Operating Guide

604856 3-1 REV P
OPERATION
Safe Operating Practices
Refer to the Safety Precautions section of this manual for
operational and personal safety information.
Control Panel
A. Deck clutch switch (Figure 3-1 & Figure 3-2) — this
switch engages the deck. Pull the switch up to engage
and push the switch down to disengage the clutch.
For additional clutch information refer to the Mower
Deck Operation section of this manual.
B. Ignition switch (Figure 3-1 & Figure 3-2) — a three posi-
tion switch: “OFF”, “RUN”, and “START”. With the key
inserted, rotate it clockwise to the “START” position;
release the key when the engine starts, and the switch
will automatically return to the “RUN” position
C. Throttle control (Figure 3-1 & Figure 3-2) — a cable is
linked to the engine throttle for controlling engine
speed. Move the lever forward to increase engine rpm,
move the lever rearward to decrease engine rpm.
D. Choke control (if equipped) (Figure 3-1) — a cable is
linked to manually operate the engine choke. When the
lever is in the down position, the choke is in the “OFF”
(run) position. When the knob is pulled up, the choke is
in the “ON” (start) position. Do not operate the machine
in the “ON” (start) position.
E. Electronic hour meter (Figure 3-1 & Figure 3-2) — regis-
ters 1/10 hour increments up to 9,999.9 total hours.
Connected to the ignition switch, the meter records the
accumulative time while the ignition key is switched to
the RUN position.
Controls
A. Steering control levers (Figure 3-3 & Figure 3-4) —
these levers control the mower’s speed, direction,
stopping, and park brake.
B. Deck lift pedal (Figure 3-5 & Figure 3-6) — the deck lift
pedal is used to raise or lower the deck. Push on the
pedal to raise the deck and then place the deck height
locking pin into the desired cutting height hole.
Push the deck lift pedal to raise the deck when going
over obstructions.
Safety Start Interlock System
The mower’s safety start interlock system consists of the
park brake switches, seat switch, and deck clutch switch.
IMPORTANT: Repair this important safety feature immedi-
ately if it malfunctions.
This safety feature prevents mower runaway or accidental
entanglement during operation.
Check the mower’s safety start interlock system daily,
prior to operation.
To inspect the system:
1. Sit on the seat when testing the seat switch.
2. Set both steering control levers in the park brake posi-
tion.
3. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating
temperature.
Mowers with Kawasaki engines
A. Deck clutch switch
B. Ignition switch
C. Throttle
D. Choke
E. Electronic hour meter
Figure 3-1
Mowers with Kohler or Briggs & Stratton engines
A. Deck clutch switch
B. Ignition switch
C. Throttle
D. N/A
E. Hour meter
Figure 3-2
D
B
C
A
E
B
C
E
A
The parking brake may not hold the mower if
parked on a slope. Block or chock the machine
when parked on a slope.
WARNING