3. Raise the deck to the highest position for loading clearance.
TOWING
1. Do not tow a load that exceeds 250 lbs (113 kg) rolling weight
and never exceed 50 lbs (22 kg) tongue weight.
2. Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point of
the tractor.
3. Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.
4. Do not tow on slopes greater than 5° (9%). On slopes, the
weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction,
loss of control, and/or the ability to stop.
5. Always use extra caution when towing with a tractor capable
of making tight turns (e.g., "zero-turn" tractor). Make wide
turns to avoid jackknifing.
6. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.
SERVICE
1. Keep machine in good working order. Do not use the tractor
until worn or damaged parts are replaced.
2. To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in
any way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to
a runaway engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds.
Never tamper with factory setting of engine governor. Do
not change the engine governor settings or over-speed the
engine. The governor controls the maximum safe operating
speed of the engine.
3. Tractor blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, and
use extra caution when servicing them.
4. Tractors with hydraulic pumps, hoses, or motors, and/or
diesel injection systems have fluid systems under pressure.
Fluid escaping under pressure may have sufficient force to
penetrate skin and cause serious injury. If fluid is injected into
the skin, seek immediate medical attention. Keep body and
hands away from pinholes or nozzles that eject fluid under
high pressure. If a leak occurs, have the tractor immediately
serviced by an authorized dealer.
5. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting, make certain the
blade(s) and all moving parts have stopped. Turn off the
engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s)
and negative battery cable to prevent unintended starting.
6. Check to make sure the blades come to a complete stop in
not more than five seconds after disengaging the blade
disengagement control per the schedule shown on the
Maintenance Schedule chart in the Product Care section
of this manual. Measure the stopping time with a stop
watch. If the blades do not stop completely in less than five
seconds, the tractor should be serviced professionally by an
authorized dealer.
SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES
5
7. Check the safety interlock system for proper function per the
schedule shown on the Maintenance Schedule chart in the
Product Care section of this manual. If the safety interlock
system does not function properly, have the tractor serviced
professionally by an authorized dealer.
8. Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other safety
devices. Check their proper operation regularly.
9. Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolt torque in
accordance with the Maintenance Schedule chart in this
manual. Also, visually inspect blade(s) for damage (e.g.,
excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace the blade(s) with the
original equipment manufacturer's (O.E.M.) blade(s) only.
10. Use of service parts which do not meet the original
equipment specifications may lead to improper performance
and compromise safety.
11. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the
equipment is in safe working condition. Review the
Maintenance Schedule chart in this manual for service
interval information.
12. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, remove the
key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and negative
battery cable to prevent unintended starting. Thoroughly
inspect the tractor for any damage. Repair the damage before
starting and operating.
13. Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the tractor
while the engine is running.
14. Grass catcher components and the chute deflector are subject
to wear and damage which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check components
and replace immediately with original equipment
manufacturer's (O.E.M.) parts only.
15. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels,
as necessary.
16. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, etc.,
to protect the environment.
NOTICE REGARDING EMISSIONS
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC), if so equipped.
When required, models are equipped with low permeation fuel
lines and fuel tanks for evaporative emission control. California
models may also include a carbon canister. Please contact
Customer Support for information regarding the evaporative
emission control configuration for your model.