Operating Machine

Picture Note: Machines with serial numbers TC1600X010001-020000 or TC1620X010001-020000 shown in top photo. Machines starting with serial number TC1600X020001 or TC1620X020001 shown in bottom photo.

A - Left Mower Deck Lift Lever (1600 Only)

B - Front Mower Deck Lift Lever

C - Right Mower Deck Lift Lever (1600 Only)

D - Throttle Lever

E - PTO Switch

F - Speed Range Lever

G - Hour Meter

H - Four Wheel Drive Lever

MX0445

A - Forward Hydrostatic Pedal

B - Reverse Hydrostatic Pedal

C - Cruise Control Knob

MX0448

A - Brake Pedal

B - Park Brake Lock

C - Steering Column Tilt Lock

MX5286

A - Lumbar Support Adjustment

B - Backrest Tilt Lever

C - Seat Spring Adjustment Knob

D - Seat Height Adjustment Knob

E - Seat Belt

F - Seat Adjustment Lever

MX0445

A - Differential Lock

B - Seat Platform Release Knob

C - Seat Platform Support Lever

Miscellaneous Controls

MX0450

A - Fuel Shutoff Valve

B - Fuel Filter/Water Separator

Instrument Panel

MIF

A - Left Mower Deck PTO Lamp (1600 Only)

B - Front Mower Deck PTO Lamp

C - Right Mower Deck PTO Lamp (1600 Only)

D - Fuel Gauge

E - Engine Manifold Heater Lamp

F - Engine Coolant Temperature Lamp

G - Engine Oil Pressure Lamp

H - Battery Discharge Lamp

Testing Safety Systems

MIF

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Sickness or possible death can result from breathing engine exhaust fumes.

DO NOT run an engine in an enclosed area without:

· An extension connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine directing the fumes out of the area.

· Doors and windows open allowing fresh air into the area and getting 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 PTO Switch

1. Sit on the seat.

2. Lock the park brake.

3. Pull PTO switch up and to the right, to the PTO engageposition.

4. Try to start engine.

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

5. Unlock park brake. Try and start engine.

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

Testing Seat and Park Brake Switch

1. Sit on seat.

2. Turn off PTO switch.

3. Unlock park brake.

4. Start engine.

5. Raise up off of seat, but do not get off tractor.

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

Testing Park Brake

1. Stop machine on a 17° slope (30% grade). Stop the engine and lock the park brake.

2. Put transmission in N (neutral).

3. Check to be sure the park brake will hold the machine without rolling.

Result: Park brake must prevent machine from moving. If machine moves, brakes need to be adjusted. See your John Deere Distributor.

Getting On and Off of Machine

NOTE: Always get on and off from left side of machine to avoid bumping controls and pedals.

MX0466

1. Place right foot on mower deck (A) (1600 only) and use steering wheel to balance yourself while stepping up onto machine.

2. Use step on lift arm (B) to get up to operator's platform.

Adjusting Seat

To adjust seat position:

MX5286

1. Pull seat adjustment lever (A) up, out of locked position.

2. Slide seat forward or rearward to desired position.

3. Release lever.

To adjust seat backrest:

1. Pull up backrest tilt lever (B), while moving backrest to most comfortable position. Release lever to lock backrest in place.

2. Turn lumbar support knob (C) rearward to increase lumbar support, or forward to decrease support.

To adjust seat spring tension:

1. Turn seat spring adjustment knob (D) to the right to decrease seat spring tension, or to the left to increase tension.

2. Sit on operator's seat and turn seat height adjustment knob (E) to one of the following positions to set limits on how high the seat will travel:

· 0 - Lowest position

· I - Medium low position

· II - Medium high position

· III - Highest position

Using Seat Belt

c CAUTION: Avoid injury!

· Use a seat belt when you operate with a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) to minimize chance of injury from an accident, such as an overturn.

MX5285

Fasten Belt

· Connect both ends of the seat belt (A) until they "click" together. Loosen or tighten seat belt until operator is firmly held onto the seat.

Release Belt

· Press red button (B) to release seat belt.

Using PTO Switch

NOTE: Starter will not crank if PTO is engaged.

Machines With Serial Numbers TC1600X010001-020000 or TC1620X010001-020000

MX0453, MX0444

· Pull switch (A) up and move it to the right to engage the PTO.

· Move switch (A) to the left to disengage the PTO.

Machines Starting With Serial Numbers TC1600X020001 or TC1620X020001

MX5267, MX5273a

· Pull PTO knob (A) up to engage the PTO.

· Push PTO knob (A) down to disengage the PTO.

Using Key Switch

NOTE: Starter will not crank if any of the following conditions exist:

· PTO is engaged.

· Hydrostatic drive pedals are not in centered (neutral) position.

· Park brake is not locked and operator is out of seat.

MX0452

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

· To turn ignition on, turn key switch to the run position (C). Indicator lights on instrument panel should go on, and beeper will sound.

· To start engine, wait for engine manifold heater light to turn off, turn key switch to the start position (D). Once engine begins to run, release key switch back to the run position.

Using Throttle Lever

MX0454

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

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

Using Speed Range Lever

MX0464

· Place speed range lever (A) in centered neutral position (N) to stop blades and prevent machine from being driven.

· Pull speed range lever to rear for low speed range for mowing and low speed transport. Blade PTO can be engaged in this position.

· Push lever to front position for high speed range used for high speed transport. Blade PTO will not operate in this position.

Hour Meter

MX0455

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

Use the hour meter and the periodic service chart (located in the engine compartment) to determine when service procedures need to be performed on the machine and mower deck.

Using Four Wheel Drive Lever

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! To avoid loss of control or unnecessary damage to turf, do not attempt sharp corners or high speed cornering while machine is in four wheel drive. Do not use full time four wheel drive any longer than required.

MX0465

· Pull back on four wheel drive lever (A) (position shown) to use "on-demand" four wheel drive. Rear wheels will engage whenever rear wheel slip is detected, and will disengage automatically.

· Push four wheel drive lever forward to engage full time four wheel drive. Four wheel drive is locked in for forward and reverse travel.

Indicator Lights

Battery Discharge Light


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If an indicator light turns on while the engine is running, stop the engine to avoid engine damage. Before you restart the engine, find and correct the cause.

MIF

· The battery discharge light (A) indicates the battery is not getting enough charge from the alternator. The light should come on when the key switch is turned from off to run. The light should go off once the engine starts.

Engine Manifold Heater Indicator Light

· The manifold heater light (B) will light to indicate the intake manifold heater is energized and the operator should wait until it goes off before starting the engine.

· The manifold heater is controlled by a temperature sensitive timer, and will turn off sooner in warm weather.

· Starting the engine before indicator turns off will waste fuel, create smoke, and put unnecessary wear on starter.

· The engine manifold heater light will also flash trouble codes if the operator tries to start the engine without the proper conditions. (See Starting the Engine in this section.)

Engine Coolant Temperature Light

· The engine coolant temperature light (C) indicates that the engine is overheating. A warning beeper will sound anytime the light is turned on.

· If the light lights while mowing, perform the following steps:

a. Remove foot from hydrostatic pedal to stop travel.

b. Disengage PTO.

c. Lock park brake.

d. Set throttle to slow idle.

e. If a major coolant leak is seen coming from the engine compartment, stop the engine immediately.

f. If no coolant or steam can be seen leaking from the engine, open the engine cover and allow engine to idle for five minutes, or until coolant temperature light goes off, then stop engine.

· Check and clean area around radiator and hydraulic oil cooler for buildup of debris and grass.

· Fill coolant overflow tank with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water.

· Allow engine to cool. Inspect cooling system for damage and repair. Fill radiator with 50/50 mix of coolant and water.

Engine Oil Pressure Light


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If an indicator light turns on while the engine is running, stop the engine to avoid engine damage. Before you restart the engine, find and correct the cause.

· The engine oil pressure light (D) indicates the engine oil pressure is low. The indicator should light when the key switch is turned to the run position. A warning beeper will sound anytime the light is turned on. The light (and beeper) should go off once the engine starts.

Using Hydrostatic Pedals

Using Forward Travel Pedal:

MX0456

1. Push the forward travel pedal (A) down to begin driving machine. Push the pedal down more to travel faster.

2. Release the pedal to return to neutral and stop the mower

Using Reverse Travel Pedal:

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Children or bystanders may be injured by runover and rotating blades. Before traveling in reverse, carefully check area behind machine.

MX0456

1. Push the reverse travel pedal (B) down to back the machine. Push the pedal down more to travel faster.

2. Release pedal to return to neutral and stop the machine.

Using Brakes

Using Brake Pedal

MX0488

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

Using Park Brake

1. Lock park brake by depressing brake pedal (A) fully, and sliding park brake lock knob (B) upwards. Hold knob up and release brake pedal. Pedal should stay locked down.

2. Unlock park brake by depressing brake pedal until park brake knob drops, then release pedal.

Using Differential Lock Pedal

M73397

The differential lock is used to help improve traction on slopes and in slippery surfaces. The front drive axle will lock so that the front wheels turn together.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Use the pedal only when you need more traction. Do not lock the differential at high speed or make sharp turns when the differential is locked, or turf damage may result.

To lock the differential:

1. Push the pedal down with the left foot and hold it.

To unlock the differential:

1. Release the pedal.

2. The differential will stay locked as long as wheel slip is unequal. Once the load on the transmission is equalized and reduced, the differential lock will disengage.

Using Cruise Control

Engage Cruise Control

MX0445

1. Push the forward travel pedal (A) at least 1/3 of the way down to desired travel speed.

2. Pull up and hold the cruise control knob (B).

3. Remove foot pressure from forward travel pedal.

4. Release cruise control knob.

Disengaging Cruise Control

Disengage the cruise control by performing any of the following operations:

MX0488

· Push down brake pedal (A).

MX0445

· Push down on the cruise control knob (B).

· Tap the forward travel pedal (C).

Using Fuel Shutoff Valve

NOTE: Shut off fuel flow when transporting machine on a trailer or storing machine.

1. Lift and open the engine cover.

MX0450

2. Rotate the fuel shutoff valve to the open or closed position as follows:

· To open, turn the handle so the pointer (A) is facing upwards (as shown).

· To close, turn the handle so the pointer is facing to the rear (B).

Using Side Mower Deck Transport Locks (1600)

1. Bring machine to a stop.

2. Raise side decks to top of travel.

MX0467

3. Push left and right side transport lock levers (A) down until hooks (B) are over pivot pins (C).

4. Lift transport lock handle to unlock. If mower deck has been lowered while lock is engaged, it will be necessary to raise deck up to unlock transport lock.

Using Front Mower Deck Service Latch (1620)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use service latch while working on deck in the raised position. Do not use latch when transporting machine. Lower deck to ground when driving machine.

1. Bring blades and machine travel to a stop. Set park brake.

2. Raise front deck to top of travel until rubber stops begin to compress.

MX4430

3. Unlock spring retainer (A) from service latch lock pin (B) on lift arm.

4. Remove service latch lock pin.

MX4429

5. Place service latch lock chain (C) into lift arm bracket (D), and install service latch lock pin (E) through bracket and chain.

6. Lock spring retainer (F) over end of service latch lock pin.

7. Repeat for service latch lock on other lift arm.

MX4431

8. Remove lynch pin (G) from storage position (H) and insert into lock position (shown). Lock spring latch (I) to secure lynch pin to mower deck.

Raising and Lowering Mower Decks

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Do not raise the mower decks on slopes or when traveling at high speeds, as the machine could become unstable. Check to be sure area under mower deck is clear of obstructions before lowering deck. Deck lowers quickly when control lever is pushed forward. Deck will lower with ignition key in the start position and operator on seat, even if engine is not running. Never operate controls while not on seat.

MX0458, MX5273b

Picture Note: Machines with serial numbers TC1600X010001-020000 or TC1620X010001-020000 shown in left photo. Machines starting with serial number TC1600X020001 or TC1620X020001 shown in right photo.

A - Left deck lever (1600 Only)

B - Front deck lever

C - Right deck lever (1600 Only)

1. To raise mower deck, increase engine speed and pull mower deck lift levers rearward. Mower deck(s) will raise up until levers are released, or attachment reaches top of travel, whichever occurs first.

2. To lower mower deck, momentarily push lever forward. Attachment will drop fully down to ground. If deck needs to be stopped before it lowers completely, momentarily pull lift lever rearward, and then allow it to return to center.

· Raising a side deck will stop the blades for that deck. Lowering the side deck will restart the blades.

· Raising the front deck will stop the blades for all decks. To restart blades, lower front deck and cycle PTO switch from on to off, then on again.

Using Starting Trouble Codes

MIF

If starter will not engage when key switch is turned to start position, one of the start conditions has not been met. A trouble code will flash on the instrument panel at the engine manifold heater light (A) when the key switch is held in the start position. The trouble codes are presented as a sequence of flashes and pauses that must be counted and converted to a two digit number:

· One flash, a short pause, and two flashes - Operator attempted to start machine without park brake locked and operator off of seat. (One of these conditions must be met for starter to engage.)

· One flash, a short pause, and three flashes - Operator attempted to start machine with PTO engaged.

· Two flashes, a short pause, and one flash - Hydrostatic pedals are not centered into the neutral position.

Starting Engine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Avoid sickness or possible death from engine exhaust fumes.

DO NOT run an engine in an enclosed area without:

· An exhaust pipe extension connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine directing the exhaust fumes out of the area.

· Doors and windows open allowing fresh outside air into the area and getting the exhaust fumes out.

NOTE: Engine will not start unless the PTO is off, and the hydrostatic pedals are in the centered (neutral) position.

1. Open the fuel shutoff valve (if closed).

2. Sit on the operator's seat. Put on seat belt.

3. Lock the park brake.

4. Push the PTO switch to the off position.

5. Pull the throttle lever back to the slow idle position.

6. Turn the key switch to the run position. Wait for the engine preheat light to turn off.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not overheat starter. · Do not operate starter more than ten seconds at a time. Wait two minutes before trying again if engine does not start.

7. Turn the key switch to the start position for no longer that ten seconds. Release key to run position after engine starts.

· If starter engages, but engine does not start, wait two minutes and try again for no longer than ten seconds.

· If starter does not engage, the engine preheat light may blink starting trouble codes while the key switch is in the start position. See Using Starter Trouble Codes to help determine why the engine will not start.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not idle engine for long periods of time. Excessive idling can cause engine overheating, carbon build-up, and poor performance.

8. Let engine run at half-speed position for two minutes to allow it to warm up before operating machine.

Stopping Engine

1. Stop PTO by moving PTO switch to off position.

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

3. Lock the park brake.

4. Lower mower decks to ground.

5. Turn key switch to stop position.

6. Remove key.

Transporting Machine

1. Turn PTO switch to off position.

2. Lower front mower deck.

3. Lower left and right side mower decks. (If necessary to transport with side decks raised, engage transport locks and keep transport speeds low).

4. Move speed range lever forward to transport position.

Towing Machine


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Do not tow machine faster than 15 m.p.h. Steering will be more difficult with engine off. Do not tow machine unnecessarily.

1. Unlock the park brake.

2. Put range shift lever in neutral (N) position.

MX0491

3. Attach heavy chain or tow strap to tow loop (A) of machine at rear axle.

4. Pull machine slowly, using brakes when necessary.

5. Do not use machine to pull or tow any other vehicle or trailer.

Transporting Machine on Trailer

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

1. Raise side decks and engage transport locks.

2. Drive forward onto heavy-duty trailer with front deck raised.

3. Lower front deck down to platform of trailer.

4. Stop engine, remove key, lock park brake.

5. Close the fuel shutoff valve.

6. Fasten machine to trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Fasten rear straps to rear tow loop behind rear axle. Fasten front straps across operator's platform. Both front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from machine.

7. Check that engine cover latches are locked down.

Mowing Tips

Before mowing, be sure deck is leveled and mower deck caster wheels are at the proper height.

Check all machine and deck tires for proper inflation.

When mowing an area for the first time, travel slow and set cutting height high so you can:

· Learn the terrain.

· Learn the best mowing pattern.

· Help prevent hitting objects hidden in the grass.

Mow grass only when it is dry; wet grass can plug mower and leave a trail of grass clumps.

Mow grass often; short grass clippings will decay quickly.

Mow at full throttle for best performance.

Use travel speed that fits conditions:

· Travel slow when you mow thick, tall grass.

· Fast travel or sharp turns may produce stripes or an uneven cut: slow down.

· Travel at moderate speed when you mow a thin stand of grass.

Mow often enough so you cut only 1/3 of grass blade in one mowing. Cutting grass too short may kill grass and let weeds grow easily.

Aerate lawn to help stimulate root growth.