Operator`s manual
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Product Identification
- Table of Contents
- Safety
- Understanding The Machine Safety Labels
- DANGER-WARNING: AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
- DANGER: POISON
- DANGER: ROTATING BLADE-THROWN OBJECTS
- DANGER: ROTATING BLADE
- Emission Control System Certification Label
- Emission Compliance Period
- Certification
- Operating Safely
- Operate Mower Safely
- Parking Safely
- Checking Mowing Area
- Rotating Blades are Dangerous
- Avoid Tipping
- Keep Riders Off
- Wear Appropriate Clothing
- Driving Safely on Public Roads
- Practice Safe Maintenance
- Prevent Fires
- Tire Safety
- Handling Fuel Safely
- Handling Waste Product and Chemicals
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Operator Station Controls
- Adjusting Seat
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels
- Adjusting Mower Level (Side-to-Side)
- Adjusting Mower Level (Front-to-Rear)
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Mower Engagement Lever Switch
- Testing Seat Switch
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
- Using Park Brake
- Starting Engine
- Idling Engine
- Stopping Engine
- Using Travel Controls on Gear Transmission
- Using Travel Controls on Automatic Transmission
- Using Cruise Control
- Using The Reverse Implement Option (RIO)
- Using Mower Lift Lever
- Using Mower
- Mower Blade Selection
- Using Mower Deck Side Discharge (42-Inch Mower Deck)
- Using Mower Deck Mulch Ready (42-Inch Mower Deck)
- Using Mower Deck with Optional Equipment (42-Inch Mower Deck)
- Pushing Machine
- Unplugging Mower or Optional Bagger
- Transporting Machine on Trailer
- Avoid Using Ground Engaging Equipment
- Using Wheel Weights
- Using Tire Chains
- Mowing Tips
- Replacement Parts
- Service Intervals
- Service Lubrication
- Service Engine
- Engine Warranty Maintenance Statement
- Avoid Fumes
- Engine Oil (Gas)
- Checking Engine Oil Level
- Changing Engine Oil and Filter
- Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Model S1642)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Model S1742)
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Elements (Model 2046)
- Checking Spark Plugs
- Adjusting Carburetor
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Service Steering and Brakes
- Service Mower
- Service Electrical
- Service Miscellaneous
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
- Specifications
- Assembly
- Warranty
- Index
- Notes
- Quality Statement
- Service Record

Operating - 17
OPERATING
3. Release locking lever lock (B) to keep lift lever (A) in
position.
Using Mower
1. Start engine and allow it to idle for two to three minutes.
2. Lower mower to cutting height.
3. Push throttle lever (A) up to the full throttle (
r
) position.
4. Push mower engagement lever (B) forward to start
mower.
5. Pull lever (B) back to stop mower blades.
Mower Blade Selection
• Standard Blades: Designed for bagging, side
discharging, and all mowing conditions.
• Bagging Blades: Designed for cutting and bagging thick,
tall grass and/or leaves.
• Mulching Blades: Must be used only with the Mulch
Plug. See your John Deere dealer.
Using Mower Deck Side Discharge (42-Inch
Mower Deck)
NOTE: For maximum side discharge operation, it may
be necessary to change the mower blades, see
Servicing Mower Blades in the SERVICE MOWER
section.
To set-up and operate the 42” deck for side discharge
operation the factory installed mulch cover (A) must be
removed.
1. Remove mulch cover:
• Lift plastic discharge chute.
• Grasp corner of steel chute, pull outward to unlock
and pivot up.
• Unhook both rubber hooks (B) and remove mulch
cover.
2. Store mulch cover in a well protected area and have it
readily available for when you want to use deck as a
mulching deck.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Blades that are not
specifically used for mulching, will destroy the
mulch plug and may damage the tractor and mower
deck. Mulching blades must be used with the mulch
plug insert.
A
B
c
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before you adjust
mower: STOP engine, remove key, and wait for
blades to STOP.
Be careful, sharp edges on mower blades.
Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades.
B
A
B
M96105