Operating

NOTE: Adjust both levers to same height except for two lowest cutting heights (A and B on following chart). At two lowest cutting heights, raise rear lever one notch higher than front lever. This adjustment allows for increased air flow when bagging and side discharging, and provides a larger exit window for clippings when mulching.

Begin at upper cutting height, then adjust downward as desired, to avoid scalping lawn with too low a setting.

Highest cutting height for rear wheel is lever in furthest front position. Highest cutting height for front wheel is lever in furthest back position.

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Picture Note: Left front wheel lever shown

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Picture Note: Left front wheel lever shown


Key	Cutting Height Adjustments in mm (inches)
(A)	13 mm (1/2 in.)
(B)	25 mm (1 in.)
(C)	38 mm (1-1/2 in.)
(D)	50 mm (2 in.)
(E)	64 mm (2-1/2 in.)
(F)	75 mm (3 in.)
(G)	90 mm (3-1/2 in.)

To help adjust rear wheel levers:

1. Lift lower handlebar slightly with one hand to take some weight off wheel.

2. Move height adjustment lever to desired position with other hand.

Adjusting Handle Height

1. Remove bolt (A) and lock nut from each side of handle.

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2. Install bolt in desired hole in bracket (B) and through holes in handle.

3. Install lock nut.

Testing Safety Systems

MIF

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide and can cause serious illness or death.

Move the vehicle to an outside area before running the engine.

Do not run an engine in an enclosed area without adequate ventilation.

· Connect a pipe extension to the engine exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust fumes out of the area.

· Allow fresh outside air into the work area to clear the exhaust fumes out.

Use the following checkout procedure to check for normal operation of machine.

If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, do not operate machine. See your John Deere dealer for service.

Perform these tests in a clear open area. Keep bystanders away.

Testing Blade Control Lever

1. Start engine.

2. Engage blade.

3. Release blade control lever.

4. Listen for blade to stop. Do not look under mower to check blade.

Result: Blade should stop within three seconds. If blade does not stop within three seconds, there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.

Starting Engine

MIF

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death.

Run engine only in a ventilated area.

If you run engine in an enclosed area, remove exhaust with exhaust pipe extension, or open doors to bring in outside air.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent damage to starter and band brake, do not start the engine: · when blade is under load, such as in heavy grass, or · when blade control lever is released.

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1. Turn fuel shutoff knob (A) to the open position.

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2. Move throttle lever (B):

COLD ENGINE: Push lever forward to choke position.

WARM ENGINE: Push lever forward to fast position.

3. Put your foot on foot pad located on top, left side of deck.

4. Pull starter handle until you feel resistance. Then pull fast and steady until engine starts.

5. Return handle slowly.

6. Pull back throttle lever to half-throttle position.

7. Mow with throttle lever in fast position.

Blade Operation

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Keep hands, feet and clothing away from blade when engine is running. If blade does not stop within 3 seconds after you release blade control lever, see your John Deere dealer

NOTE: Do not engage blade in heavy grass or engine may stop.

To Engage Blade

1. Stand behind the mower.

2. Pull and hold blade control lever (A) against handle.

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3. Push blade engagement lever (B) forward until it latches.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Blade stop lever must be able to release to stop blade in case of an emergency.

If lever (B) does not latch, do not secure it or hold it in the latch position. See your John Deere dealer.

Do not secure lever (A) to handle.

To Disengage Blade

Release blade control lever (A).

Forward Travel

To Travel Forward

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Pull and hold traction clutch lever (A) against handle (B).

To Stop Forward Travel

Release lever (A). Release lever before you turn.

NOTE: Rear wheels should make a clicking noise when you push mower forward. This means drive train is operating correctly.

Travel Speeds

· 1st Gear: 1.9 km/h (1.2 mph)

· 2nd Gear: 2.9 km/h (1.8 mph)

· 3rd Gear: 3.9 km/h (2.4 mph)

· 4th Gear: 4.8 km/h (3.0 mph)

· 5th Gear: 6.6 km/h (4.1 mph)

To Change Travel Speed:

1. Stop.

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2. Move gear lever (A) to desired position.

3. Engage traction clutch lever (B).

Stopping Engine

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1. Release traction clutch lever (A).

2. Release blade control lever (B).

3. Pull throttle lever (C) back to stop position.

4. Turn fuel shutoff knob to closed position when you are done mowing.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If mower blade does not stop within 3 seconds after you release blade stop lever, see your John Deere dealer.

Emergency Stopping

M73293

Release handle and levers:

· Mower travel will stop.

· Blade will stop.

Using Discharge Chute (Optional)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate mower unless grass bag, chute, or mulch plug is held in place by door. Before you empty bag, stop mower, blade and engine.

1. Stop engine. Lift and hold door.

2. Remove grass bag.

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3. Install chute. Lower door to hold chute in place.

Using Grass Bag

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1. Lift and hold door (A).

2. Grasp handle (B). Lift bag on or off mower.

3. Gently lower door.

NOTE: Bag may wear and deteriorate. Check condition of bag often. Use a John Deere bag or equivalent to comply with safety specifications.

Using Mulch Plug (Optional)

See your John Deere dealer for Mulch Plug.

Mulch blade is standard equipment on the mower and works equally well with mulch plug, chute, or bag. You do not need to change the blade when you change attachment.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate mower unless grass bag, chute, or plug is held in place by door. Before you unplug mower or remove mulch plug, stop engine.

1. Stop engine.

2. Lift and hold door.

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3. Install plug (A) in opening (B) with (C) facing left.

4. Push and turn plug counterclockwise until it is seated.

5. Lower door.

Using High Lift Blade (Optional)

High lift blade is recommended for the most favorable bagging performance. See your John Deere dealer for high lift blades.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Service mower safely:

· Remove blade when fuel tank is almost empty.

· Stop engine. Let it cool.

· Disconnect spark plug wire.

· Wear gloves or wrap blade with rag.

1. Disconnect spark plug wire.

2. Turn fuel shutoff knob to closed position.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent air cleaner damage and hard starting, turn mower on its right side.

3. Turn mower on its right side.

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4. Remove bolts (A) and blade (B).

5. Install blade with wings pointing upward.

6. Tighten bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb-ft).

7. Lower mower to the floor.

8. Connect spark plug wire.

Transporting Mower


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Turn fuel shutoff knob to the closed position.

Turn the fuel shutoff knob to the closed position when transporting the mower to prevent fuel from flowing into the engine.

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