Operating

Operate Safely

· Inspect machine before you operate. Be sure hardware is tight. Repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts. Be sure proper guards, plates, grass catcher, or other safety protective devices are in good condition and fastened in place. Make any necessary adjustments before you operate.

· Clear work area of objects that might be thrown. Keep people and pets out of the work area. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

· If you hit an object, stop the machine and inspect it. Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine properly maintained and in good working order. Keep all guards, plates, grass catcher, or other safety devices in place.

· DO NOT leave machine unattended when it is running.

· Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.

· Be sure of footing. Be especially careful when you pull machine backwards with the engine running.

· Mow across a hill - not up and down. Be careful when you change direction on a slope. Do Not mow excessively steep slopes.

· DO NOT mow wet grass. Reduced traction could cause you to slip.

· Stop the blade when crossing gravel drives, walks, or roads.

· Keep a firm hold on the machine handle.

· DO NOT wear radio or music headphones while operating the machine. Safe operation requires your full attention.

· DO NOT operate mower if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Rotating Blades Are Dangerous - Protect Children and Prevent Accidents

PROTECT CHILDREN:

· Never assume that children will remain where you last saw them. Children are attracted to mowing activity, stay alert to the presence of children.

· Keep children in the house when you are operating the machine.

· Turn machine off if a child enters the area.

· Use extra care when you come to blind corners, shrubs, trees, or other objects that may block your vision.

· DO NOT let children or an untrained person operate the machine.

HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:

· Be alert at all times, people ESPECIALLY CHILDREN can move quickly into the area before you know it.

· Shut off blades when you are not mowing.

· Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating blades.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

· Wear close fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate for the job.

· Do Not operate the equipment when barefoot or wearing open sandals. Always wear substantial footwear.

· Loud noise can cause impairment or loss of hearing, wear a suitable protective device such as earplugs.

ADJUSTMENTS

Adjust Cutting Height

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before you adjust cutting height: · STOP ENGINE.

To help move rear wheel levers:

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

2. Move lever to desired position
with other hand.

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Adjust Handle Height

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1. Remove knob (A) and bolt from each side.

2. Move handle to desired height.

3. Line up square hole in bracket (B) with hole in handle.

4. Install bolt through holes. Install knob.

5. Repeat Steps 2-4 on other side.

Starting Engine

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.

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1. Prime engine by pressing primer bulb (A) three times.

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2. Move throttle lever (B) to the FAST rposition.

3. Hold lever (C) against handle.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING, BLADE IS TURNING. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from blade.

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4. Pull starter handle (D) until you feel resistance. Then pull fast and steady.

5. When engine starts:

· Return rope slowly until handle is in bracket.

Forward Travel (JA62)

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 will make a clicking noise when you push mower forward. This means drivetrain is operating correctly.

Travel Speeds (JA62)

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Travel speeds:

· 1st Gear: 3.2 kph (2 mph)

· 2nd Gear: 5 kph (3 mph)

To change travel speeds:

1. STOP. Move gear lever (A) to desired position:

· 1st Gear: Move lever to rear notch as shown.

· 2nd Gear: Move lever to forward notch.

2. Engage traction clutch lever (B).

Stopping Engine

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1. Release traction clutch lever (A). (JA62 models only)

2. Pull throttle lever (B) to the SLOW t position.

3. Release blade control lever (C).

4. Engine and blade must stop within 3 seconds. If not, see your John Deere dealer.

Emergency Stopping

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Release handle and levers:

· Mower will stop.

· Blade will stop.

· Engine will stop.

Using Discharge Chute (Optional)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not operate mower unless grass bag, chute (optional), or mulch plug (optional) is held in place by door. Before you empty bag, STOP MOWER, BLADE and ENGINE.

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1. Stop engine. Lift and hold door.

2. Remove grass bag.

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 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 Kit. The kit includes plug, blade, and instructions.

Mulch blade is standard equipment on the mower and works equally well with mulch plug, chute, or bag. There is no need to change 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.

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1. Lift and hold door up.

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

3. Push and turn plug to the left
until it is seated.

4. 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 mower on its LEFT SIDE.

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3. Remove bolt (A) and washer (B) and blade.

4. Install blade with wings pointing upward.

5. Tighten bolt to 75 N·m (55 lb-ft).

6. Lower mower to the floor.

7. Connect spark plug wire.