Use and Care Manual

19
OPERATION
The REVERSE CAUTION MODE (b) will remain activated
until (Figure 20 on page 18):
a. The key is placed in either the NORMAL MOWING MODE
(a) position or STOP (e) position.
b. The operator leaves the seat.
Driving on Slopes
Refer to the Slope Gauge on the back cover to help determine
slopes where you may operate the riding mower safely.
WARNING
Do not mow on inclines with a slope in excess of 12°
(21%) (a rise of approximately 2 feet (0.6 m) for every 10
feet (3 m)). The riding mower 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 riding mower
over backward.
Engaging the PTO
Engaging the PTO transfers power to the cutting deck. To engage
the blade, proceed as follows:
1. Move the throttle/choke control (if equipped) or throttle
control (if equipped) into the FAST position.
2. Grasp the PTO lever and pivot it all the way forward into the
engaged (ON) position.
NOTE: Keep the throttle/choke control (if equipped) or throttle
control (if equipped) in the FAST position for the most
efficient use of the cutting deck.
IMPORTANT! The PTO lever must be in the disengaged (OFF)
position when starting the engine, when traveling in reverse
or if the operator leaves the seat. Refer to the Safety Interlock
Switches section of this manual.
Mulching (If equipped)
Mulching is a process of recirculating grass clippings repeatedly
beneath the cutting deck. The ultra-fine clippings are then
forced back into the lawn where they act as a natural fertilizer.
Refer to the Set-up section of this manual for instructions on how
to install the mulch kit (if equipped).
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. Refer to
Setting the Cutting Height in this section.
Mowing
WARNING
• To help avoid blade contact or a thrown object injury,
keep bystanders, helpers, children, and pets at least
75 feet (23 meters) from the machine while it is in
operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• 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.
The following information will be helpful when using the cutting
deck with your riding mower:
• 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 engine at
full throttle.
• Under heavier conditions it may be necessary to go back 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 riding mower is designed to mow
lawns, not clear brush.
• Keep the blade sharp and replace the blade when worn. Refer
to Blade in the Product Care section of this manual for proper
blade sharpening instructions.