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

Safety - 2
SAFETY
DANGER: ROTATING BLADE-THROWN
OBJECTS
Picture Note: Located on Right-Hand side of deck
• Rotating blades.
• Do not put hands or feet under or into mower when
engine is running.
• Thrown objects.
• Before mowing, clear area of objects that may be thrown
by blade.
• Do not operate mower without discharge chute or entire
grass catcher in place.
DANGER: ROTATING BLADE
Picture Note: Located on Left-Hand side of deck
• Do not put hands or feet under or into mower when
engine is running.
Emission Control System Certification Label
NOTE: Tampering with emission controls and
components by unauthorized personnel may result in
severe fines or penalties. Emission controls and
components can only be adjusted by EPA and/or CARB
authorized service centers. Contact your John Deere
Commercial and Consumer Equipment Retailer
concerning emission controls and component
questions.
The presence of an emissions label signifies that the
engine has been certified with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and/or California
Air Resources Board (CARB).
The emissions warranty applies only to those engines
marketed by John Deere that have been certified by the
EPA and/or CARB; and used in the United States and
Canada in off-road mobile equipment.
Emission Compliance Period
If your engine has the emission compliance category listed
on the emission control system certification or air index
label, this indicates the number of operating hours for which
the engine has been certified to meet EPA and/or CARB
emission requirements. The following table provides the
engine compliance period in hours associated with the
category found on the certification label.
Certification
Your mower has been certified by an independent
laboratory for compliance with American National Standard
B-71.1, “Safety Specifications” for Power Lawn Mowers,
Lawn and Garden Tractors, and Lawn Tractors.
M96445
M96445
Agency Category Hours
EPA C 250
EPA B 500
EPA A 1000
CARB Moderate 125
CARB Intermediate 250
CARB Extended 500