects and/or thrown from unit
and severely injured.
HANDLING GASOLINE
1. Use extra care in handling gasoline
and other fuels. Gasoline and its vapors
are volatile and dangerous. Keep
3. Keep hands, feet, face, hair and clothing
away from rotating parts. Stop engine
before removing grass catcher or
unclogging chute.
4. When operating a mower deck:
a. Mow only in daylight or in good
artificial light.
b. Never dismount to make a cutting
9. Be sure area is clear of other people
before mowing. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area. Do not operate unit with
children, pets or others nearby.
Safety (continued)
10. As a general rule, do not mow in
reverse. Disengage power to mower
attachments before backing up. If it is
absolutely necessary to back up:
a. Check area on ground directly behind
unit.
b. Continue to observe area down and
to rear while backing up.
11. Approach blind corners cautiously.
12. Always observe the terrain. Watch for
and avoid obstacles. Stay away from
holes, ditches, soft or steep embankments
and other potentially dangerous terrain.
Tall grass can hide obstacles.
13. Wet surfaces reduce traction and
stability. Always maintain proper traction.
Grip the steering wheel firmly.
14. Slow down before turning.
15. Do not install an automotive-type ball
hitch on this unit. When pulling loads:
a. Use approved hitch points.
b. Limit loads to those which can be
safely controlled.
16. Watch out for traffic when operating
near or crossing roadways.
17. Never leave a running machine
unattended. Always turn off
attachment/PTO drive, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key before
dismounting.
2. Never allow children to operate this
unit, even under adult supervision. Local
regulations may restrict operator age. Only
allow responsible adults, who are familiar
with these instructions, to operate this
unit.
3. Never carry children as passengers.
Do not carry ANY passengers. They may
fall off and be seriously injured or interfere
with safe machine operation.
4. Keep children out of the work area and
under the watchful care of another
responsible adult.
5. Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
6. Before and when backing, look behind
and down for small children.
7. Use extra care when approaching blind
corners, shrubs, trees or other objects
that may obscure vision.
8. Keep children away while performing
maintenance or adjustments.
SLOPE OPERATION
4. Always mow up and down the face of
slopes, never across. Do not mow near
dropoffs, ditches or embankments. The
unit could suddenly overturn if a wheel
goes over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or it
an edge caves in.
5. When using attachments on slopes, use
wheel weights, as indicated in Section 2,
“Attachments and Kits", for extra traction
and correct balance.
6. Do not turn on slopes unless necessary,
and then, turn off attachment drive and
turn slowly and gradually downhill.
7. Do not start or stop suddenly when
going up or down a slope. Keep all
movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do
not make sudden changes in speed or
direction. If the unit has a gear drive
transmission, choose a low gear so that
you will not have to stop or shift while on
the slope.
8. If unit is unable to continue moving
uphill, disengage attachment/PTO drive,
check area on ground immediately behind
unit, watch area to rear and proceed
backward slowly.
9. Do not operate unit on steep slopes
where there is a risk of an overturn. Do
not mow slopes with an incline of more
than 10“. Use slope gauge included with
your unit as an aid in determining the
incline of a slope.
CHILDREN
3
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.
Never assume that children will remain
where you last saw them.
1. Slopes are a major factor in 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 operate this unit on
the slope.
2. Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
3. Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.
Uneven terrain could overturn the
machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
10. Use extra care with grass catchers or
other attachments. These can change the
stability of unit.
11. Do not operate unit on wet grass.
Reduced traction could cause sliding.
12. Do not try to stabilize unit by putting
your foot to the ground.
13. Do not park unit on a hill.
Safety (continued)
STOPPING
1. Before leaving operator’s position or
before leaving tractor unattended:
a. Bring unit to a complete stop.
b. Disengage attachment/PTO drive.
c. Lower attachments to ground.
d. Set parking brake.
e. Shut off engine and remove ignition
key.
f. Wait for all moving parts to come to a
complete stop.
2. Disengage attachment/PTO drive when
transporting tractor or when attachments
are not in use.
MAINTENANCE
1. Before performing any service,
adjustments or maintenance on unit,
engine or attachments:
a. Park unit on a firm and levei
surface.
b. Disengage attachment/PTO drive.
c. Lower attachments.
d. Move aii controi ievers to
“Neutral”.
e. Apply parking brake.
f. Shut off engine. Remove ignition
key and ailow engine to cool.
2. Always wear sturdy footwear
(preferably steel-toed shoes), long
trousers, hearing and eye protection while
doing any maintenance on unit. Do not
wear loose-fitting clothing, jewelry,
scarves, ties, etc., which could get caught
in moving parts. Tie up or restrain long
hair.
3. Mower blades are extremely sharp. Use
caution when servicing. Wear gloves or
wrap blades in rags. Wear eye protection
when sharpening blades.
4. Keep children away while performing
maintenance or adjustments.
5. Provide safe, adequate light in your
work area. NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME
FOR ILLUMINATION! Use only a portable
safety light enclosed in a wire cage for
working inside or under unit. NOTE: Hot
filaments from a broken light bulb can
ignite spilled fuel or oil.
6. Keep nuts and bolts tight (especially
blade mounting hardware—check for
proper torque specifications frequently in
this area-refer to maintenance section of
attachment owners manual). Keep
equipment in good condition.
7. Never tamper with safety devices.
Check their proper operation regularly.
Repair or replace as necessary.
8. Keep machine free of grass, leaves or
other debris build-up. Clean up oil or fuel
spillage. Allow machine to cool before
storing.
9. Grass catcher components are subject
to wear, damage and deterioration, which
could expose moving parts or allow
objects to be thrown. Check their proper
operation regularly. Repair or replace as
necessary.
10. Frequently check components and
replace when necessary. Use only factoryapproved replacement parts. Parts
manufactured by others may present
safety hazards even though they may fit on
the unit.
11. Replace muffler if worn or defective.
12. Keep all safety and operation decals in
place. If these decals are damaged or not
legible, clean or replace them as needed.
Refer to Section 3, “Decals”, for decal
description and location.
13. Check brake operation frequently.
Adjust and service as necessary as
indicated in Section 6. “Maintenance”.
14. Chock wheels (place blocks of wood in
front of and behind wheels) when
performing maintenance with the parking
brake off. Securely support unit if it must
be raised for any reason.
15. Check wheel attachment hardware
regularly and ensure it is properly secured.
Do not attempt to mount a tire on a wheel
rim unless you are experienced in doing
so. Follow proper safety precautions and
use proper tools. Mounting a wheel
improperly could result in serious injury or
death.
16. Do not inflate tires above
recommended pressures. Use a clip-on
chuck to inflate tires, with an extension
hose long enough to allow you to stand to
one side and NOT over or in front of the
tire assembly.
17. Towing or pushing unit with another
vehicle will damage transmission. Push
unit by hand only.
18. Use a heavy-duty trailer to transport
unit. Lower attachments to trailer bed. Set
parking brake. Fasten unit securely to
trailer with straps, chains or cables. Unit
must be secured to trailer facing forward.
Severe damage can occur to hood of unit
if it is trailered facing backwards.
19. Use extra care when loading or
unloading the machine into a trailer or
truck.
20. Do not use food or beverage
containers to store waste materials. Using
such containers could result in accidental
poisoning.
21. Hood retaining hardware may become
hot from engine exhaust. Burns may
result. Do not remove hood without first
stopping engine and allowing these parts
to cool.
Safety (continued)
ENGINE
1. Read the provided engine operation and
maintenance manual completely before
operation. Read and follow all safety
instructions provided in that manual.
2. BEFORE SERVICING ENGINE:
Disconnect spark plug wire and keep it
from touching spark plug.
3. Keep engine free of grass, leaves, oil
and grease.
4. Engine exhaust is extremely hot. Keep
grass, oil, fuel and other combustible
materials far away from engine exhaust.
5. Do not change engine governor setting.
Over-rewing may damage engine and will
void warranty.
6. Never run an internal combustion
engine inside a closed area. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas, a
deadly poison. Carbon monoxide is
odorless, colorless and tasteless. Do not
operate unit near buildings, windows or air
conditioners. If engine is run in a garage,
open all doors and allow for adequate
ventilation.
7. Do not run engine with hood open.
Hood damage may occur.
BAHERY
1 BEFORE WORKING WITH ELECTRICAL
WIRES OR COMPONENTS: Disconnect
the battery ground (negative) cable first.
Disconnect the positive cable second.
The battery ground (-) cable must be
disconnected first and reconnected last.
2. Before attempting to charge battery,
understand and follow correct procedure
or bring battery to a factory-authorized
dealer for charging. Do not charge a
frozen battery.
3. Battery electrolyte can cause severe
burns. Eye contact can cause blindness.
Always wear approved safety goggles
when working around the battery.
4. If electrolyte contacts skin or eyes:
a. Flush affected area with water.
b. Apply baking soda to neutralize acid.
c. Flush eyes with water for 10-15
minutes.
d. Call a physician immediately.
5. If electrolyte is swallowed:
a. Drink large amounts of water or milk.
b. Follow by drinking milk of magnesia,
beaten eggs or vegetable oil.
c. Call a physician immediately.
6. Electric storage batteries give off highly
explosive hydrogen gas while charging
and continue to do so for some time after
receiving a steady charge. Do not, under
any circumstances, allow an electric spark
or an open flame near the battery. Do not
lay tools across the battery terminals as
this may result in a spark or a short circuit
which may cause an explosion. Use a
flashlight to check electrolyte level.
STORAGE
1. Do not store unit inside a building
where fumes from fuel in fuel tank may
reach an open flame or spark. Allow unit
to cool before moving it inside an
enclosure. Use a gasoline storage
stabilizer when storing unit.
2. Keep unit and fuel supplies securely
locked away to help prevent access by
children.
3. Remove ignition key.
4. Disconnect battery cables or remove
battery if unit is to be stored for an
extended period. Remove negative
(ground) cable first. Re-connect negative
(-) cable last.
5. Fully charge battery before storage.
Store battery in a cool, dry place, out of
reach of children.
Section 2
Attachments and Kits
A full line of attachments available for your unit are listed below. The information is the most current at the time this manual was
printed. Check with the nearest dealer for current information.