Operating
Daily Operating Checklist
o Remove grass and debris from engine compartment and muffler area, before and after operating machine.
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
D - Implement (Mower Deck) Lift Lock Lever
G - Reverse Implement Option (RIO) Button
A - Implement (Mower Deck) Lift Lock Lever
C - Implement (Mower Deck) Lift Pedal
Miscellaneous Controls
A - Grass Collector Removal Knob
B - Grass Collector Push-to-Open Knob
A - Free-Wheeling Lever (located in front of left rear tire)
A - Close-up of Free-Wheeling Lever
Adjusting Seat
To adjust seat position:
1. Pull lever (A) up, out of locked position.
2. Slide seat forward or rearward to desired position.
To adjust seat for ride comfort:
Lift seat, unscrew and move springs to desired position as follows:
· Install both springs into front position (B) for softest ride.
· Install both springs into rear position (C) for firm ride.
· Install springs in all four positions (B and C) for the firmest ride.
NOTE: Additional springs are available at your John Deere dealer.
Adjusting Cutting Height
NOTE: Mower deck should be raised to highest (transport) position before turning cutting height knob.
Cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 19-90 mm (1-4 in.). When mower deck is raised to highest (transport) position, cutting height is approximately 90 mm (4 in.).
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
2. Check tire pressure and adjust as needed.
3. Push lift pedal (A) to raise mower deck to highest (transport) position.
4. Turn mower cutting height knob (B) to desired cutting height. Mower will be at that approximate cutting height when it is lowered.
6. Remove nut and spacer (C) and rear cover (D).
7. Check that the actual height of cut matches the reading on the cutting height knob. If they do not match, adjust lift links (E) on both sides of mower.
· Turn nuts (F) on both sides clockwise to raise the mower deck to match the cutting height knob.
· Turn nuts (F) on both sides counterclockwise to lower the mower deck to match the cutting height knob.
8. Check side-to-side mower level.
10. Raise mower deck to highest (transport) position and pull up lever (G) to lock deck.
11. If lever does not lock, lower the mower deck, and adjust lift links (E).
a. Turn nuts (F) on both sides one turn counterclockwise to lower the mower deck.
b. Check that lever locks when mower deck is in the transport position.
c. Repeat until lever locks in highest (transport) position.
Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
2. Inflate tires to correct pressure.
3. Raise mower deck to transport (highest) position and adjust cutting height.
4. Lower mower deck to mowing position.
NOTE: Bottom of wheels should be approximately 3-13 mm (1/8-1/2 in.) from the ground.
5. Check mower wheel position. Remove bolt (E), washer (F), and nut (G) on all wheels and move wheel with bushing (H) to proper hole.
6. Install bolts and nuts and tighten to 27 N·m (20 lb-ft.).
Adjusting Mower Level (Side-to-Side)
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 correct pressure.
3. Adjust cutting height to 50 mm (2 in.).
NOTE: The difference between blade measurements must not be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).
Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge (A) is available from your authorized dealer.
5. Position mower blades as shown and measure from each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.
6. Turn blade (C) as shown. Take measurement. Rotate blade 90° so that blade (D) is positioned as shown. Take measurement.
NOTE: Mower deck's cutting height may need to be adjusted to match mower height control knob setting.
7. Adjust lift links (E) on both sides of mower by turning nut (F) clockwise to raise side of mower, counterclockwise to lower side of mower.
NOTE: Deck will not lock in transport position if adjusted too high.
8. If lift latch handle does not lock, lower the mower deck, and turn nut (F) on each side of deck one turn counterclockwise to lower the deck.
9. Check if latch handle is locked and repeat step until latch handle locks in transport (highest) position.
Adjusting Mower Level (Front-to-Rear)
NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground (level surface) during leveling.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Inflate tires to correct pressure.
3. Adjust cutting height to 50 mm (2 in.).
NOTE: You need to measure only one blade.
5. Turn blade so tip points straight forward.
Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge is available from your authorized dealer.
6. Measure the distance (A) from blade tip to the ground (level surface):
· The difference between front and rear blade tip measurements must be 6-9 mm (1/4-3/8 in.).
7. Turn front adjuster nut (B) clockwise to raise front of mower deck or counterclockwise to lower front of mower deck.
8. Measure blade tip again and adjust if necessary.
Testing Safety Systems
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 Mower Engagement (PTO) Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
4. Push mower engagement lever forward to engage.
Testing Seat Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
4. Pull mower engagement lever back to disengage.
5. Start engine and move throttle lever to half-speed position.
6. Push mower engagement lever forward to engage.
7. Move throttle lever to fast speed position.
8. Raise up off of seat, but do not get off tractor.
Testing Park Brake Switch
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
4. Pull mower engagement lever back to disengage.
Testing Brake Pedal Switch
3. Pull mower engagement lever back to disengage.
4. Start engine and move throttle lever to fast speed position.
5. Release brake pedal slowly.
6. Raise up off of seat, but do not get off tractor.
Testing Park Brake
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
3. Put transmission in N (neutral) on units with manual transmission.
4. Engage free-wheeling lever on units with automatic transmission.
5. Try to push machine manually.
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. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
3. Engage mower engagement lever (PTO) to start attachment.
4. Look behind the vehicle to be sure there are no bystanders.
5. Begin reverse travel by depressing reverse foot pedal.
Using Park Brake
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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:
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.
Using the Key Switch
Starting Engine
NOTE: Engine will not start unless mower is disengaged and transmission is in neutral.
Move throttle lever (A) to the half-speed position (B) and pull out choke knob (C). Gradually push in choke knob after the engine starts and warms up.
Pull out choke knob (C). Push choke knob in as soon as the engine starts.
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. |
3. Turn key to start position for no longer than five seconds.
4. 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. |
5. Let engine run at half-speed position for a couple of minutes to warm up before operating machine.
Stopping Engine
1. Move throttle lever (A) to slow position and let engine run at low throttle for a few seconds.
2. Turn key to STOP position. Engine will stop and headlights will turn off.
Using Headlights
NOTE: Headlights will drain the battery rapidly if key switch is left in headlights position (B) without the engine running.
Turning Headlights On/Off (with Engine Off)
Turn key switch to Headlights On Position (B). However, leaving key in this position will rapidly drain battery. Turn headlights off after 1-2 minutes.
Turn key switch to STOP Position (A).
Turning Headlights On/Off (With Engine On)
Start engine. Turn key switch from Run Position (C) to Headlights On Position (B).
Turn key switch from Headlights On Position (B) to Run Position (C). Lights will turn off but engine will continue to run.
Turn key switch from Headlights On Position (B) to STOP Position (A). Lights and engine will turn off.
Using Travel Pedals
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades. Before traveling forward or rearward:
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To travel forward:
1. Push down the forward travel pedal (A).
To travel in reverse:
NOTE: When you push the reverse pedal, the engine and mower will stop if the mower engagement lever is in the on position.
1. Pull mower engagement lever to off position.
2. Look behind the machine to be sure there are no bystanders nearby.
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 (RIO)
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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 implement (attachment) or when the operator deems it necessary to reposition the machine with the mower engaged.
2. Look behind the vehicle to be sure there are no bystanders.
3. Push and hold in the reverse implement button while depressing reverse foot pedal.
NOTE: If the engine and mower stop while repositioning the machine, return the mower engagement lever to the off position. Start engine and engage mower. Begin again with step 2.
4. As the machine begins to move backward, release the reverse implement button and reposition the machine.
5. Resume forward travel. The implement (attachment) should continue operating.
6. Repeat procedure to position the machine again.
Using Mower Lift Pedal
Raising Mower Deck:
1. Push down and hold lift pedal (A).
2. Pull up lever (B) to lock mower deck in the transport position.
3. Release lift pedal. Pedal should stay down and lever should stay locked.
Lowering Mower Deck:
1. Push down and hold lift pedal (A).
2. Push down lever (B) to unlock.
3. Release lift pedal to lower mower deck to the set cutting height.
Using Mower Engagement Lever
1. Start engine and run at half-speed position for a couple of minutes to warm up.
4. Push throttle lever to full throttle position.
5. Push mower engagement lever forward to start mower.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The mower engagement lever is spring-assisted. Damage may occur to the lever components if the lever snaps back when disengaging. Hold firmly onto the lever when disengaging. |
NOTE: Mower and engine will stop if you press reverse pedal while mower is engaged.
6. Pull lever (B) back to stop mower blades.
Using Grass Collector
1. Listen for audible signal to sound. This sound indicates that grass collector is full.
NOTE: The engine and mower blades will stop if the mower engagement lever is not disengaged before opening the grass collector.
2. Pull back mower engagement lever to stop mower blades and stop audible signal.
3. Drive to dumping location, stop tractor and lock the park brake.
4. Push down on knob (A) to open grass collector bucket.
5. Drive forward away from grass pile to empty grass clippings.
6. Push down on handle (B) until collector locks in the closed position.
7. Adjust fill sensor if more or less grass collection is desired.
Adjusting Grass Collector Fill
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
2. Open grass collector and locate fill sensor (A).
3. Move latch (B) up or down to adjust audible sound for desired fill.
4. Use decal as a guide to adjust collector fill if desired:
· If fill is too low (C), lower latch (B) to begin audible sound with more fill.
· If fill is too high (D) or if grass collector plugs, raise latch (B) to begin audible sound with less fill.
Using Fill Indicator Paddle (Optional)
1. Install fill indicator paddle only when collecting leaves. Remove paddle when collecting grass. (See Install Fill Indicator Paddle in Assembly section.)
2. Adjust grass collector fill if necessary.
Adjusting Grass Collector Latch
2. Add or remove washers (A) to adjust latch:
· Add washers (A) between latch bracket (B) and grass collector back plate (C) to tighten latch and sealing capability.
· Remove washers (A) to loosen latch and sealing capability.
Pushing Machine (Using Free-Wheeling Lever)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Transmission damage may occur if the machine is towed or moved incorrectly: |
2. For gear transmission, put transmission in N (neutral).
3. For automatic transmission, pull out free-wheeling lever (A) at rear of machine.
4. Push machine to desired location.
5. For automatic transmission, push in free-wheeling lever.
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 towed or moved incorrectly: |
1. Park trailer on level surface.
2. Raise mower deck, if installed, before driving machine onto trailer.
3. Drive machine onto heavy-duty trailer.
4. Lower mower deck to trailer deck.
6. Turn off machine and remove key.
7. 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.
Using Wheel Weights
· Install front wheel weights for added stability and steering control when you use equipment such as the rear-mounted grass bagger.
· Install rear wheel weights when using the front blade.
· Remove wheel weights when not required.
Using Tire Chains
Tire chains are recommended for use with most front attachments. Remove tire chains before installing mower deck.
See your attachment Operator's Manual for tire chain recommendation. See your authorized dealer for the 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. The suggested finished cut height range is 44 - 70 mm (1.75 - 2.75 in.).
· 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 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 - 100 mm (2 - 4 in.).
· Drive over ridges and through shallow ditches straight-on, not at an angle.
· 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.
Bagging Tips
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Don't leave clippings in grass collector bucket. Damp clippings can be a fire hazard. |
For best performance, grass collector needs good airflow. To help increase airflow:
· Keep underside of deck and chute clean.
· Keep screens on grass collector bucket clean.
· Clean grass collector after each use with water from garden hose. (See Cleaning Mower Deck and Grass Collector in Service Miscellaneous section.) Let bucket dry before use.