Operating

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 Park Brake Switch

1. Sit on seat.

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2. Unlock the park brake (A).

3. Try to start engine.

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

Testing Park Brake

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1. Shut the engine off and lock the park brake (A).

2. Put transmission in N (neutral).

3. Try to push machine manually. Use free-wheeling lever on units with an automatic transmission.

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

Testing PTO Switch

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1. Sit on seat.

2. Lock the park brake (A).

3. Pull PTO switch (B) up to ENGAGE.

4. Try to start engine.

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

Testing Seat Switch

1. First test:

a. Start engine.

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

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

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d. Engage PTO (C).

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

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

2. Second test:

a. Disengage PTO (C).

b. Start engine.

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

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

e. After a 1/2 second delay, engine should begin to die.

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

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3. Third test:

a. Disengage PTO (C).

b. Start engine.

c. Lock park brake.

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

e. Engine should continue to run.

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

Testing 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.

1. Start engine.

2. Engage attachment.

3. Look behind the vehicle to be sure there are no bystanders.

4. Begin reverse travel by depressing reverse foot pedal.

Result: Attachment and engine should stop operation. If attachment or engine continues to operate as tractor begins travel in reverse, do not continue to operate mower.

Using 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:

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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.

Using Headlights

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Push top of light switch (A) down to turn headlights ON.

Push bottom of light switch to turn headlights OFF.

Using Fuel Gauge

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Measure fuel level using indicator lines (A) molded into fuel tank at rear of tractor.

Checking Indicator Lights

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Picture Note: LX279

· Oil Pressure Indicator Light (A) will come on when you turn the key to the RUN position. Indicator light should go out within 5 seconds after engine starts. If indicator comes on during operation, engine oil pressure is too low. Stop engine and perform appropriate service.

· Battery Discharge Indicator Light (B) will come on when battery voltage falls below 12.3 volts. Indicator light will be on during start-up and should go out within 10 seconds. Indicator light may also remain on at low idle. If battery is at a low state of charge, indicator light may remain on when PTO and headlights are on.

· Coolant Temperature Indicator Light (LX279 Only) (C) will only come on when engine is cranked or overheated and must go out after 5 seconds when engine starts. If light does not go out within 5 seconds, STOP engine immediately and determine cause before operating engine.

Replace bulb(s) if indicator does not light.

Starting Engine

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1. Lock the park brake (A).

2. Push PTO switch (B) down to stop mower or attachment.

3. Check starting conditions:

· If engine is cold:

Move throttle lever (C) to mid-throttle position.

· If engine is warm:

Move throttle lever to slow position.

4. Push choke lever (D) up to the choke position and release as soon as the engine starts.

5. Turn key to run position and check indicator lights. Oil Pressure indicator light (E) will come on.


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.

NOTE: The following procedure will improve starting and will reduce the chance of flooding and muffler backfire.

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6. Turn key to start position (F) for no more than five seconds.

7. Release key to the run position (G) 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.

8. Move throttle lever to mid-throttle position.

9. Let engine run 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.

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Picture Note: LX277

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

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Picture Note: LX279

· Keep air intake screen (B) and radiator screen (C) clean on liquid cooled engines.

Stopping Engine

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

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2. Turn key to STOP position (B).

3. Remove key.

4. Lock the park brake.

Using Travel Pedals 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:

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1. Push down the forward travel pedal (A).

To travel in reverse:

NOTE: The engine and mower will stop as the reverse pedal is pushed if the mower engagement lever is not in the off position.

1. Put mower engagement lever in the off position.

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

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3. Push down the reverse travel pedal (B).

To stop travel:

Push down brake pedal (C). Travel pedals will return to the neutral position.

Using Reverse Implement Option

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: Operating the mower while backing up 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.

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1. Stop forward travel.

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

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

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

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

5. Resume forward travel. The attachment should continue operating.

6. Repeat procedure to position the machine again.

Using Mower Lift Lever

NOTE: Make sure the tension on the lift assist spring is properly adjusted to support the weight of the mower deck installed. Refer to your Mower Deck Operator's Manual.

MOWING (FORWARD) POSITION

Use when mowing in extremely rough terrain. Mower is locked in lowest position.

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1. Pull lift lever (A) back slightly.

2. Push in button (B).

3. Push lever completely forward until it latches down.

FLOAT (MIDDLE) POSITION

Mower floats along ground contour while maintaining desired cutting height.

TRANSPORT (BACK) POSITION

Holds mower above ground level while traveling to and from worksite.

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

2. Push in button (B).

3. Pull lever back until it latches and mower stays up.

Using Cruise Control

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Turn cruise control OFF when traveling downhill. Tractor speed will increase and may cause loss of control of tractor.

Operate tractor in an open, unobstructed area to learn use of cruise control.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The cruise control hand lever can restrict travel of reverse pedal linkage and reverse speed of tractor will be too slow. Return hand lever to the OFF position when cruise control is not in use.

Use cruise control when you want to maintain travel speed without having to hold the forward travel pedal down. Cruise control operates only for forward travel.

Engage cruise control:

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1. Put the cruise control lever (A) in the off position.

2. Move cruise control lever forward.

· Move cruise control lever toward the position to begin forward travel.

· Increase tractor speed by moving the cruise control lever toward the position.

· Select desired speed and release lever.

Disengage cruise control:

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1. Depress brake pedal (B) or put cruise control lever in the off position.

Using PTO (Power Take-Off)

To Engage PTO:

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1. Start engine.

2. Reduce travel speed or stop travel.

NOTE: Always operate engine at fast speed when PTO is engaged.

3. Move throttle lever (A) to fast speed position.

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4. Engage PTO switch (B):

· Pull PTO switch UP to position (I).

· Lift PTO switch fully to position ( to engage before the tractor is in reverse.

To Disengage PTO:

· Push PTO switch (B) DOWN to position (O).

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 moved or towed incorrectly: · Move unit by hand only. · DO NOT use another vehicle to move unit. · DO NOT tow unit.

1. Unlock the park brake.

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

3. Push machine to desired location.

NOTE: Lever will automatically return to the operating position when you push down the brake pedal.

Transporting Machine on Trailer

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


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

1. Drive forward onto heavy-duty trailer.

2. Lower mower to trailer deck.

3. Lock park brake.

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

5. Strap down hood.

Using Wheel Weights

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

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

NOTE: Remove wheel weights when not required.

Using front weights:

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

Using rear weights:

Order the "Rear Weight Bracket Kit" to install rear suitcase weights. Use of these weights is recommended when you use equipment such as a snowthrower.

Installing Tire Chains


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Loose tire chains can cause machine damage. Periodically check chain tightness and adjust as necessary.

NOTE: Chains are available from your John Deere dealer.

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

2. Lay chains out flat with the cross chain hook ends facing downward.

3. Remove any twists and tangles from cross chain and rim chain.

4. Drive machine onto chains.

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5. Drape chain over tire with the lever fastener on outside of tire and cross link hooks (A) facing upward and away from tire.

6. Adjust chain for straightness and an even amount of cross chain links on each side of tire.

7. Place the first cross chain (opposite the end with fastener and inside hook) under tire.

8. Pull the inside rim chain tight and hook the inside hook.

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9. Pull the outside rim chain tight and hook the outside lever fastener (B) by running the end through a free link (C).

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10. Close the fastener by rotating it back 180 degrees and engaging the hook (D) on the end of the fastener into a rim chain link (E).

Make sure the chain is centered on the tire with approximately the same number of free rim links (F) on the inside and outside.

NOTE: The chain should be as tight as possible. If chain is loose, unhook the fastener and pull chain tight again.

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11. Tie excess rim chain links (G) back to the rim chain.

12. Drive forward on chains 9-12 m (30-40 ft.) and recheck for tightness. Adjust as necessary.

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. The suggested finished cut height range is 44 to 70 mm (1.75 to 2.75 in.).

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

· When using the Freedom42 Mulching Mower: Shorter cut heights will provide better cut quality, but may leave noticeable clippings. Higher cut heights will reduce clippings, but cut quality may decline.

· Do not mow wet grass. Wet cutting conditions will not adversely affect the cutting performance of the Freedom42 Mulching Mower.

· 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 or trim around objects.

· 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.

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· When using the Freedom42 deck: Mow around the outside twice, then mow inside in straight passes. Best cut is achieved when mowing in a straight line.

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· When mulching near pavement, overlap the pavement by 50 mm (2 in.) to allow clippings to dispense over grass.

· A thick layer of mulched leave 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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