Troybilt 14AZ809K766, 14AT809H766 Owner’s Manual

TRilY RILT

Operator's Manual

Pedal Drive Garden Tractor

Horse TM

(Models T809H & Z809K)

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

Warning: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest-cov-

ered, brush-covered or grass-covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable
local or state laws (if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator. In the State
of California the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may have similar laws.

Federal laws apply on federal lands. A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your nearest engine authorized service dealer

or contact the service department, P.O. Box 361131 Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019.

Troy-Bilt LLC,P.O.BOX361131CLEVELAND,OHIO44136-0019

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FORM NO. 770-10189F

(11/2003)

TABLEOFCONTENTS

Content Page Content Page

Important Safe Operation Practices 3 Service 19

Tractor Set-Up 7 Off-Season Storage 24

Know Your Garden Tractor 10 Attachments&Accessories 25

Operating Your Garden Tractor 13 Troubleshooting 26

Making Adjustments 16 Illustrated Parts List 27
Maintaining Your Garden Tractor 18 Warranty 44

FINDINGMODELNUMBER

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

Before you start assembling your new equipment, please locate the model plate under the
seat of the tractor and copy the information in the space provided below. A sample model plate is
also given below. This information will be necessary to use the manufacturer's web site and/or
help from the Customer Support Department or an authorized service dealer.

Copy the model number here:

z

Copy the serial number here:

O _e_ _O. BOX 361131

www.trovbilt.com CL_E_NO,OH4413_

• 866-840-6483

• TROY-BILT LLC

330-558-7220

CUSTOMERSUPPORT

PleasedoNOTretumthe unitto theretailer from whereit waspurchased,withoutfirstcontactingCustomerSupport.

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:

Visit troybUt.com for many useful suggestions. Click on Customer Support button and you will

get the four options reproduced here. Click on the appropriate button and help is immediately
available.

_qhe answer you are

ll_o_llty _ol_J hL_l_lhi_% _L _lj_l_t_ tJou_ N_L_OI_I

a mouse crick awa S

N_e_l Io_41 _ssP_tr_h_ ÷ ? Lli¢k he[e _e lh_J

To reach the Customer Support Line, please call 1-866-840-6483 or 1-330-558-7220.

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

)erformance,

power-rating, specifications, warranty engine

and service. Please refer to the

manufacturer's Owner's/Operator's Manual, at the end of this manual, for more information.

SECTION1: IMPORTANTSAFEOPERATIONPRACTICES

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

the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow all instructions in this manual
before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply with these instructions may result in personal

injury. When you see this symbol--heed its warning.

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

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

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

GeneralOperation

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 and for ordering
replacement parts.

2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage 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 close-fitting
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 itat 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. Disengageblade(s) before shifting into reverse. Backup
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 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

throughunusuallytall,drygrass(e.g.,pasture)orpilesof
dryleaves.Drygrassorleavesmaycontacttheengine
exhaustand/orbuilduponthemowerdeckpresentinga
potentialfirehazard.

27.Useonlyaccessoriesandattachmentsapproved 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 Troy-Bilt Customer
Support Line at 1-866-840-6483 for assistance.

SlopeOperation

Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and tip-
over accidents which can result in severe injury or death. All
slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back up the slope
or if you feel uneasy 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. Ifthe 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. Iftires lose traction,
disengage the blade(s) and proceed slowly straight down
the slope.

DoNot

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

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

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

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

5,

Do not mow on wet grass. It may cause sliding.

6.

Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill. Over-speeding
may cause the operator to lose control of the machine
resulting in serious injury or death.

7,

Do not tow heavy 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 may be reduced,
attachment may jack-knife and tractor may 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.Be alert and turn machine off if a child

enters area.

b. Before and while backing, look behind and down

for small children.

c. Never carry children, even with the blade(s) shut

off. They may fall off and be seriously injured or
interfere with safe machine operation.

d. 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.

e. Disengage the cutting blade(s) before shifting in

reverse. The "No-Cut-in Reverse" feature is a
reminder not to cut in reverse and to help avoid

back over accidents. Do not defeat it.

f. Keep children away from hot or running engines.

They can suffer burns from a hot muffler.

g. Remove key when machine is unattended to

prevent unauthorized operation.

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

Towing

1. Tow only with a machine that has a hitch designed for
towing. Do not attach towed equipment except at the
hitch point.

2. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for weight
limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes.

3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

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

5. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

6. Do not shift to neutral and coast downhill.

Service

SafeHandlingOfGasoline:

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

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.
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground against the
engine to prevent unintended starting.

3. Periodically check to make sure the blades come to
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after

operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades
do not stop within the this time frame, your unit should be
serviced professionally by an authorized Service Dealer.

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

5. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at

frequent intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually

inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent,
cracked).
Replace the blade(s) with the original equipment
manufacturer's (O.EM.) blade(s) only, listed in this
manual. "Use of parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper
performance and compromise safetyF

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

7. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition.

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

9. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine.
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair
the damage before starting and operating.

10. 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.
For safety protection, frequently check components and
replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (O.EM.) parts only, listed in this manual.
"Use of parts which do not meet the original equipment
specifications may lead to improper performance and
compromise safetyF

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

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

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

YourResponsibility

Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and

instructions in this manual and on the machine,

,11

SIGHT AND HOLD THIS LEVEL WITH A VERTICAL TREE

A POWER POLE

A CORNER OF A BUILDING

OR A FENCE POST

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i_ WARNING

Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 15 degrees (a rise of approximately 2-1/2 feet every 10 feet). A riding mower
could overturn and cause serious injury. If operating a walk-behind mower on such a slope, it is extremely difficult to maintain
your footing and you could slip, resulting in serious injury.
Operate RIDING mowers up and down slopes, never across the face of slopes.

SECTION3: SETTINGUPTHETRACTOR

NOTE: Any reference here to the RIGHT or LEFT side

of the tractor is observed from operator's position.

ShippingBraceRemoval

_ WARNING: Make sure the tractor engine is

off. Remove ignition key, and set the parking
brake before removing the shipping brace.

Locate the shipping brace and accompanying
warning tag on the right side of the tractor, between
the discharge chute and the deck. See Figure 1.

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

Steering _ _

Wheel Capri,

Hex Bolt

& Washer _

Steering'_

Shaft _

Figure 2

AttachingTheSeat

NOTE: For shipping masons, seats are mounted

backward to the pivot bracket. Release the seat form its
shipping position and remove the two hex screws from
the bottom of the seat before proceeding with

instructions below.

Figure 1

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.

_i WARNING: The shipping brace, used for

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

WARNING: The mowing deck is capable of

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

AttachingTheSteeringWheel

The hardware for attaching the steering wheel has
been packed within the steering wheel, beneath
steering wheel cap. Carefully pry offthe steering
wheel cap and remove the hardware.
With the wheels of the tractor pointing straight
forward, place steering wheel over steering shaft.
Place the washer (with the cupped side down) over
the steering shaft and secure with the hex bolt. See
Figure 2.

Pull out the tab found on the seat stop and hold it
open while sliding the seat off the seat pivot
bracket. See Figure 3.
Line up the plastic seat spacers with the slots in
seat pivot bracket.
Slide seat in until front seat spacer engages the
seat stop. See Figure 3.

WARNING: Before operating this machine,

make sure the seat is engaged in the seat
stop, stand behind the machine and pull back
on seat until fully engaged into stop.

Seat Stop

X

Pivot Bracket

Figure 3

GasandOilFill-Up

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

_WARNING: Use extreme care when

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

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

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.

both the left-hand deck roller bracket and the right-
hand deck roller bracket. See Figure 6 or refer to
DeckRollerHeightAdjustmenton page 9 for more
detailed instructions on adjusting the deck roller
upward or downward.
Raise the deck lift arms up and out of the way by
placing the deck lift lever in the top notch on the
right fender.
Gently slide the cutting deck beneath the tractor

from the right side.

Move the cutting deck into position so that the
hooks found on the front end of the deck fit snugly

around the deck stabilizer rod.

NOTE: The stabilizer rod may be secured to the tractor
frame with a plastic cable tie for shipping reasons. If so,
carefully cut the cable tie before mounting the front of
the cutting deck.

AttachingtheDeck(Model 809K only)

,_ WARNING: Before attaching the cutting

deck, engage the parking brake, turn the
ignition key to the OFF position and remove the

key from the switch to avoid accidental starting.

Adjust the deck roller height so that the clevis pins
are inserted in the second hole (from the top) of

Notches

Fender

Deck Support Pins

Belt Guard

Deck Roller Bracket

Lower the deck lift arms by placing the lift lever in

the bottom notch on the right fender.

Pull the deck support pin (on the left side of the
deck) outward and align it with the hole on the rear
of the left deck lift arm before releasing the pin to
lock it in place as shown in Figure 6. Repeat on the
right side.

Deck Lift Assembly

Lift Cables

Deck Lift Arms

Deck Idler Pulleys

PTO / Deck Belt

DischargeChute

NOTE: Many

Deck Stabilizer Bracket

Electric PTO Clutch

Front of Tractor

Deck Stabilizer Rod

Figure 4

Installingthe PT0/Deck Belt

Make certain that the PTO!Deck belt is routed
around the spindle pulleys (found beneath the belt

guards) and both idler pulleys as illustrated in
Figure 5 before proceeding.
Relieve tension on the deck idler by inserting a 3/8"
drive ratchet wrench (set to "loosen") in the hole
found in the idler bracket and pivoting the wrench
handle counterclockwise. See Figure 5.

IMPORTANT: Be certain that the FLAT side of the PTO/
Deck belt is the side coming in contact with the deck

idler pulleys.

With the tension relieved, carefully route the belt
around the electric PTO clutch.

NOTE: If necessary, refer to the decal found on the

deck's surface or on page 19 of this manual for a
detailed belt-routing diagram.

Beck RollerHeightAdjustment
To adjust the height of the rollers found on the rear of

the mowing deck upward or downward, proceed as
follows:

Place the deck liftlever inthe bottom notch (lowest
position).
Remove the clevis pins and hairpin clips from the
deck roller brackets on the left and right sides of the
cutting deck. See Figure 6.
Position the deck roller brackets up or down
through the slots on the rear of the deck until
desired position is reached, then re-attach with the
clevis pins and hairpin clips just removed. See
Figure 6.

IMPORTANT:Be certain that the left roller bracket and
the right roller bracket are set in the same position.

IMPORTANT:After mounting the cutting deck, perform
any adjustments on the deck, if necessary, prior to
operating the tractor. Refer to page 16 for instructions.

3/8" Square Hole

Spring

Figure 5

Deck Roller Bracket

Hairpin Clip

Clevis pin

Figure 6

SECTION4: KNOWYOURGARDENTRACTOR

\

B

F

G

H

I

A:PTOleverq

C

D

A PTO(Blade Engage) Knob/Lever

B Choke Control
C Parking Brake Button

D Shift Lever
E Cup Holder

F Systems Indicator Monitor/HourMeter
G Throttle Control Lever

Figure7

H

Ignition Switch

I Brake Pedal
J Drive Pedal
K Cruise ControtButton

L Seat Adjustment Lever
M Deck Lift Lever

J

K

L

M

Wheel not shown

10

ThrottleControlLever

The throttle control lever is
located on the right side of the Fas_

tractor's dash panel. This lever
controls the speed of the engine.
When set in a given position, the

throttle will maintain a uniform
engine speed.

IMPORTANT:When operating the
tractor with the cutting deck
engaged, be certain that the SIo_
throttle lever is always in the

FAST (rabbit) position.

ChokeControl

The choke control can be found //- "_
on the left side of the dash panel

and is activated by pulling the
knob outward. Activating the

choke control closes the choke
plate on the carburetor and aids

in starting the engine. Refer to page 13 of this manual
for detailed starting instructions.

Brake Pedal

The brake pedal is located on the
fight 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: Brake pedal must be fully depressed to activate

the safety interlock switch when starting the tractor.

IgnitionSwitch

To start the engine, insert the key
into the ignition switch and turn
clockwise to the START position.

Release the key intothe ON

position once engine has fired.

Refer to page 13 for detailed

starting instructions.
The ignition switch is also used to

operate the tractor's headlights.

Refer to page 15 for detailed

instructions.

,_ WARNING: Never leave a running machine

unattended. Always disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral position, set parking

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

Start On/Lights

Off

DrivePedal

The drive pedal is located below j_..._j)
the brake pedal on the right front
side of the tractor along the
running board. Depress the drive
pedal with your fight foot when

the tractor shift lever is in either
FORWARD or REVERSE to

cause the tractor to move.
Ground speed isalso controlled

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

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

CupHolder

The tractor's cup holder is located on the fender to the
left of the seat, just to the rear of the parking brake

lever.

PTO(Blade Engage)Knob/Lever

To engage power to the cutting
deck or other (separately
available) attachments, pull

outward on the PTO knob or
move the PTO lever to ON Knob

position, as the case may be.
Push the PTO knob inward or

move the PTO lever to BLade
Stop position to disengage power

to the cutting deck. Lever

NOTE: The PTO knob/lever must be in the Blade Stop
position when starting the engine, when travefing in
reverse and if the operator leaves the seat.

ShiftLever
The shift lever is located on the

front of the fender between the
operator's legs and has four

positions, FORWARD-HI,
FORWARD-LO, NEUTRAL and

REVERSE. The brake pedal
must be depressed and the

tractor must not be in motion
when moving the shift lever. Always bring the tractor to
a complete stop prior to moving the shift lever from

FORWARD-HI to FORWARD-LO or vice-versa.
IMPORTANT: Never force the shift lever. Doing so may

result in serious damage to the tractor's transmission.

SeatAdjustmentLever

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

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

oNf,

BLADE_._ / 1-61
STOP _-

11

seat in place. Refer to SeatAdjustmenton page 17 of this
manual for more detailed instructions.

DeckLift 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.

Parking BrakeButton

To set the parking brake, fully /f_"_
depress the brake pedal and
push the parking brake button in.

Hold the button in while taking
your foot off the brake pedal.

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

button will then return to its
original position.

NOTE: The parking brake must be set if the operator

leaves the seat with the engine running or the engine

will automatically shut of_

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

CruiseControlButton

The cruise control button is
located on the tractor dash panel

Push the cruise control button

to the left of the ignition switch. ;i_
while traveling forward at a

desired speed. While holding the
button in, 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. Depress the brake pedal or the drive pedal
to deactivate cruise control. Refer to Operationssection

in this manual for detailed instructions.

NOTE: Cruise control can not 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.

SystemsIndicator Monitor/ HourMeter
Your tractor is equipped with four indicator lights and an

hour meter located on the left side of the dash panel.
See Figure 8.

If the brake light or PTO light illuminates when
attempting to start the unit, proceed as follows:

Indication Remedy
Brake light on Engage the parking brake.
PTO light on Move PTO knob to the

disengaged(OFF) position.

It is normal for the oil light and the battery light to
illuminate while the engine is cranking, but if either
illuminates while the engine is running, follow the
steps below as per indication:

Indication Remedy
Oil light on Stop the tractor immediately

and check thecrankcase oil

level as instructed in the

engine manual. Add oil as

required.

Battery light on Indicates that the battery is in

need of acharge or that the

engine's charging system is

not generating sufficient

amperage. Refer to Batteryon

page 19 of this manual for
charging procedure or have
the engine's charging system
checked by an authorized
engine service dealer.

The hour meter operates whenever the engine is
running and records the actual hours of tractor
operation.

Battery Oil

Hour

Meter

/" %

PTO / \Brake

Figure 8

CargoNet

Conveniently located on the tractor's dash panel, the
cargo net can be used to store personal items while
operating the lawn tractor.

12

SECTION5: OPERATINGYOURGARDENTRACTOR

NOTE: The deck wheels are an anti-scalp feature of the

WARNING

AVOIDSERIOUSINJURYORDEATH

• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.

• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS.

• DO NOT OPERATE THE UNiT WHERE iT COULD SLiP OR TIP.

• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE(S) AND BACK
DOWNHILL SLOWLY.

• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.

• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN, EVEN WiTH BLADES OFE

• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.

• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN
PLACE AND WORKING.

• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE(S).

• KNOW LOCATION AND FUNCTION OF ALL CONTROLS.

• BE SURE BLADE(S) AND ENGINE ARE STOPPED BEFORE PLAC-

ING HANDS OR FEET NEAR BLADE(S).

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

BRAKE LOCK, SHUT ENGINE OFF AND REMOVE KE_

READOPERATOR'SMANUAL

SafetyInterlockSwitches

This tractor is equipped with a safety interlock system
for the protection of the operator. If the interlock system
should ever malfunction, do not operate the tractor.
Contact an authorized service dealer. The safety
interlock system prevents the engine from cranking or
starting unless the parking brake isengaged, and the

PTO knob!lever is in the "Blade Stop" position.

The engine will automatically shut off if:

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

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

3. The PTO knob!lever is moved to ON position with
the shift lever in position for reverse travel.

_ WARNING: Do not operate the tractor if the

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

deck and are not designed to support the weight of the
cutting deck.

Refer to LevelingtheDeckon page 16 of this manual for
more detailed instructions regardingvarious deck

adjustments.

Startingthe Engine

NOTE: Referto page 7 of this manual for gasoline and

oil fill-up instructions.

Insert the tractor key intothe ignitionswitch.
Place the PTO knob/lever in the "Blade Stop"
position.
Engage the tractor's parking brake.
Place the throttle control inthe FAST (rabbit)
position.

Pull the choke control outward.
Turn the ignition key clockwise to the START

position. After the engine starts, release the key. It

will return to the ON position.

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

After the engine starts, deactivate the choke control
and place the throttle control in the FAST position.

NOTE: Do not leave the choke control on while
operating the tractor. Doing so will result in a "rich" fuel

mixture and cause the engine to run poorly.

Stoppingthe Engine

,_ WARNING: Ifyou strike a foreign object,

stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) and ground against the engine.

Thoroughly inspect the machine for any
damage. Repair the damage before restarting
and operating.

SettingtheCuttingHeight

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 dght side of the
fender.

Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-
inch and ¼-inch above the ground when the tractor

is on a smooth, flat surface such as a driveway.

_ WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from

the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

If the blades are engaged, place the PTO knob/
lever in the "Blade Stop" position.
Turn the ignition key counterclockwise to the OFF
position.
Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent
unintended starting.

DrivingTheTractor

IMPORTANT:Avoid sudden starts, excessive speed and
sudden stops.

13

_ WARNING: Do not leave the seat of the

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.

tractor without first placing the PTO knob in the
disengaged (OFF) position, depressing the

brake pedal and engaging the parking brake. If
leaving the tractor unattended, also turn the
ignition key off and remove the key.

Depress the brake pedal to release the parking
brake and let the pedal up. Move the throttle lever
into the FAST (rabbit) position.

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.

EngagingtheParkingBrake

To engage the parking brake:

Fully depress the brake pedal and hold itthere
while gently pushing the parking brake button

inward.
Hold the parking brake button in while removing

your foot from the brake pedal.
Once engaged, the parking brake button and the
brake pedal will lock inthe DOWN position.

To disengage the parking brake:

Slightly depress 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 oft

OperatingtheHeadlights

To turn the tractor's headlights on:

Start the engine following the instructions earlier in
this section.

Turn the key one notch counterclockwise into the
On!LightS position of the ignition switch. Refer to
figure on page 11.

To turn the tractor's headlights off:

Turn the key either to the ON position (to leave the
engine running) or the OFF position (to shut the

engine off).

NOTE: Never move the key into the Start position while

the engine is running. Doing so may cause damage to
your engine's electric starter.

DrivingOnSlopes

Refer to the SlopeGaugeon page 6 to help determine
slopes where you may operate the tractor safely.

,i_ 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. Ifa turn must
be made, turn downwards on the slope. Turning
upwards on aslope 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.

SettingtheCruiseControl

NOTE: The cruise control feature should only be

utilized while traveling in the forward direction.

EngagingCruiseControl

Place the shift lever in the FORWARD position,

then slowly depress the drive pedal until the desired

speed is achieved.
Lightly depress the cruise control button.
While continuing to hold the cruise button in, lift
your foot from the drive pedal (you should feel the
cruise latch engage).
Once engaged, the cruise control button and the
drive pedal will lock in the DOWN position, and the

tractor will maintain the same forward speed.

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.

DisengagingCruiseControl

Choose one of the following two methods:

1. Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise
control and stop the tractor.

2. Lightly depress the drive pedal.
Changingto ReversewhenCruiseControlisEngaged

Depress the brake pedal to disengage the cruise
control and bring the tractor to a complete stop.
Place the shift lever in the REVERSE position, look

to the rear to ensure the path is empty, and depress
the drive pedal.

14