Operating

Daily Operating Checklist

o Test safety systems.

o Check tire pressure.

o Check fuel level.

o Check engine oil level.

o Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine.

o Clean air intake screen.

o Check area below machine for leaks.

Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces

· Do not wipe plastic parts unless rinsed first.

· Insect repellent spray may damage plastic and painted surfaces. Do not spray insect repellent near machine.

· Be careful not to spill fuel on machine. Fuel may damage surface. Wipe up spilled fuel immediately.

· Prolonged exposure to sunlight will damage the hood surface.

Operator Station Controls

MX17042

A - Park Brake Lever

B - Brake Pedal

C - Forward Travel Pedal

D - Reverse Travel Pedal

MX17043

A - Mower Lift Lever

B - Engine Oil Pressure Light

C - Hour Meter

D - Battery Discharge Light

E - PTO Switch/RIO Switch

F - Key Switch

G - Choke Knob

H - Light Switch

I - Throttle Lever

MX17044

A - Cut Height Adjustment Lever

Miscellaneous Controls

MX17045

A - Free-Wheeling Lever

Adjusting Seat

MX13486A

1. Tip seat forward and loosen two knobs (A) to slide seat assembly forward or rearward to most comfortable operator position.

2. Tighten knobs after adjustment to keep seat in place.

Adjusting Cutting Height


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Lift lever must be in TRANSPORT (upper) position before turning cutting height knob.

NOTE: Adjust mower gage wheels after changing cutting height.

Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 25-100 mm (1-4 in.).

When lift lever is in transport (upper) position (lift lever completely back), cutting height is approximately 100 mm (4 in.).


Mower Setting	Approximate Cutting Height
1	25 mm (1 in.)
-	38 mm (1 1/2 in.)
2	50 mm (2 in.)
-	65 mm (2 1/2 in.)
3	75 mm (3 in.)
-	90 mm (3 1/2 in.)
4 (Transport)	100 mm (4 in.)

MX17044

Knob (A) has cutting height identification numbers embossed in it. To change or attain cutting height desired:

· Pull lift lever completely back to transport (upper) position.

· Turn cutting height knob (A) to desired cutting height position. Mower will be at this cutting height each time it is lowered.

Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower:

· Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently.

· Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The mower deck can be damaged if mower wheels are adjusted wrong: · Wheels must not ride on ground supporting mower weight. · Check wheel adjustment each time cutting height is changed.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

3. Lower mower deck to the desired mowing position.

NOTE: Bottom of wheels should be approximately 3-13 mm (1/8-1/2 in.) from the ground.

MX10509

4. Check mower wheel position. Remove bolt (A), bushing (B), and nut (C) and move mower wheels to proper hole.

M92897 mif

A - 38 mm (1.5 in.)

B - 51 mm (2 in.)

C - 64 mm (2.5 in.)

D - 76 mm (3 in.) and above

5. Install bolts, bushings and nuts to lock wheels in position. Tighten nuts to 34 N·m (25 lb-ft).

Checking Mower Level

NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground when leveling the deck.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

3. Move mower lift handle to preferred cutting height.

4. Measure mower level (side-to-side).

MX4871

Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge (A) (AM130907) is available from your dealer.

a. Position outside mower blades as follows and measure from each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.

MX4896

b. Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold drive belt and turn right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both blades.

The difference between blade measurements must not be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

c. Adjust mower level, if necessary.

5. Measure mower level (front-to-rear).

MX4896a

a. Turn right blade (E) so blade tip points straight forward.

b. Measure from outside blade tip to the surface. Take measurement for both blades.

The front blade tip must be 3-6 mm (1/8 -1/4 in.) lower than rear blade tip.

c. Adjust mower level, if necessary.

Adjusting Mower Level (Side-to-Side)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Check tire pressure.

3. Adjust cutting height to 50 mm (2 in.).

NOTE: Mower gage wheels should not contact ground.

4. Put mower lift lever in mowing (lower) position.

5. Turn left blade by hand parallel to machine axle. Hold drive belt and turn right blade parallel to axle.

MX4871

Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge (A) (AM130907) is available from your dealer.

6. Measure from each outside blade tip (B) to level surface. Difference between measurements must not be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

NOTE: Adjustable lift links are on both sides of mower. Cutting height can closely match knob setting by using adjustment on both sides. Do not adjust mower too high or it will not lock in transport (upper) position.

MX17046

7. Turn nut (C), (left side shown): Clockwise to raise left side of mower and counterclockwise to lower left side of mower.

8. Check side-to-side measurements and adjust if necessary.

Adjusting Mower Level (Front-to-Rear)

NOTE: Mower gage wheels should not contact ground during leveling.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Tire pressure must be correct.

3. Pull lift lever completely back to transport (upper) position.

MX17044

4. Turn mower depth control knob (A) to adjust cutting height to 50 mm (2 in.).

5. Move lift lever forward to mowing (lower) position.

6. Turn left blade so blade tip points straight forward.

7. Hold drive belt and turn right blade straight forward.

8. Measure from front of each blade tip to level surface. Front blade tips must be 6-9 mm (1/4-3/8 in.) lower than rear blade tips or blades will cut grass twice and tips will turn brown.

MX17047

9. Loosen two rear nuts (B) on front lift rod assembly and turn two front nuts (C) clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower front of mower.

10. Tighten rear nuts (B) after adjustment is completed.

11. Check front-to-rear mower measurements and adjust if necessary.

Testing Safety Systems

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

Move the machine 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.

The safety systems installed on your machine should be checked before each machine use. Be sure you have read the machine operator manual and are completely familiar with the operation of the machine before performing these safety system checks.

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

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

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

Testing Indicator Lights

1. Turn key to run position.

MX17048

2. Look:

· Oil pressure light (A) on must be illuminated.

· Battery discharge light (B) will momentarily light, this indicates that system is functioning properly. If light remains on, start engine and move throttle to high idle. Light should go out.

NOTE: Battery discharge light may remain on for several minutes while battery is being charged.

3. If one indicator does not light, replace.

4. If new indicator bulb does not light or no indicators work, see John Deere dealer for service.

Testing Park Brake Switch

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)

2. Sit on seat.

MX17042

3. Unlock the park brake (A).

4. Try to start engine.

Result: Engine must not start. If engine starts, there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.

Testing Park Brake

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)

MX17042

2. Lock park brake (A).

3. Pull out free-wheeling lever.

4. Try to push machine manually.

Result: Park brake must prevent machine from moving. If machine moves, parking brake needs to be adjusted.

Testing PTO Switch

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The mower blades should stop in approximately five seconds when the mower is disengaged.

If you believe that your blades may not be stopping in that period of time, take your machine to your authorized dealer where they can safely check and service your machine.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)

2. Sit on seat.

MX17042

3. Lock park brake (A).

4. Pull PTO switch (B) up to engage.

5. Try to start engine.

Result: Engine must not start. If engine starts, there is a problem with safety interlock circuit.

Testing Seat Switch

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY Section.)

2. First test:

a. Start engine.

MX17042

b. Move throttle lever (A) up to maximum engine speed.

c. Unlock park brake and release brake pedal (B).

d. Engage PTO (C).

e. Raise up off seat. Do not get off machine.

Result: Engine and mower blades should begin to stop. If engine and mower blades do not begin to stop, there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.

3. Second test:

MX17042

a. Disengage PTO (C).

b. Start engine.

c. Unlock park brake and release brake pedal (B).

d. Raise up off seat. Do not get off machine.

Result: Engine should begin to stop. If engine does not begin to stop, there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.

4. Third test:

MX17042

a. Disengage PTO (C).

b. Start engine.

c. Lock park brake.

d. Raise up off seat. Do not get off machine.

Result: Engine should continue to run. If engine stops, there is a problem with your safety interlock circuit.

Testing Reverse Implement Option (RIO)

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Start engine.

3. Engage PTO to start attachment.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades.

Before backing up, carefully check the area around the machine.

4. Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.

5. Begin reverse travel by depressing reverse foot pedal.

Result: Attachment and engine should stop operation. If attachment or engine continues to operate while machine travels in reverse, do not continue to operate attachment. See John Deere dealer for service.

Using the Park Brake

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may attempt to move or operate an unattended machine.

Always lock the park brake and remove the key before leaving the machine unattended.

Locking park brake:

MX17042

1. Push and hold brake pedal (A) down.

2. Pull park brake lever (B) up to lock park brake.

3. Release brake pedal. Pedal should stay down and park brake lever should stay locked.

Unlocking park brake:

1. Push and hold brake pedal down.

2. Push park brake lever down to unlock park brake.

3. Release brake pedal.

Checking the Indicator Lights and Hour Meter

MX17048

· Battery discharge light (A) should go out when throttle lever is moved to high idle/mowing position. Battery discharge light may remain on for several minutes while battery is being charged.

· Oil pressure light (B) will come on when engine starts and should go out within 5 seconds.

If indicator lights stay on longer than given time, stop engine.

· Hour meter (C) shows number of hours engine has run. To display hours, key must be in on position. Check hour meter daily to see what services need to be done. (See Service Interval Chart in this manual and Maintenance Schedule in engine owner's manual.)

Starting the Engine


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The transmission might be damaged if the free-wheeling lever is not pushed back to operating position before attempting to start the engine. Do not start or operate the machine with the free-wheeling lever in the push position.

MX17049

1. Make sure free-wheeling lever (A) is pushed in.

2. Sit in seat.

3. Disengage PTO.

4. Lock the park brake.

5. Put transmission in neutral.

6. Check starting conditions:

MX17043

· If engine is cold:

Move throttle lever (B) to the half-speed position and pull choke knob (C) out to the choke position.

· If engine is warm: Move throttle lever to the half-speed position.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Starter may be damaged if starter is operated for more than 20 seconds at a time: · Wait two minutes before trying again if engine does not start.

7. Turn key (D) to start position for no more than five seconds.

8. Release key to run position when engine starts.

· If engine does not start, wait 10 seconds.

· Turn key to start position again for no longer than 5 seconds.

· Repeat procedure if necessary.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine idling may cause engine damage. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance.

9. Let engine run at half-speed position for a couple of minutes to warm-up before operating machine.

Idling Engine


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Unnecessary engine idling may cause engine damage. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance. Do not operate machine with hood open. Hood must be closed for proper engine cooling and exhaust.

MX17050

· Engine is air cooled and needs a large volume of air to keep cool. Keep air intake screen (A) on top of engine clean.

· Keep hood closed when engine is idling.

Stopping the Engine


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Failure to remove grass and debris from the engine and muffler areas of the machine can result in fires. Grass and debris can collect in the engine compartment and around the muffler while mowing. When mowing is completed, clean the engine compartment and around the muffler of all grass and debris.

MX17043

1. Move throttle lever (A) to slow position and let engine run at low throttle a few seconds.

2. Turn key (B) to STOP position.

3. Remove key.

4. Lock the park brake.

Using Headlights

MX17043

NOTE: Headlights will drain the battery rapidly if key switch and light switch are left in the on positions with the engine off.

Push right side of light switch (A) to turn headlights on.

Push left side of light switch to turn headlights off.

Using Travel Controls on Automatic Transmission

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward:

· Carefully check the area around the machine.

· Disengage the mower before backing up.

To Travel Forward:

1. Unlock park brake.

MX17048

2. Push down forward travel pedal (A).

To Travel in Reverse:

NOTE: Any operating attachment and the engine will stop as the reverse foot pedal is depressed with attachment engaged.

1. Stop machine.

2. Push PTO knob down to off position to disengage attachment.

3. Look behind machine to be sure there are no bystanders nearby.

MX17048

4. Push down reverse travel pedal (B).

For Emergency Stopping:

MX17048

1. Push down on brake pedal (C). Travel pedals (A and B) will return to neutral position.

Using The Reverse Implement Option (RIO)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades.

Before backing up, carefully check the area around the machine.

NOTE: Backing up while the mower is engaged is strongly discouraged. The Reverse Implement Option should be used only when operating another attachment or when the operator deems it necessary to reposition the machine with the mower engaged.

1. Stop forward travel.

2. Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders.

MX17048

3. Lift and hold PTO knob (A) up past PTO engagement position to activate reverse implement position while depressing reverse foot pedal slightly.

NOTE: If the engine and mower stop while repositioning the machine, return the PTO lever/switch to the off position. Start engine and engage mower. Begin again with Step 2.

4. As machine begins to move backward, release PTO knob and reposition machine.

5. Resume forward travel. Attachment should continue operating.

6. Repeat procedure to reposition the machine again.

Using the Mower Lift Lever

Check two different lift lever positions before operation:

· Transport (upper) position: Raises mower for transport.

· Mowing (lower) position: Maintains cutting height set by mower height control yet allows mower to float over uneven terrain.

To put mower in mowing (lower) position:

MX17043

1. Pull lift lever (A) back slightly.

2. Push in button (B).

3. Push lever forward until it latches down.

To put mower in transport (upper) position:

1. Push down on lift lever (A) slightly.

2. Push in button (B).

3. Pull lever back until it latches.

Using Mower

Engaging Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Stay clear of rotating drivelines

:

· Entanglement in rotating driveline can cause serious injury or death.

· Wear close fitting clothing.

· Stop the engine and be sure PTO driveline is stopped before getting near it.

· Make sure that all shields are installed and used properly.

1. Start engine and run at half speed for a couple of minutes to warm up.

MX17048

2. Move throttle lever (A) to fast position.

3. Lower mower to cutting height.

4. Pull PTO switch (B) up to engage mower.

NOTE: The mower and engine will stop as the reverse foot pedal is depressed with PTO engaged.

5. Disengage PTO before moving in reverse.

Disengaging Mower

MX17048

Push PTO switch (B) down to disengage mower.

If an object is hit with mower while mowing, stop mower and engine immediately. Inspect mower for damage.

Pushing Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! With the free-wheeling valve open, the machine will have unrestricted motion.

· The machine may free-wheel out of control if the free-wheeling valve is opened with the machine on an incline.

· Park the machine on a level surface before opening the free-wheeling valve.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Transmission damage may occur if the machine is towed or moved incorrectly: · Move machine by hand only. · Do not use another vehicle to move machine. · Do not tow machine.

1. Unlock the park brake.

MX17049

2. Pull out on free-wheeling lever (A).

3. Push machine to desired location.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The transmission might be damaged if the free-wheeling lever is not pushed back to operating position before attempting to start the engine. Do not start or operate the machine with the free-wheeling lever in the push position.

4. Push free-wheeling lever back in.

Unplugging Mower or Optional Bagger

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous:

· Park the machine safely and lock the park brake before getting off the seat.

· Turn the mower off.

· Stop the engine.

Before getting off the seat:

1. Stop machine.

2. Disengage PTO.

3. Move throttle lever to slow position.

4. Lower mower to the ground.

5. Lock the park brake.

6. Stop the engine.

7. Remove the key.

8. Wait for all moving parts to stop.

Transporting Machine on Trailer

Be sure trailer has all the necessary lights and signs required by law.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer or truck.

· Park trailer on a level surface.

· Use of a trailer with sides is recommended.

· Keep wheels away from drop-offs and edges.

· Back slowly and in a straight line.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Transmission damage may occur if the machine is towed or moved incorrectly: · Move machine by hand only. · Do not use another vehicle to move machine. · Do not tow machine.

1. Park trailer on level surface.

2. Drive machine onto heavy-duty trailer.

3. Lower mower to trailer deck.

4. Lock park brake.

5. Turn off machine and remove key.

6. Fasten machine to trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Both front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from machine.

7. Strap down hood.

Using Weights

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The machine may become unstable when operating on slopes and/or with some attachments.

Use front weights or rear weights to improve stability when operating on slopes or using attachments.

Remove weights when not required.

NOTE: See your Authorized Service Center for recommended weights.

· Install front weights for added stability and steering control when you use equipment such as the rear-mounted grass bagger.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! When adding weight to rear of machine, use wheel weights only, a maximum of 34 kg (75 lb) for each wheel.

· Install rear weights when using the snow blade or snowblower.

· Remove weights when not required.

Using Tire Chains

Tire chains are recommended for use with front attachments.

See your Attachment Operator's Manual for tire chain recommendations. See your authorized dealer for tire chains.

Mowing Tips

The following recommendations will produce the best lawn cut quality and appearance:

· Keep mower blades sharp. Dull blades will tear grass; tips of grass will then turn brown.

· Cutting grass too short may kill grass and let weeds grow easily.

· Adjust cutting height to remove only 1/3 of the grass at a time.

· Mow grass often. Short grass clippings will decay quickly.

· Mow with engine at full throttle.

· Adjust travel speed to match mowing conditions:

· Travel at slow speed when you mow thick, tall grass, make sharp turns, trim around objects, or when mulching.

· Travel at moderate speed when you mow thin grass.

· Use a different mowing pattern each time you mow. Overlap mowing paths 50 to 100 mm (2 to 4 in).

· Drive over ridges and through shallow ditches straight-on, not at an angle.

· A thick layer of mulched leaves can prevent sunlight from getting to grass and smother it. Taller grass heights allow mulched leaves to dispense easier in lawn. Mulch leaves several times if needed.

· Use a thatcher in late spring or summer to pull up dead grass and aerate ground.

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