Operator’s Manual
Domestic English (EN)
Form No. 3326-531 Rev B
17-44HXL
Wheel Horse
Lawn Tractor
Model No. 71228—Serial No. 230000001 and Up
2
All Rights Reserved
Printed in the USA
2003 by The Toro Company
8111 Lyndale Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420-1196
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 65 Warning
The engine exhaust from this product contains
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Warning
Important The engine in this product is not equipped
with a spark arrester muffler. It is a violation of California
Public Resource Code Section 4442 to use or operate this
engine on any forest-covered, brush-covered, or
grass-covered land as defined in CPRC 4126. Other states
or federal areas may have similar laws.
This spark ignition system complies with Canadian
ICES-002.
Ce système d’allumage par étincelle de véhicule est
conforme à la norme NMB-002 du Canada.
The enclosed Engine Owner’s Manual is supplied for
information regarding The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Emission
Control Regulation of emission systems, maintenance
and warranty.
Keep this engine Owner’s Manual with your unit.
Should this engine Owner’s Manual become damaged
or illegible, replace immediately. Replacements may be
ordered through the engine manufacturer.
Contents
Page
Introduction 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safe Operating Practices 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Toro Riding Mower Safety 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Slope Chart 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Instruction Decals 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gasoline and Oil 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Gasoline 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling the Fuel Tank 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Engine Oil Level 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Parking Brake 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Positioning the Seat 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating the Headlights 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Blade Control (PTO) 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setting the Height-of-Cut 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Adjusting the Gage Wheels 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the Engine 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stopping the Engine 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Using the Safety Interlock System 16. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Testing the Safety Interlock System 17. . . . . . . . . . . .
Pushing the Tractor Manually 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving the Tractor Forward or Backward 18. . . . . . .
Stopping the Tractor 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Side Discharging or Mulching the Grass 19. . . . . . . .
Installing the Discharge Cover 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Tips 20. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Maintenance Schedule 21. . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Engine Oil 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Air Cleaner 23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Spark Plug 24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning the Cooling System 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Brake 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greasing and Lubricating the Tractor 25. . . . . . . . . .
Checking the Tire Pressure 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Battery 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Draining the Fuel Tank 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Fuel Filter 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Transaxle Fluid 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Fuse 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Headlights 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Servicing the Blade 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Mower 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Mower 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing the Recycler Baffle 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Removing the Recycler Baffle 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing the Blade Drive Belt 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Blade Brakes 36. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leveling the Mower from Side-to-Side 36. . . . . . . . .
Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope 37. . . . . . . .
Washing the Underside of the Mower 38. . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning and Storing the Tractor 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring Diagram 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Toro Total Coverage Guarantee 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
Introduction
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate and
maintain your product properly. The information in this
manual can help you and others avoid injury and product
damage. Although Toro designs and produces safe
products, you are responsible for operating the product
properly and safely.
Whenever you need service, genuine Toro parts, or
additional information, contact an Authorized Service
Dealer or Toro Customer Service and have the model and
serial numbers of your product ready. Figure 1 illustrates
the location of the model and serial numbers on the
product.
m-1856
1
Figure 1
1. Location of the model and serial numbers
Write the product model and serial numbers in the space
below:
Model No.
Serial No.
This manual identifies potential hazards and has special
safety messages that help you and others avoid personal
injury and even death. Danger, Warning, and Caution are
signal words used to identify the level of hazard. However,
regardless of the hazard, be extremely careful.
Danger signals an extreme hazard that will cause serious
injury or death if you do not follow the recommended
precautions.
Warning signals a hazard that may cause serious injury or
death if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
Caution signals a hazard that may cause minor or moderate
injury if you do not follow the recommended precautions.
This manual uses 2 other words to highlight information.
Important calls attention to special mechanical
information and Note: emphasizes general information
worthy of special attention.
Safety
This tractor meets or exceeds the B71.1–1998
specifications of the American National Standards Institute
in effect at the time of production.
Read and understand the contents of this manual before
operating the tractor.
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid all possible
injury or death.
Safe Operating Practices
The following instructions are from ANSI standard
B71.1—1998.
This product is capable of amputating hands and feet and
throwing objects. Always follow all safety instructions to
avoid serious injury or death.
General Operation
• Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the
operator’s manual and on the machine before starting.
• Allow only responsible adults who are familiar with the
instructions to operate the machine.
• Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire, etc.,
which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.
• Be sure the area is clear of other people before mowing.
Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Never carry passengers.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
Always look down and behind before and while
backing.
• Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not
point it at anyone. Do not operate the mower without
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.
• Slow down before turning.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
keys before dismounting.
• Turn off blades when not mowing.
• Stop the engine before removing the grass catcher or
unclogging the chute.
• Mow only in daylight or good artificial light.
• Do not operate the machine while under the influence
of alcohol or drugs.
4
• Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing
roadways.
• Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine
into a trailer or truck.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields when operating mower.
• Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above,
are involved in a large percentage of riding
mower–related injuries. These operators should
evaluate their ability to operate the riding mower safely
enough to protect themselves and others from serious
injury
.
Slope Operation
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot back
up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.
• Mow up and down slopes, not across.
• Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
• Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
overturn 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.
• Follow Toro’s recommendations for wheel weight or
counterweights to improve stability.
• Use extra care with grass catchers or other attachments.
These can change the stability of the machine.
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual. Do not
make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires lose
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly
straight down the slope.
• Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, turn
slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.
The machine could suddenly turn over if a wheel goes
over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could cause
sliding.
• Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground.
• Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes.
Children
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to the
presence of children. Children are often attracted to the
machine and the mowing activity. Never assume that
children will remain where you last saw them.
• Keep children out of the mowing area and under the
watchful care of another responsible adult.
• Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter the
area.
• Before and while backing, look behind and down for
small children.
• Never carry children, even with the blades off. They
may fall off and be seriously injured or interfere with
safe machine operation.
• Never allow children to operate the machine.
• Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs,
trees, the end of a fence or other objects that may
obscure vision.
Service
• Use extra care when handling gasoline and other fuels.
They are flammable and vapors are explosive.
– Use only an approved container.
– Never remove the gas cap or add fuel when the
engine is running. Allow the engine to cool before
refueling. Do not smoke.
– Never refuel the machine indoors.
– Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, such as near a water
heater or furnace.
• Never run a machine inside a closed area.
• Keep nuts and bolts tight, especially the blade
attachment bolts. Keep equipment in good condition.
• Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly.
• Keep the machine free of grass, leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean up oil or fuel spillage. Allow the
machine to cool before storing.
• Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.
Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
• Grass catcher components are subject to wear, damage
and deterioration, which could expose moving parts or
allow objects to be thrown. Frequently check
components and replace with manufacturer’s
recommended parts, when necessary.
5
• Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s)
or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing
them.
• Use only genuine Toro replacement parts to ensure that
original standards are maintained.
Toro Riding Mower Safety
The following list contains safety information specific to
Toro products or other safety information that you must
know that is not included in the ANSI standards.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which
is an odorless, deadly poison that can kill you.
Do not run engine indoors or in an enclosed area.
Warning
• Stop the engine, disconnect spark plug wire and remove
key before performing any service, repairs, maintenance
or adjustments.
• Slow down before turning. Sharp turns on any terrain
may cause loss of control.
• Never leave a running machine unattended. Always turn
off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and remove
the ignition and KeyChoice
keys before dismounting.
• Keep hands, feet, hair and loose clothing away from
attachment discharge area, underside of mower and any
moving parts while engine is running.
• Do not touch equipment or attachment parts which may
be hot from operation. Allow to cool before attempting
to maintain, adjust or service.
• Battery acid is poisonous and can cause burns. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Protect your face,
eyes and clothing when working with a battery.
• Battery gases can explode. Keep cigarettes, sparks and
flames away from battery.
• Use only genuine replacement parts to ensure that
original standards are maintained.
• Use only Toro approved attachments. Warranty may be
voided if used with unapproved attachments.
• Do not mow across slopes exceeding 5 degrees.
• Do not mow down slopes exceeding 15 degrees.
• Do not mow up slopes exceeding 10 degrees.
• If a steep slope must be ascended, back up the hill, and
drive forward down the hill, keeping the machine in
gear.
• Avoid turning on slopes. If you must turn, turn slowly
and gradually downhill, if possible.
• Do not use a grass catcher on steep slopes. Heavy grass
bags could cause loss of control or overturn the
machine.
6
7
Slope Chart
8
9
Safety and Instruction Decals
Safety decals and instructions are easily visible to the operator and are located near any area
of potential danger. Replace any decal that is damaged or lost.
43-8480
55-4300
66-1340
68-3650
68-3660
92-2461
92-2462
10
93-1122
93-3777
1. Engine
93-7282
1. Stop the engine and
remove the ignition key
before leaving the
machine
2. Read the
Operator’s
Manual.
3. Wheel height
99-2985
99-5339
99-6095
11
99-8139
100-7449
1. Pull the lever out to push
the machine.
2. Push the lever in to ride
on the machine.
3. Read the instructions
before servicing or
performing maintenance.
4. Do not tow the machine
104-4163
1. Explosion hazard
2. No fire, open flames, or
smoking.
3. Caustic liquid/chemical
burn hazard
4. Wear eye protection
5. Read the
Operator’s
Manual.
6. Keep bystanders a safe
distance from the battery.
12
104-4164
1. Contains lead; do not
discard.
2. Recycle
3. Wear eye protection;
explosive gases can cause
blindness and other injuries
4. No sparks, flame, or
smoking
5. Sulfuric acid can cause
blindness or severe burns.
6. Flush eyes immediately with
water and get medical help
fast.
7. Maximum fill line
8. Minimum fill line
9. Instructions for activating the
battery
13
Gasoline and Oil
Recommended Gasoline
Use unleaded regular gasoline suitable for automotive use
(85 pump octane minimum). You may use leaded regular
gasoline if unleaded regular is not available.
Important Never use methanol, gasoline containing
methanol, or gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol
because the fuel system could be damaged. Do not mix oil
with gasoline.
Danger
In certain conditions, gasoline is extremely
flammable and highly explosive. A fire or
explosion from gasoline can burn you and others
and can damage property.
• Fill the fuel tank outdoors in an open area when
the engine is cold. Wipe up any gasoline that
spills.
• Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. Add
gasoline to the fuel tank until the level is 1/4 to
1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of the
filler neck. This empty space in the tank allows
the gasoline to expand.
• Never smoke when handling gasoline, and stay
away from an open flame or where a spark may
ignite the gasoline fumes.
• Store gasoline in an approved container and
keep it out of the reach of children.
• Never buy more than a 30-day supply of
gasoline.
• Always place gasoline containers on the ground
away from your vehicle before filling.
• Do not fill gasoline containers inside a vehicle or
on a truck or trailer bed because interior
carpets or plastic truck bed liners may insulate
the container and slow the loss of any static
charge.
• When practical, remove gas-powered equipment
from the truck or trailer and refuel the
equipment with its wheels on the ground.
• If this is not possible, refuel such equipment on
a truck or trailer from a portable container, not
from a gasoline dispenser nozzle.
• If you must use a gasoline dispenser, keep the
nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel tank or
container opening at all times until fueling is
complete.
Using Stabilizer/Conditioner
Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the tractor to provide the
following benefits:
• It keeps gasoline fresh during storage for up to 90 days.
For longer storage, drain the fuel tank.
• It cleans the engine while it runs.
• It eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel
system, which causes hard starting.
Important Do not use fuel additives containing
methanol or ethanol.
Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the
gasoline.
Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when it
is mixed with fresh gasoline. To minimize the chance of
varnish deposits in the fuel system, use a fuel
stabilizer/conditioner at all times.
Filling the Fuel Tank
1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Clean around the fuel tank cap and remove the cap.
4. Add unleaded regular gasoline to the fuel tank until the
level is 1/4 to 1/2 in. (6 to 13 mm) below the bottom of
the filler neck. Do not fill the fuel tank completely
full.
Note: This space in the tank allows gasoline to expand.
5. Install the fuel tank cap securely.
6. Wipe up any gasoline that spills.
Checking the Engine Oil Level
Before you start the engine and use the tractor, check the oil
level in the engine crankcase; refer to Checking the Oil
Level on page 22.
14
Operation
Controls
Become familiar with all of the controls (Fig. 2) before you
start the engine and operate the tractor.
m4300
12
11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Figure 2
1. Steering wheel
2. Light switch—on/off
(selected models)
3. Ignition switch
4. Clutch/brake pedal
5. Blade control (PTO) lever
6. Ground speed pedal
7. Height-of-cut lever
8. Parking brake lever
9. Throttle lever
10. Hood opening
11. Operating-in-reverse light
12. KeyChoice
switch
Using the Parking Brake
Always set the parking brake when you stop the tractor or
leave it unattended.
Setting the Parking Brake
1. Push the clutch/brake pedal (Fig. 3) down and hold it in
the depressed position.
1
2
m-1858
Figure 3
1. Clutch/brake pedal 2. Parking brake lever
2. Lift the parking brake lever (Fig. 3) up and gradually
take your foot off of the clutch/brake pedal. The
clutch/brake pedal should stay in the depressed (locked)
position.
Releasing the Parking Brake
1. Push down on the clutch/brake pedal (Fig. 3). The
parking brake lever should release.
2. Gradually release the clutch/brake pedal.
15
Positioning the Seat
The seat can move forward and backward. Position the seat
where you have the best control of the tractor and are most
comfortable.
1. Raise the seat and loosen the adjustment knob (Fig. 4).
m-1862
1
Figure 4
1. Adjustment knob
2. Move the seat to the desired position and tighten the
knob.
Operating the Headlights
A dash-mounted On/Off switch (Fig. 2) controls the
headlights. The lights only shine while the engine is
running and the switch is On.
Using the Blade Control (PTO)
The blade control (PTO) lever engages and disengages
power to the blades.
Engaging the Blades
1. Depress the clutch/brake pedal to stop the tractor.
2. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Engaged (Fig. 5).
m-1852
1
3
2
Figure 5
1. Disengaged
2. Engaged
3. Blade control (PTO) lever
Disengaging the Blades
1. Depress the clutch/brake pedal to stop the tractor.
2. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Disengaged
(Fig. 5).
Setting the Height-of-Cut
The height-of-cut lever is used to raise and lower the
mower to the desired cutting height.
1. The cutting height may be set in 1 of 7 positions from
approximately 1 to 4 in. (25 to 102 mm).
2. Pull on the height-of-cut lever and move it to the
desired position (Fig. 6).
m-1881
1
1 in. (25 mm)
1-1/2 in. (38 mm)
2 in. (51 mm)
2-1/2 in. (64 mm)
3 in. (76 mm)
3-1/2 in. (89 mm)
4 in. (102 mm)
Figure 6
1. Height-of-cut lever
Adjusting the Gage Wheels
You must adjust the gage wheels in the proper hole location
for each height-of-cut position.
1. After adjusting height-of-cut, raise the height-of-cut
lever; refer to Setting the Height of Cut on page 15.
2. Remove the hairpin cotter and pin to change the hole
location (Fig. 7).
1233
1
2
3
Figure 7
1. Wheel
2. Pin
3. Hairpin cotter
16
3. Select a hole position so that the gage wheel is 3/8 in.
(10 mm) off of the ground for the height-of-cut to be
used (Fig. 7).
4. Insert the pin and secure it with the hairpin cotter.
5. Repeat the adjustment on the other gage wheels.
Starting the Engine
1. Sit down on the seat.
2. Set the parking brake; refer to Setting the Parking Brake
on page 14.
Note: The engine will not start unless you set the parking
brake or fully depress the clutch/brake pedal.
3. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Disengaged
(Fig. 8).
m-1852a
1
3
2
Figure 8
1. Disengaged
2. Engaged
3. Blade control (PTO) lever
4. Shift the throttle lever to Choke (Fig. 9).
Note: An engine that has been running and is warm may
not require step 4.
m-1859
1
2
3
Figure 9
1. Choke
2. Fast
3. Slow
5. Turn the ignition key clockwise and hold it in the Start
position (Fig. 10). When the engine starts, release the
key.
3
2
1
Figure 10
1. Start
2. On
3. Off
Important If the engine does not start after 30 seconds
of continuous cranking, turn the ignition key to Off and let
the starter motor cool; refer to Troubleshooting on page 41.
6. After the engine starts, slowly shift the throttle lever to
Fast (Fig. 9). If the engine stalls or hesitates, shift the
throttle lever back to Choke for a few seconds. Then
shift the throttle lever to Fast. Repeat this as required.
Stopping the Engine
1. Shift the throttle lever to Fast (Fig. 9).
2. Turn the ignition key to Off and remove the ignition key
(Fig. 10).
Using the Safety Interlock
System
Understanding the Safety Interlock
System
The safety system is designed to prevent the engine from
starting unless:
• The clutch/brake pedal is depressed.
• The blade control (PTO) lever is in the Disengaged
position.
The safety system is designed to stop the engine if:
• You rise from the seat when the clutch/brake pedal is
released.
• You rise from the seat when the blade control (PTO)
lever is in the Engaged position.
17
• You shift into reverse with the blade control (PTO)
lever in the Engaged position and the
operating-in-reverse interlock not deactivated.
Setting the KeyChoice
Switch to
Operate in Reverse
An interlock feature on the tractor prevents the power take
off (PTO) from operating when backing up. If you shift into
reverse with the blades (PTO) engaged (i.e., with mower
blades or other attachment running), the the engine will
stop. Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.
If you need to use the blades (PTO) while backing up, you
can turn off this interlock feature using the KeyChoice
switch located near the seat bracket (Fig. 11).
Danger
You could back over a child or bystander while the
mower blades or other attachment is engaged and
cause serious injury or death.
• Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely
necessary.
• Do not insert the KeyChoice key unless it is
absolutely necessary.
• Always look backward and down before
backing up.
• Use the KeyChoice switch only if you are certain
no children or other bystanders will enter the
mowing area.
• Be very observant after deactivating the
interlock because the sound of the engine may
prevent you from noticing that a child or
bystander has entered the work area.
• Always remove both the ignition and KeyChoice
keys and put them in a safe place out of the
reach of children or unauthorized users when
leaving the unit unattended.
1. Engage the blade control (PTO) lever.
2. Insert the KeyChoice key into the switch (Fig. 11).
1
m4157
Figure 11
1. KeyChoice switch
3. Turn the KeyChoice key.
A red light on the front console (Fig. 12) turns on,
indicating that the interlock is disabled.
m-1863
1
Figure 12
1. Operating-in-reverse light
4. Shift into reverse and complete your task.
5. Disengage the blades (PTO) to activate the interlock.
6. Remove the KeyChoice key and put it in a safe place
out of reach of children.
Testing the Safety Interlock
System
If safety interlock switches are disconnected or
damaged the tractor could operate unexpectedly
causing personal injury.
• Do not tamper with the interlock switches.
• Check the operation of the interlock switches
daily and replace any damaged switches before
operating the tractor.
• Replace switches every 2 years regardless of
whether they are operating properly or not.
Caution
Test the safety system before you use the tractor each time.
If the safety system does not operate as described below,
have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system
immediately. While sitting in the seat, perform the
following checks:
1. Set the parking brake. Shift the blade control (PTO)
lever to Engaged. Turn the ignition key to Start; the
engine should not crank.
2. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever to Disengaged and
release the parking brake. Turn the ignition key to Start;
the engine should not crank.
3. With the ground speed lever in Neutral, set the parking
brake and shift the blade control (PTO) lever to
Disengaged. Start the engine. While the engine is
running, release the parking brake and rise slightly from
the seat; the engine should stop.
18
4. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever into the Disengage
position, the ground speed pedal in Neutral, and set the
parking brake. Start the engine. While the engine is
running, shift the blade control (PTO) lever into the
Engage position, push in the clutch, and put the ground
speed lever in Reverse. The engine should stop.
5. Shift the blade control (PTO) lever into the Disengage
position, the ground speed pedal in Neutral, and set the
parking brake. Start the engine. Shift the blade control
(PTO) lever to the Engage position and turn the
KeyChoice key and release it. The operating-in-reverse
light should illuminate. Shift the blade control (PTO)
lever to the Disengage position and the
operating-in-reverse light should turn off.
Pushing the Tractor Manually
Important Always push the tractor manually. Never
tow the tractor because you may damage the transaxle.
To Push the Machine
1. Disengage the blades (PTO).
2. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
3. Remove the ignition key.
4. Pull the drive control out to the Push position (Fig. 13).
1
2
m-4974
Figure 13
1. Operate position 2. Push position
Note: This disengages the drive system and allows the
wheels to turn freely (Fig. 13).
To Operate the Machine
Push the drive control in to the Operate position (Fig. 13).
Note: The machine will not drive unless the drive control is
in the Operate position.
Driving the Tractor Forward or
Backward
The throttle control regulates the engine speed as measured
in RPM (revolutions per minute). Shift the throttle lever
into the Fast position for best performance.
1. Release the parking brake; refer to Releasing the
Parking Brake on page 14.
Important To avoid transmission damage, always
release the parking brake before moving the ground speed
pedal.
2. Place your foot on the ground speed pedal (Fig. 14) and
slowly press on the top of the pedal to move forward or
on the bottom of the pedal to move backward.
1
2
3
1861
Figure 14
1. Ground speed pedal
2. Forward
3. Backward
Note: The farther you move the ground speed pedal in
either direction, the faster the tractor will move in that
direction.
Note: To slow down, release the pressure on the ground
speed pedal.
Note: For reverse motion, with the blades (PTO) engaged,
the operating-in-reverse interlock must be deactivated by
the KeyChoice switch located in front of and below the
seat.
19
Stopping the Tractor
To stop the tractor, release the ground speed pedal,
disengage the blades (PTO), and turn the ignition key to
Off to stop the engine. Also set the parking brake if you
leave the tractor unattended; refer to Setting the Parking
Brake on page 14. Remember to remove the keys from the
ignition and KeyChoice switches.
Children or bystanders may be injured if they
move or attempt to operate the tractor while it is
unattended.
Always remove the ignition and KeyChoice keys
and set the parking brake when leaving the tractor
unattended, even if just for a few minutes.
Caution
Side Discharging or Mulching
the Grass
Danger
Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or
complete grass catcher assembly mounted in place,
you and others are exposed to blade contact and
thrown debris. Contact with rotating mower
blades and thrown debris will cause injury or
death.
• Never remove the grass deflector from the
mower because the grass deflector routes
material down toward the turf. If the grass
deflector is ever damaged, replace it
immediately.
• Never put your hands or feet under the mower.
• Never try to clear discharge area or mower
blades unless you disengage the blades (PTO)
and rotate the ignition key to the Off position.
Also remove the key and disconnect the wire
from the spark plug.
The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses
clippings to the side and down toward the turf.
To mulch grass clippings, you must install the Recycler
baffle (optional on some models) in the mower; refer to
Installing the Recycler Baffle on page 35.
Installing the Discharge Cover
To convert from side discharge to a mulching mower,
install the discharge cover into the opening at the side of
the mower.
1. Stop the engine and remove the ignition key.
2. Lift the grass deflector and slide the tabs on top of the
discharge cover under the grass deflector retaining rod.
Rotate the discharge cover down over the opening, and
onto the lower lip of the mower (Fig. 15).
3. Secure the discharge cover to the lower lip of the
mower with bolts and nuts (Fig. 15).
m-1883
1
6
5
4
3
6
5
2
Figure 15
1. Grass deflector
2. Tabs under rod
3. Discharge cover
4. Lower lip
5. Bolt
6. Nut
Note: Do not over-tighten the nuts, which could distort the
cover and cause blade contact.
4. To convert back to a side discharge mower, remove the
discharge cover and lower the grass deflector over the
discharge opening.
20
Operating Tips
• For the best performance, operate the engine at the
maximum speed. The mower requires air to thoroughly
cut grass clippings, so do not set the height-of-cut too
low or completely surround the mower in uncut grass.
Always leave one side of the mower free from uncut
grass to allow the air to be drawn into the mower.
• Cut the grass slightly longer than normal to ensure that
the cutting height of the mower does not scalp any
uneven ground. When cutting grass longer than 6 in.
(15 cm) tall, cut the lawn twice to ensure an acceptable
appearance.
• It is best to cut only about 1/3 of the grass blade. Do not
cut more than that unless the grass is sparse or it is late
fall when grass grows more slowly.
• Alternate the mowing direction to keep the grass
standing straight. This also helps disperse clippings and
enhances decomposition and fertilization.
• Grass grows at different rates at different times of the
season. To maintain the same cutting height, which is a
good practice, mow more often in early spring. As the
grass growth rate slows in mid summer, mow less
frequently.
• To improve the quality of cut, use a slower ground
speed. For best operation on average lawns, operate the
engine at full throttle while controlling the ground
speed. You should operate the tractor between from 2 to
3.5 mph (3.2 to 5.6 km/h) while mowing. An uneven
cut is often a result of operating the tractor at an
excessive ground speed.
• If the grass is longer than normal, or if it contains a high
degree of moisture, raise the cutting height higher than
usual, cut the grass at that setting, and then cut the grass
again at the lower, normal setting.
• If you must stop the tractor while mowing, you may
leave a clump of grass clippings on your lawn. To avoid
this, do the following:
– Engage the blade and move to a previously cut area.
– Disperse the clippings evenly by raising the mower
1 or 2 height-of-cut settings while driving forward
with the blade engaged.
• Use the washout port to clean clippings and dirt from
the underside of the mower after each use. If grass and
dirt build up inside the mower, the cutting quality will
eventually become unsatisfactory.
• Maintain a sharp blade throughout the season. A sharp
blade cuts grass cleanly without tearing or shredding the
grass blades. Tearing and shredding the grass turns it
brown at the edges, which slows its growth and
increases the chance of disease. Every 30 days, check
the blade for sharpness and file down any nicks.
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