Weed Eater Lawn Mower 178704 User Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL  
MODEL NO. S165H42C  
16.5 HP 42 Inch  
Lawn Tractor  
For Parts and Service, contact our authorized distributor: call 1-800-849-1297  
For Technical Assistance: call 1-800-829-5886  
®
178704 Rev. 1 4.16.01 TR  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
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SAFETY RULES  
Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers  
Besuretheareaisclearofotherpeoplebeforemowing. Stop  
Look for this symbol to point out im-  
portant safety precautions. It means  
CAUTION!!! BECOMEALERT!!! YOUR  
SAFETY IS INVOLVED.  
machine if anyone enters the area.  
Never carry passengers or children even with the blades off.  
Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always  
look down and behind before and while backing.  
Never carry children. They may fall off and be seriously  
injured or interfere with safe machine operation.  
Keep children out of the mowing area and under the watchful  
care of another responsible adult.  
Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area.  
Before and when backing, look behind and down for small  
children.  
CAUTION: Inordertopreventacciden-  
talstartingwhensettingup,transport-  
ing, adjusting or making repairs, al-  
ways disconnect spark plug wire and  
placewirewhereitcannotcontactspark  
plug.  
Mow up and down slopes (15° Max), not across.  
Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.  
Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven terrain could over-  
turn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.  
Use slow speed. Choose a low gear so that you will not have  
to stop or shift while on the slope.  
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose traction,  
disengage the blades and proceed slowly straight down the  
slope.  
If machine stops while going uphill, disengage blades, shift  
into reverse and back down slowly.  
CAUTION: Do not coast down a hill in  
neutral, you may lose control of the  
tractor.  
CAUTION: Tow only the attachments  
that are recommended by and comply  
withspecificationsofthemanufacturer  
of your tractor. Use common sense  
when towing. Operate only at the low-  
est possible speed when on a slope.  
Too heavy of a load, while on a slope,  
is dangerous. Tires can lose traction  
with the ground and cause you to lose  
control of your tractor.  
Donotturnonslopesunlessnecessary, andthen, turnslowly  
and gradually downhill, if possible.  
WARNING  
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and cer-  
tain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals  
knowntotheStateofCaliforniatocausecancerand  
birth defects or other reproductive harm.  
WARNING  
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories  
containleadandleadcompounds,chemicalsknown  
to the State of California to cause cancer and birth  
defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands  
afterhandling.  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
SAFETY RULES ........................................................ 2-3  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ....................................... 4  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ......................4, 15-18  
ASSEMBLY................................................................ 6-8  
OPERATION............................................................. 9-14  
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE....................................... 15  
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS .............................19-23  
STORAGE ................................................................... 24  
TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................25-26  
REPAIR PARTS - TRACTOR ..................................28-41  
WARRANTY ................................................................ 42  
3
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CONGRATULATIONS onyourpurchaseofanewtractor. It  
has been designed, engineered and manufactured to give  
you the best possible dependability and performance.  
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS  
GASOLINE CAPACITY  
AND TYPE:  
2.0 GALLONS  
UNLEADED REGULAR  
Should you experience any problem you cannot easily  
remedy, please contact your nearest authorized service  
center/department. Wehavecompetent,well-trainedtech-  
nicians and the proper tools to service or repair this tractor.  
OIL TYPE (API-SF-SJ):  
SAE 30 (above 32°F)  
SAE 5W-30 (below 32°F)  
OIL CAPACITY:  
3.4 PINTS  
Please read and retain this manual. The instructions will  
enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly.  
Always observe the SAFETY RULES.  
SPARK PLUG:  
(GAP: .030")  
CHAMPION RN4C  
GROUND SPEED (MPH): FORWARD: 5.2  
REVERSE: 2.7  
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES  
Read and observe the safety rules.  
TIRE PRESSURE:  
CHARGING SYSTEM:  
BATTERY:  
FRONT:  
REAR:  
14 PSI  
12 PSI  
Followaregularscheduleinmaintaining,caringforand  
using your tractor.  
Follow the instructions under Customer Responsibili-  
tiesand Storagesections of this owners manual.  
3 AMPS BATTERY  
5 AMPS HEADLIGHTS  
WARNING: This tractor is equipped with an internal com-  
bustion engine and should not be used on or near any  
unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered or grass-cov-  
ered land unless the engines exhaust system is equipped  
with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws  
(if any). If a spark arrester is used, it should be maintained  
in effective working order by the operator.  
AMP/HR:  
25  
MIN. CCA:  
190  
CASE SIZE: U1R  
BLADE BOLT TORQUE:  
27-35 FT. LBS.  
A spark arrester for the muffler is available through your  
nearest authorized service center/department (See RE-  
PAIR PARTS section of this manual).  
4
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UNASSEMBLEDPARTS  
Steering Wheel  
Seat  
Steering  
Wheel  
Insert  
Steering  
Extension  
Shaft  
(1) Washer  
17/32 x 1-3/16 x 12 Gauge  
(1) Lock  
Washer 1/2  
Steering  
Boot  
Steering  
Wheel  
(1) Bolt  
Adapter  
(1) Oil Drain Tube  
For Future Use  
Key  
(1) Hex Bolt  
3/8-16 x 1  
(2) Keys  
(1) Large Flat  
Washer  
Slope Sheet  
(1) Lockwasher 3/8  
(1) Hex Bolt  
5/16-18 x 1-1/4  
(1) Locknut  
5/16-18  
5
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ASSEMBLY  
Yournewtractorhasbeenassembledatthefactorywithexceptionofthosepartsleftunassembledforshippingpurposes. To  
ensure safe and proper operation of your tractor all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely. Use the  
correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness.  
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR ASSEMBLY  
INSERT  
A socket wrench set will make assembly easier. Standard  
3/8 HEX BOLT  
wrench sizes are listed.  
3/8 LOCK WASHER  
(1) 9/16" wrench  
(2) 1/2" wrenches  
Pliers  
LARGE FLAT  
WASHER  
Tirepressuregauge  
Utility knife  
Whenrightorlefthandismentionedinthismanual,itmeans  
when you are in the operating position (seated behind the  
steeringwheel).  
STEERING  
WHEEL  
STEERING  
BOOT  
TO REMOVE TRACTOR FROM CAR-  
TON  
TABS  
UNPACK CARTON  
Remove all accessible loose parts and parts cartons  
from carton.  
Cut, from top to bottom, along lines on all four corners  
of carton, and lay panels flat.  
Check for any additional loose parts or cartons and  
remove.  
ADAPTER  
EXTENSION SHAFT  
5/16 HEX BOLT  
5/16 LOCKNUT  
BEFORE REMOVING TRACTOR FROM  
SKID  
LOWER  
STEERING  
SHAFT  
ATTACH STEERING WHEEL (See Fig. 1)  
TAB  
SLOTS  
ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT  
Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft. Align  
mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall  
5/16 hex bolt and locknut. Tighten securely.  
FIG. 1  
IMPORTANT: TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO  
HOW TO SET UP YOUR TRACTOR  
18-22 FT. LBS TORQUE.  
Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and  
push down to secure.  
CHECK BATTERY (See Fig. 2)  
Lift seat pan to raised position and open battery box  
door.  
INSTALL STEERING WHEEL  
Position front wheels of the tractor so they are pointing  
If this battery is put into service after month and year  
indicated on label (label located between terminals)  
charge battery for minimum of one hour at 6-10 amps.  
(See"BATTERY"inCUSTOMERRESPONSIBILITIES  
section of this manual for charging instructions).  
straightforward.  
Removesteeringwheeladapterfromsteeringwheeland  
slide adapter onto steering shaft extension.  
Positionsteeringwheelsocrossbarsarehorizontal(left  
to right) and slide inside boot and onto adapter.  
Assemble large flat washer, 3/8 lock washer, 3/8 hex  
bolt and tighten securely.  
SEAT PAN  
Snapsteeringwheelinsertintocenterofsteeringwheel.  
Removeprotectivematerialsfromtractorhoodandgrill.  
LABEL  
BATTERY  
BOX DOOR  
IMPORTANT: CHECK FOR AND REMOVE ANY STAPLES  
IN SKID THAT MAY PUNCTURE TIRES WHERE TRACTOR  
IS TO ROLL OFF SKID.  
TERMINAL  
TERMINAL  
FIG. 2  
6
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ASSEMBLY  
INSTALL SEAT (See Fig. 3)  
Adjust seat before tightening adjustment bolt.  
TOROLLTRACTOROFFSKID(SeeOperation  
section, for location and function of controls)  
Press lift lever plunger and raise attachment lift lever to  
its highest position.  
Remove adjustment bolt, lock washer and flat washer  
securing seat to cardboard packing and set aside for  
assembly of seat to tractor.  
Releaseparkingbrakebydepressingclutch/brakepedal.  
Pivot seat upward and remove from the cardboard  
packing. Remove the cardboard packing and discard.  
Place seat on seat pan so head of shoulder bolt is  
positioned over large slotted hole in pan.  
Push down on seat to engage shoulder bolt in slot and  
pull seat towards rear of tractor.  
Pivot seat and pan forward and assemble adjustment  
bolt, lockwasherandflatwasherloosely. Donottighten  
Place freewheel control in freewheeling position to  
disengagetransmission(SeeTOTRANSPORTinthe  
Operation section of this manual).  
Roll tractor forward off skid.  
Remove banding holding deflector shield up against  
tractor.  
TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID (See Opera-  
tion section, for location and function of con-  
trols)  
WARNING:Beforestarting,read,understandandfollow  
all instructions in the Operation section of this manual. Be  
sure tractor is in a well-ventilated area. Be sure the area in  
front of tractor is clear of other people and objects.  
Lower seat into operating position and sit on seat.  
Slide seat until a comfortable position is reached which  
allowsyoutopressclutch/brakepedalallthewaydown.  
Get off seat without moving its adjusted position.  
Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely.  
Be sure all the above assembly steps have been  
completed.  
SEAT  
Check engine oil level and fill fuel tank with gasoline.  
Place freewheel control in "transmission engaged" po-  
sition.  
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake  
pedal and set the parking brake.  
SEAT PAN  
Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.  
Pressliftleverplungerandraiseattachmentliftleverto  
its highest position.  
SHOULDER  
BOLT  
Starttheengine.Afterenginehasstarted,movethrottle  
control to idle position.  
Releaseparkingbrake.  
Slowlymovethemotioncontrolleverforwardandslowly  
drive tractor off skid.  
FLAT WASHER  
LOCK WASHER  
Applybraketostoptractor,setparkingbrakeandplace  
motion control lever in neutral position.  
Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.  
Continue with the instructions that follow.  
ADJUSTMENT  
BOLT  
FIG. 3  
NOTE: You may now roll or drive your tractor off the skid.  
Follow the appropriate instruction below to remove the  
tractor from the skid.  
7
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ASSEMBLY  
CHECKLIST  
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE  
The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for  
shipping purposes. Correct tire pressure is important for  
best cutting performance.  
BEFOREYOUOPERATEANDENJOYYOURNEW TRAC-  
TOR, WE WISH TO ASSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE  
BESTPERFORMANCEANDSATISFACTIONFROMTHIS  
QUALITYPRODUCT.  
Reduce tire pressure to PSI shown in PRODUCT  
SPECIFICATIONSsection of this manual.  
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHECKLIST:  
All assembly instructions have been completed.  
No remaining loose parts in carton.  
CHECK DECK LEVELNESS  
For best cutting results, mower housing should be properly  
leveled. SeeTOLEVELMOWERHOUSINGintheService  
and Adjustments section of this manual.  
Batteryisproperlypreparedandcharged. (Minimum1  
hour at 6 amps).  
Seat is adjusted comfortably and tightened securely.  
All tires are properly inflated. (For shipping purposes,  
the tires were overinflated at the factory).  
Be sure mower deck is properly leveled side-to-side/  
front-to-rear for best cutting results. (Tires must be  
properly inflated for leveling).  
CHECK FOR PROPER POSITION OF ALL  
BELTS  
See the figures that are shown for replacing motion and  
mower blade drive belts in the Service and Adjustments  
section of this manual. Verify that the belts are routed  
correctly.  
Check mower and drive belts. Be sure they are routed  
properly around pulleys and inside all belt keepers.  
Check wiring. See that all connections are still secure  
and wires are properly clamped.  
Before driving tractor, be sure freewheel control is in  
drive position.  
CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM  
Afteryoulearnhowtooperateyourtractor,checktoseethat  
the brake is properly adjusted. See TO ADJUST BRAKE”  
in the Service and Adjustments section of this manual.  
WHILELEARNINGHOWTOUSEYOURTRACTOR,PAY  
EXTRA ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT  
ITEMS:  
Engine oil is at proper level.  
Fuel tank is filled with fresh, clean, regular unleaded  
gasoline.  
Become familiar with all controls - their location and  
function. Operate them before you start the engine.  
Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition.  
Itisimportanttopurgethetransmissionbeforeoperating  
yourtractorforthefirsttime. Followproperstartingand  
transmission purging instructions (See TO START  
ENGINEandPURGETRANSMISSIONintheOpera-  
tion section of this manual).  
8
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OPERATION  
These symbols may appear on your tractor or in literature supplied with the product. Learn and understand their meaning.  
BATTERY  
CAUTION OR  
WARNING  
REVERSE  
FORWARD  
LIGHTS ON  
FAST  
SLOW  
OVER TEMP  
LIGHT  
ENGINE ON  
ENGINE OFF  
OIL PRESSURE  
PARKING BRAKE  
LOCKED  
UNLOCKED  
MOWER LIFT  
FUEL  
CHOKE  
MOWER HEIGHT  
P
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH ENGAGED  
REVERSE  
NEUTRAL  
HIGH  
LOW  
PARKING BRAKE  
15  
15  
15  
KEEP AREA CLEAR  
SLOPE HAZARDS  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH DISENGAGED  
(SEE SAFETY RULES SECTION)  
IGNITION  
FREE WHEEL  
(Automatic Models only)  
DANGER, KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY  
9
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OPERATION  
KNOW YOUR TRACTOR  
READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TRACTOR  
Comparetheillustrationswithyourtractortofamiliarizeyourselfwiththelocationsofvariouscontrolsandadjustments. Save  
this manual for future reference.  
ATTACHMENT  
LIGHT  
CLUTCH LEVER  
IGNITION  
SWITCH  
SWITCH  
POSITION  
LIFT LEVER  
PLUNGER  
THROTTLE/CHOKE  
CONTROL  
ATTACHMENT  
LIFT LEVER  
CLUTCH/BRAKE  
PEDAL  
PARKING  
BRAKE  
FREE WHEEL  
CONTROL  
MOTION  
CONTROL  
LEVER  
FIG. 4  
Our tractors conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute.  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH LEVER: Used to engage the  
mowerblades,orotherattachmentsmountedtoyourtractor.  
FREEWHEEL CONTROL: Disengages transmission for  
pushing or slowly towing the tractor with the engine off.  
LIGHT SWITCH: Turns the headlights on and off.  
MOTION CONTROL LEVER: Selects the speed and  
direction of tractor.  
THROTTLE/CHOKE CONTROL: Used for starting and  
controlingenginespeed.  
ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER: Used to raise and lower the  
mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor.  
CLUTCH/BRAKEPEDAL: Usedfordeclutchingandbrak-  
ing the tractor and starting the engine.  
LIFT LEVER PLUNGER: Used to release attachment lift  
lever when changing its position.  
PARKINGBRAKE:Locksclutch/brakepedalintothebrake  
position.  
IGNITION SWITCH: Used for starting and stopping the  
engine.  
10  
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OPERATION  
Theoperationofanytractorcan resultinforeignobjectsthrownintotheeyes,whichcan  
resultinsevereeyedamage. Alwayswearsafetyglassesoreyeshieldswhileoperating  
your tractor or performing any adjustments or repairs. We recommend a wide vision  
safetymaskoverspectaclesorstandardsafetyglasses.  
Never use choke to stop engine.  
HOW TO USE YOUR TRACTOR  
IMPORTANT: LEAVING THE IGNITION SWITCH IN ANY  
POSITION OTHER THAN "OFF" WILL CAUSE THE  
BATTERY TO BE DISCHARGED, (DEAD).  
TO SET PARKING BRAKE (See Fig. 5)  
Yourtractorisequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing  
switch. Whenengineisrunning,anyattemptbytheoperator  
to leave the seat without first setting the parking brake will  
shut off the engine.  
NOTE: Undercertainconditionswhentractorisstandingidle  
with the engine running, hot engine exhaust gases may  
cause browningof grass. To eliminate this possibility,  
always stop engine when stopping tractor on grass areas.  
Depress clutch/brake pedal into full BRAKEposition  
andhold.  
CAUTION: Always stop tractor com-  
pletely,asdescribedabove,beforeleav-  
ing the operator's position; to empty  
grasscatcher,etc.  
Place parking brake lever in ENGAGEDposition and  
releasepressurefromclutch/brakepedal. Pedalshould  
remain in BRAKEposition. Make sure parking brake  
will hold tractor secure.  
ATTACHMENT CLUTCH  
LEVER "ENGAGED"  
POSITION  
TO USE THROTTLE CONTROL (See Fig. 5)  
Always operate engine at full throttle.  
THROTTLE/CHOKE  
CONTROL  
Operating engine at less than full throttle reduces the  
batterychargingrate.  
IGNITION  
KEY  
Full throttle offers the best bagging and mower perfor-  
mance.  
"DISENGAGED"  
POSITION  
TO MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD (See  
Fig. 5)  
The direction and speed of movement is controlled by the  
motion control lever.  
PARKING BRAKE  
"ENGAGED"  
POSITION  
"BRAKE"  
POSITION  
Start tractor with motion control lever in neutral (N)  
position.  
MOTION  
CONTROL  
LEVER  
Release parking brake and clutch/brake pedal.  
Slowly move motion control lever to desired position.  
PARKING BRAKE  
"DISENGAGED" POSITION  
TO ADJUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHT (See  
Fig. 5)  
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL  
"DRIVE" POSITION  
FIG. 5  
The position of the attachment lift lever determines the  
cutting height.  
STOPPING (See Fig. 5)  
MOWER BLADES -  
Grasp lift lever.  
Press plunger with thumb and move lever to desired  
position.  
Tostopmowerblades,moveattachmentclutchleverto  
DISENGAGEDposition.  
Thecutting height rangeis approximately1-1/2to 4". The  
heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip with  
theenginenotrunning. Theseheightsareapproximateand  
may vary depending upon soil conditions, height of grass  
and types of grass being mowed.  
GROUNDDRIVE-  
To stop ground drive, depress clutch/brake pedal into  
full BRAKEposition.  
Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.  
Theaveragelawnshouldbecuttoapproximately2-1/2  
inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches  
during hot months. For healthier and better looking  
lawns, mow often and after moderate growth.  
For best cutting performance, grass over 6 inches in  
height should be mowed twice. Make the first cut  
relatively high; the second to desired height.  
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES  
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE  
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.  
ENGINE -  
Move throttle control to slow position.  
NOTE: Failure to move throttle control to slow position and  
allowingenginetoidlebeforestoppingmaycauseengineto  
backfire.  
Turn ignition key to OFFposition and remove key.  
Always remove key when leaving tractor to prevent  
unauthorizeduse.  
11  
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OPERATION  
TO ADJUST GAUGE WHEELS (See Fig. 6)  
TO OPERATE ON HILLS  
Gauge wheels are properly adjusted when they are slightly  
offthegroundwhenmowerisatthedesiredcuttingheightin  
operating position. Gauge wheels then keep the deck in  
proper position to help prevent scalping in most terrain  
conditions.  
CAUTION: Donotdriveupordownhills  
with slopes greater than 15° and do not  
drive across any slope.  
Choose the slowest speed before starting up or down  
hills.  
Avoid stopping or changing speed on hills.  
If slowing is necessary, move throttle control lever to  
slowerposition.  
If stopping is absolutely necessary, push clutch/brake  
pedal quickly to brake position and engage parking  
brake.  
Adjust gauge wheels with tractor on a flat level surface.  
Adjust mower to desired cutting height (See TO AD-  
JUST MOWER CUTTING HEIGHTin the Operation  
section of this manual).  
With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge  
wheels should be assembled so they are slightly off the  
ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole with  
shoulderbolt,3/8washer,and3/8-16locknutandtighten  
securely.  
Repeatforoppositesideinstallinggaugewheelinsame  
adjustmenthole.  
Move motion control lever to neutral (N) position.  
IMPORTANT: THE MOTION CONTROL LEVER DOES  
NOT RETURN TO NEUTRAL (N) POSITION WHEN THE  
CLUTCH/BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.  
GAUGE  
WHEEL  
MOUNTING  
BRACKET  
Torestartmovement,slowlyreleaseparkingbrakeand  
clutch/brakepedal.  
Slowly move motion control lever to slowest setting.  
Make all turns slowly.  
3/8-16  
LOCKNUT  
TO TRANSPORT (See Figs. 4 and 8)  
When pushing or towing your tractor, be sure to disengage  
transmission by placing freewheel control in freewheeling  
position. Freewheelcontrolislocatedatthereardrawbarof  
tractor.  
3/8 WASHER  
GAUGE WHEEL  
SHOULDER  
BOLT  
Raise attachment lift to highest position with attach-  
ment lift control.  
Pull freewheel control out and into the slot and release  
so it is held in the disengaged position.  
Do not push or tow tractor at more than two (2) MPH.  
Toreengagetransmission,reverseaboveprocedure.  
FIG. 6  
TO OPERATE MOWER (See Fig. 7)  
Yourtractor isequippedwithanoperatorpresencesensing  
switch. Any attempt by the operator to leave the seat with  
the engine running and the attachment clutch engaged will  
shut off the engine.  
NOTE: To protect hood from damage when transporting  
yourtractoronatruckoratrailer,besurehoodisclosedand  
securedtotractor. Useanappropriatemeansoftyinghood  
to tractor (rope, cord, etc.).  
Select desired height of cut.  
Start mower blades by engaging attachment clutch  
control.  
TO STOP MOWER BLADES - disengage attachment  
clutch control.  
CAUTION: Do not operate the mower  
without either the entire grass catcher,  
onmowerssoequipped,orthedeflector  
shield in place.  
"ENGAGED" POSITION  
ATTACHMENT  
LIFT LEVER  
HIGH POSI-  
TION  
FIG. 8  
LOW  
POSITION  
TOWING CARTS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS  
DEFLECTOR  
SHIELD  
Tow only the attachments that are recommended by and  
comply with specifications of the manufacturer of your  
tractor. Use common sense when towing. Too heavy of a  
load, while on a slope, is dangerous. Tires can lose traction  
withthegroundandcauseyoutolosecontrolofyourtractor.  
ATTACHMENT  
CLUTCH LEVER  
"DISENGAGED"  
POSITION  
FIG. 7  
12  
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OPERATION  
Insert key into ignition and turn key clockwise to  
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE  
STARTposition and release key as soon as engine  
starts. Do not run starter continuously for more than  
fifteen seconds per minute. If the engine does not start  
after several attempts, move throttle control to fast  
position, wait a few minutes and try again. If engine still  
does not start, move the throttle control back to the  
choke position and retry.  
CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL  
The engine in your tractor has been shipped, from the  
factory, already filled with summer weight oil.  
Check engine oil with tractor on level ground.  
Remove oil fill cap/dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert the  
dipstick and screw cap tight, wait for a few seconds,  
remove and read oil level. If necessary, add oil until  
FULLmark on dipstick is reached. Do not overfill.  
WARM WEATHER STARTING (50° F and above)  
Whenenginestarts,movethethrottlecontroltothefast  
position.  
The attachments and ground drive can now be used. If  
the engine does not accept the load, restart the engine  
and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke  
as described above.  
For cold weather operation you should change oil for  
easier starting (See OIL VISCOSITY CHARTin the  
Customer Responsibilities section of this manual).  
To change engine oil, see the Customer Responsibili-  
ties section in this manual.  
COLD WEATHER STARTING ( 50° F and below)  
ADD GASOLINE  
Whenenginestarts,allowenginetorunwiththethrottle  
control in the choke position until the engine runs  
roughly, thenmovethrottlecontroltofastposition. This  
may require an engine warm-up period from several  
secondstoseveralminutes,dependingonthetempera-  
ture.  
Fill fuel tank. Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded  
gasoline with a minimum of 87 octane. (Use of leaded  
gasoline will increase carbon and lead oxide deposits  
and reduce valve life). Do not mix oil with gasoline.  
Purchase fuel in quantities that can be used within 30  
days to assure fuel freshness.  
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WARM UP  
IMPORTANT: WHEN OPERATING IN TEMPERATURES  
BELOW 32°F(0°C), USE FRESH, CLEAN WINTER GRADE  
GASOLINE TO HELP INSURE GOOD COLD WEATHER  
STARTING.  
Beforedrivingtheunitincoldweather,thetransmission  
should be warmed up as follows:  
Be sure the tractor is on level ground.  
Place the motion control lever in neutral. Release  
the parking brake and let the clutch/brake  
slowly return to operating position.  
WARNING: Experienceindicatesthatalcoholblendedfuels  
(called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol) can attract  
moisture which leads to separation and formation of acids  
during storage. Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of  
an engine while in storage. To avoid engine problems, the  
fuel system should be emptied before storage of 30 days or  
longer. Drainthegastank,starttheengineandletitrununtil  
the fuel lines and carburetor are empty. Use fresh fuel next  
season. SeeStorageInstructionsforadditionalinformation.  
Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel  
tank or permanent damage may occur.  
Allowoneminutefortransmissiontowarmup.This  
can be done during the engine warm up period.  
The attachments can also be used during the engine  
warm-upperiodafterthetransmissionhasbeenwarmed  
up.  
NOTE: If at a high altitude (above 3000 feet) or in cold  
temperatures (below 32 F) the carburetor fuel mixture may  
need to be adjusted for best engine performance. See TO  
ADJUST CARBURETORin the Service and Adjustments  
section of this manual.  
CAUTION: Fill to bottom of gas tank  
fillerneck. Donotoverfill. Wipeoffany  
spilled oil or fuel. Do not store, spill or  
use gasoline near an open flame.  
PURGE TRANSMISSION  
CAUTION: Never engage or disengage  
freewheel lever while the engine is run-  
ning.  
TO START ENGINE (See Fig. 4)  
Whenstartingtheengineforthefirsttimeoriftheenginehas  
run out of fuel, it will take extra cranking time to move fuel  
from the tank to the engine.  
To ensure proper operation and performance, it is recom-  
mended that the transmission be purged before operating  
tractor for the first time. This procedure will remove any  
trapped air inside the transmission which may have devel-  
oped during shipping of your tractor.  
IMPORTANT: SHOULD YOUR TRANSMISSION REQUIRE  
REMOVAL FOR SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT, IT  
SHOULD BE PURGED AFTER REINSTALLATION BEFORE  
OPERATING THE TRACTOR.  
Besurefreewheelcontrolisinthetransmissionengaged  
position.  
Sit on seat in operating position, depress clutch/brake  
pedal and set parking brake.  
Place motion control lever in neutral (N) position.  
Move attachment clutch to DISENGAGEDposition.  
Move throttle control to choke position.  
Placetractorsafelyonlevelsurfacewithengineoffand  
parking brake set.  
NOTE: Before starting, read the warm and cold starting  
proceduresbelow.  
Disengagetransmissionbyplacingfreewheelcontrolin  
freewheeling position (See TO TRANSPORTin this  
section of manual).  
13  
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OPERATION  
Sitting in the tractor seat, start engine. After the engine  
MOWING TIPS  
is running, move throttle control to slow position. With  
motion control lever in neutral (N) position, slowly  
disengageclutch/brakepedal.