Operating Machine

· If you hit an object, stop the machine and inspect it. Make repairs before you operate. Keep machine and attachments properly maintained and in good working order. Keep all shields and guards in place.

· Do not leave machine unattended when it is running.

· Only operate during daylight or with good artificial light.

· Be careful of traffic when operating near or crossing roadways.

· Get on the Front Mower from the left side only.

· Raise and lower the seat from the left side only.

· Start the engine from the operator's seat only.

· Keep your feet on the platform.

· When driving the Front Mower without an attachment, drive slowly and avoid quick stops.

· Always install correct ballast matched to the attachment being used. See "Assembly" section for recommended weights kits.

· Check the seat mounting at regular intervals. Tighten the hardware, if necessary. If you find cracks or rust in the seat base or seat, replace the seat immediately.

Park Safely

· Stop machine on a level surface, not on a slope.

· Disengage PTO.

· Lower attachments to the ground.

· Engage park brake.

· Stop engine.

· Remove key.

· Before you leave the operator's seat, wait for engine and all moving parts stop.

Operator Training Required

· Study operation section of this manual before operating the machine.

· Operate machine in an open, unobstructed area under the direction of an experienced operator.

· Learn the use of all controls.

· Operator experience is required to learn the moving, stopping, turning and other operating characteristics of the machine.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

MIF

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

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

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

Rotating Blades Are Dangerous - Protect Children And Prevent Accidents

M73468

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 mowing 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.

· Do not carry or let children ride on machine or any attachment. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer.

HELP PREVENT SERIOUS OR FATAL ACCIDENTS:

· Be alert at all times, drive forward carefully. People ESPECIALLY CHILDREN can move quickly into the mowing area before you know it.

· Back carefully. Shut off PTO and look behind the machine carefully, ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN, before you back up.

· Do not mow in reverse unless it is absolutely necessary.

· Shut off PTO when you are not mowing.

· Do not operate machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Keep Riders Off

M62311

· Only allow the operator on the machine. Keep riders off.

· Riders on the machine or attachment may be struck by foreign objects or thrown off the machine causing serious injury.

· Riders obstruct the operator's view resulting in the machine being operated in an unsafe manner.

Avoid Tipping

M62295

· Do not drive where machine could slip or tip.

· Stay alert for holes and other hidden hazards in the terrain.

· Keep away from drop-offs.

· Slow down before you make a sharp turn or operate on a slope.

· When pulling loads or using heavy equipment, use only approved hitches, limit loads to those you can safely control, and use counterweights or wheel weights when required per this manual or your attachment manual.

· Drive up and down a hill - not across. Be careful when you change direction on a slope.

· Do not stop when going up hill or down hill. If machine stops going up hill, stop PTO and back down slowly.

· Do not mow wet grass. Reduced traction could cause sliding.

· Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot on the ground.

Check Wheel Bolts

· A serious accident could occur causing serious injury if wheel bolts are not tight.

· Check wheel bolt tightness often during the first 100 hours of operation.

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 machine.

Transport Safely

TS951

· Use safety lights and devices. Slow moving machines when driven on public roads are hard to see, especially at night. Avoid personal injury or death resulting from a collision with a vehicle.

· Flashing warning lights are recommended whenever driving on public roads to increase visibility. Extra flashing warning lights may need to be installed.

· A safety lighting kit is available from your John Deere dealer.

· Always lower attachment to the ground while transporting the Front Mower.

Towing Loads

CAUTION: Avoid injury! BE CAREFUL ON SLOPES: Pulling a heavy load on a slope may cause you to lose control of steering, and may result in personal injury. Do not tow children in a cart or trailer. LOOK FOR CHILDREN before you back a load.

· Use ONLY the drawbar to pull trailers, carts, or light attachments

· Do not tow more than 318 kg (700 lb) gross weight.

· Tow only loads you can safely control.

· Be careful when you back a loaded trailer, cart, or attachment. LOOK FOR CHILDREN before you back.

Avoid Damage To Plastic And Painted Surfaces

· 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.

Use Proper Ballast

Always install proper ballast when installing attachments onto the Front Mower to prevent tipping and loss of steering control when attachment is raised. See your John Deere dealer for the proper ballast kits.

M96792

The following are the minimum ballast requirements for the attachments listed:

· 54 Inch Residential Deck:

· Delta Weight Kit.

· Two Delta Weights.

Using Key Switch

M96731

· To turn ignition off, turn the key switch (A) counterclockwise to the off position.

· To turn ignition on, turn key switch clockwise to the first detent (run position). Indicator lights on steering column console should go on.

· To start engine, wait for glow plug lamp to turn off, turn key switch fully clockwise to the start position. Starter should crank engine over. Once engine begins to run, release key switch back to the run position.

NOTE: Starter will not crank if brake pedal is not depressed, or PTO is engaged.

Using PTO Switch

NOTE: (S.N. 011682- ) If engine overheats while operating, the PTO will disengage. Reduce engine speed to slow idle and clean radiator.

· To turn switch off: Push PTO knob (B) down.

· To turn switch on: pull PTO knob up.

Starter will not crank if PTO is engaged. PTO will be stopped if brake pedal is depressed. To restart PTO, release brake pedal, push PTO switch down to off position, then pull knob back up to on position.

Using Throttle Lever

M96731

· Pull the throttle lever (C) to the rear for slow idle. Use this position to maneuver the mower in confined spaces.

· Push throttle lever fully forward to the fast idle position for starting the engine, transporting, and mowing.

Hour Meter

The hour meter (D) records the number of hours the engine has run.

Use the hour meter to determine when the service procedures need to be performed on the Front Mower and Mower Deck.

Indicator Lamps

Engine Oil Pressure Lamp

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If the indicator lights red when the engine is running, STOP THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY, or the engine may be damaged from lack of lubrication. Before you restart the engine, find and correct the cause.

M73362

· The red indicator light (A) means the oil is low and/or the oil pressure is low. The indicator should light when you turn the key switch from off to run position. The light should go off once the engine starts.

Battery Discharge Lamp

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If the indicator lights yellow when the engine is running, STOP THE ENGINE. Find and correct the cause or the battery will lose power.

M73362

· The yellow indicator light (B) means the battery is not getting enough charge from the alternator. The indicator should light when you turn the key switch from off to run. The light should go out once the engine starts.

Engine Coolant Temperature / Glow Plug Lamp

M73362

· The red indicator lamp (C) has two functions. It is an engine glow plug indicator while engine is being started, and it also is an engine coolant temperature lamp if engine is running too hot.

· The indicator will light for up to 10 seconds when you turn the key switch from off to the run or start position. This indicates that the engine glow plugs are on and heating the engine combustion chamber.

· (S.N. 011682- ): If the indicator lights up while operating, the PTO will disengage. Reduce engine speed to slow idle and clean radiator.

Using Travel Pedals

Using Forward Travel Pedal:

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before you move the Front Mower, LOOK CAREFULLY for bystanders, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.

M73385

1. Push the pedal (A) down to travel forward. Push the pedal further to travel faster.

2. Release the pedal to return to neutral and stop the Front Mower.

Using Reverse Travel Pedal:

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before you move the Front Mower, LOOK CAREFULLY behind it for bystanders, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.

M73385

1. Pivot foot from forward travel pedal (A) to reverse travel pedal (B).

2. Push pedal down to travel in reverse. Push pedal further to travel faster.

3. Release pedal to return to neutral and stop the Front Mower.

Using Differential Lock Pedal

NOTE: Use the pedal only when you need more traction. Do not lock the differential at high speed or turn the Front Mower when the differential is locked.

M73397

Push the pedal down to help improve traction on slopes and in slippery places.

To lock the differential:

1. Push the pedal down.

2. The differential will stay locked as long as you hold the pedal down, or as long as wheel slip is unequal.

To unlock the differential:

1. Release the pedal.

Using Brake Pedal

NOTE: The brake pedal must be pushed down or park brake locked before the starter will crank the engine.

M73385

1. Push the brake pedal (A) down to hold the Front Mower stationary, or for an emergency stop.

2. When you push the brake pedal down, the travel pedals (B or C) will return to neutral, and the PTO will stop.

To lock the park brake:

M96731

1. Move the park brake lock lever (D) forward to the lock position.

2. Push the brake pedal down to lock the brake.

To unlock the park brake:

1. Push the brake pedal down.

2. Pull the park brake lock lever rearward to the unlock position.

3. Release the brake pedal.

Using Fuel Shutoff Control

NOTE: Shut off fuel flow at the end of each day's operation and when storing Front Mower.

M73374

1. Lift and open the hood.

· To open the fuel shutoff valve:
Turn the knob so the pointer is up (shown).

· To close the fuel shutoff valve:
Turn the pointer to the rear.

Raising And Lowering Attachment

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not lift the attachment on slopes or when traveling at high speeds, as the Front Mower could become unstable. Be aware of what is under the attachment before lowering to ground.
Never operate controls while not on seat. Check to be sure area under attachment is clear of obstructions before lowering. Attachment can lower quickly and cannot be stopped once control lever is pushed forward.

NOTE: Attachment lift lever (A) will only function when engine is running. Attachment will drop fastest when weight transfer control knob (B) is at minimum setting.

M96733

1. To raise attachment, pull lever rearward. Attachment will raise up until lever is released, or attachment reaches top of travel. Operator should stop PTO whenever attachment is raised.

2. To lower attachment, push lever forward. Attachment will drop down to ground.

Weight Transfer Control

M96733

Use the weight transfer control knob (A) to help improve traction by transferring some of the attachment weight to the drive wheels:

· Turn the control knob clockwise to increase traction by adding weight to the drive wheels. (This will also slow the rate-of-drop of the attachment.)

· Turn the control knob counterclockwise to decrease traction by reducing weight on the drive wheels. (This will also speed-up the rate-of-drop of the attachment.)

Adjusting Operator's Seat

NOTE: The operator's seat can be tilted forward to dump off standing water and debris.

To adjust operator's seat position:

1. Sit on the operator's seat.

M96735

2. Pivot and hold the adjustment lever (A) to the left.

3. Slide the seat forward or rearward to the desired position.

4. Release the lever.

To adjust operator's seat spring tension:

M96775

1. To adjust seat to operator's weight and preference, tilt seat forward and position seat spring (B) in mounting bracket slot (C) as follows:

· Forward Slot (shown) - Soft Ride

· Middle Slot - Normal Ride

· Rear Slot - Firm Ride

Raising And Lowering Seat Platform

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Raise or lower the seat platform only from the left side of the Front Mower, and only when the engine is not running. Make sure the platform is securely latched in the raised position before working underneath it.

To raise the operator's seat platform:

M73376a

1. Grasp the lift handle (D).

2. Lift the rear of the seat platform until firmly latched in the first or second position.

To lower the operator's seat platform:

M96736

1. Lift the operator's seat slightly with the right hand on the seat platform handle (D).

2. Pull and hold the release lever (E) rearward with the left hand.

3. Lower the seat.

Using Free-Wheeling Lever

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not tow the Front Mower.

To move the Front Mower with the engine off:

1. Unlock the park brake.

2. Lock the seat platform in the highest position.

M73390

3. Push the free-wheeling lever (A) down until button (B) on transaxle is depressed.

4. Hold the lever down and move the Front Mower to the desired position.

5. Release the lever. Lower the seat.

Raising And Lowering The Hood

To raise the hood:

M97965/M63132

1. Using a tool inserted into slot of hood latch (A), turn latch clockwise to unlock it.

2. Lift up on the front of the hood, behind the operator's seat.

3. Open the hood all the way.

To lower the hood:

NOTE: Do not drop the hood to latch it.

1. Lower the hood all the way.

2. Using a tool inserted into the slot of the hood latch, turn latch counterclockwise to lock it.

Starting The Engine

M73374

1. Open the fuel shutoff valve (A).

2. Sit on the operator's seat.

M73368

3. Lock the park brake (B).

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! You must hold the brake pedal down, or lock the park brake, before you can start the engine.

M96731

4. Push the PTO switch knob (C) down to the off position.

5. Pull the throttle lever (D) back to the slow idle position.

6. Turn the key switch (E) to the run position.

7. The three indicator lamps should go on:

M73362

· Engine Oil Pressure Lamp (G).

· Battery Discharge Lamp (H).

· Engine Coolant / Glow Plug Lamp (I).

8. The engine coolant / glow plug lamp (I) will go off once the glow plug has warmed the engine.

9. Turn the key switch to the start position. Engine should start. Release the key switch as soon as the engine starts.

10. The engine oil pressure lamp (G), and battery discharge lamp (H), should go off after the engine starts. If not, stop the engine and find the cause. (See the Troubleshooting section for help.)

Driving And Stopping The Front Mower

NOTE: See the Controls Section for information on controls and instruments.

1. Start the engine.

M73385

2. Unlock the park brake (A).

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If an indicator light comes on while you are operating the Front Mower:

· STOP THE FRONT MOWER IMMEDIATELY, and STOP the engine.

· Find and correct the cause before you operate the engine.

M73385

3. To travel forward, push down on the forward travel pedal (B). The farther down the pedal is depressed, the faster the Front Mower will travel.

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before you back the machine, LOOK CAREFULLY behind it for obstructions.

4. To travel in reverse, slowly remove your foot from the forward travel pedal (B), and allow Front Mower to come to a stop. Push down on reverse travel pedal (C). The farther down the pedal is depressed, the faster the Front Mower will travel.

5. To stop the Front Mower, slowly remove your foot from the travel pedals.

6. To stop in a hurry, or to hold the Front Mower from moving, push down the brake pedal (A). The travel pedals (B and C) will return to neutral, and the PTO will shut off.

Stopping The Engine

M56998

1. Pull back the throttle lever (A) to the slow idle position.

2. Turn the key switch (B) counterclockwise to off.

3. Remove the key.

Parking The Front Mower

1. Park on a level surface, not on a slope.

2. Release the travel pedal to stop the Front Mower. Use brake pedal if necessary.

M96731

3. Push down the PTO switch (A) to disengage the PTO.

4. Lower attachments to the ground.

5. Pull the throttle lever (B) to the rear.

6. Turn key switch (C) to the off position.

7. Lock the park brake (D).

8. Remove the key.

9. Close the fuel shutoff valve.

Testing Safety Systems

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Engine exhaust fumes can cause sickness or death.
· If it is necessary to run an engine in an enclosed area, remove the exhaust fumes from the area with an exhaust pipe extension.

· If you do not have an exhaust pipe extension, open the doors and get outside air into the area.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Tests 2 and 3 are performed without the engine running.

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

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

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

Sit on the operator's seat for all tests.

First Test

1. Start the engine.

M96731

2. Unlock park brake (A).

3. Engage PTO switch (B).

4. Push down on the brake pedal.

5. The PTO should disengage.

Second Test

1. Stop engine.

2. Unlock the park brake.

M96731

3. Turn the key switch (C) to start position.

4. The starter motor must not engage.

Third Test

1. Lock the park brake.

2. Engage the PTO.

3. Turn the key switch to start position.

4. The engine must not crank.

Fourth Test

1. Start the engine.

2. Unlock the park brake.

3. Raise up off the seat. Do not get off the Front Mower.

4. The engine should stop in less than one second.

Fifth Test

Check blade stop time. (See "Checking Blade Stop Time" in the "Service Miscellaneous" section.)

Installing Tire Chains

1. Park the Front Mower safely. Lock the park brake.

2. Stop the engine. Remove the key.

3. Raise the front of the Front Mower with a safe lifting device.

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not work under a raised Front Mower unless it is safely supported. A Front Mower that slips and falls off a lifting device could cause serious injury or death.

4. Install blocks or stands under each side of the front axle.

M96756

5. Stretch the tire chain out with the cross-link hooks (A) facing up.

NOTE: If desired, wheels can be removed to install tire chains. Tires may also be deflated during installation, then reinflated after installation, to snug chains to tire.

M96757

6. Pull the tire chain over the tire as shown with the cross link hooks (A) facing away from the tires. The latch hook (B) should be on the right side, and the closed links (C) on the left.

7. Evenly space the cross links around the tire.

M96759

8. Pull chain tight on rear of tire. Connect chain together using open hook (D) and closed link of chain (E).

M96758

9. Pull the chain tight on the front of the tire. Install the latch arm (F) through the same closed link (G) used on the rear of the tire.

M96760

10. Secure the hook of the latch arm (H) into a link of tire chain.

11. Using mechanics wire, secure latch arm from opening and extra links of chain from dangling. Twist the wire ends together. Clip the excess. Push down the wire that sticks out.

12. Repeat installation steps for other drive wheel.

13. Install the wheels, if removed.

14. Inflate the tires to 60 kPa (6 psi).

15. Remove the blocks or stands. Lower the Front Mower.

Transporting Mower on a Trailer

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To prevent damage to transmission:

Do not pull or push the Front Mower a long distance.

Transport Front Mower on a heavy duty trailer.

Do not pull Front Mower behind any other vehicle.

Only anchor Front Mower on frame weldments.

1. Drive machine onto the trailer.

2. Lock park brake.

3. Lower attachment to trailer deck.

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

5. Trailer must have signs and lights required by law.

6. Make sure Front Mower hood is latched securely.

7. Fasten hood with hood strap.