Operating

o Remove grass and debris from: Operator station foot plate, engine oil cooler fins (25 HP), engine blower fan screen, pump drive belt compartment, engine cooling fins, hydraulic pumps and pump mounting plate.

o Check and adjust steering control linkages.

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.

Operator Station Controls

MX10320

A - Oil Pressure Indicator

B - PTO Switch

C - Battery Charge Indicator

D - Throttle Lever

E - Hourmeter

F - Choke

G - Ignition Key Switch

Operator Station Controls

MX10312

A - Deck Lift Pedal

B - Height-of-Cut Knob

C - Motion Control Levers

D - Park Brake Lever

Miscellaneous Controls

MX10299

A - Free-Wheeling Pump Release Valves

Mounting and Dismounting Machine Safely

MX10313

Do not step on either side of the mower deck when mounting and dismounting the machine. Mount the machine from the front using foot plate (A). Park machine safely (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.) before dismounting.

Keep the foot plate clean.

Raising and Lowering Operator Seat

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! The seat is heavy and can cause injury if it falls. When performing any service function under the operator seat, make sure the seat stop rod securely locks the seat in the raised position.

Raising the Seat

1. Park mower on a hard, level surface.

2. Stop engine and lock park brake.

NOTE: Seat platform latch is located on the left side of the engine.

MX10332

3. Raise latch handle (A) to unlock seat latch (B).

MX10292

4. Lift seat, stop rod (C) will travel in slotted frame hole (D).

5. When seat is fully raised, make sure stop rod tab (E) securely locks the seat in the raised position.

Lowering the Seat

1. Stand on the left side of the machine.

2. Move operator seat slightly forward and lift stop rod (C).

3. Slowly lower seat, stop rod (C) will travel in slotted frame hole (D).

Adjusting Seat

1. Sit on operator's seat.

MX10291

2. Push and hold the seat adjustment lever (A) toward the middle of the seat.

3. Slide forward or backward to desired position.

4. Release lever.

Adjusting Mower Deck Cutting Height

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before adjusting cutting height, stop engine and lock the park brake.

· The mower deck height adjustment consists of fifteen different cutting heights. The fifteen cutting heights range from 38-127 mm (1-1/2-5 in.) in 6.3 mm (1/4 in.) increments.

· Cutting height levels can be adjusted without leaving the operator seat.

Cutting Height Adjustment Procedure

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Disengage PTO.

3. Stop engine and lock park brake.

MX10313

4. Step on the deck lift pedal (A) and hold it down.

Mx10292

5. Turn height-of-cut knob (B) to the desired setting.

6. Release deck lift pedal.

Leveling Mower Deck

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.

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

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

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

3. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the transport position.

· The transport position is the 127 mm (5 in.) cutting height position.

4. Inspect mower blades for:

· Blade sharpness.

· Blade damage.

· Bent blades.

Checking Level (Side-to-Side)

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

NOTE: Discharge chute raised to illustrate photo clarity.

2. Position left mower blade in the sideways (left to right) position.

NOTE: Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge to check the mower blade level.

3. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

Mx10371

4. Position right mower blade (A) (discharge side) in the side-to-side position.

5. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

· The difference between both measurements should be no greater than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

6. If side-to-side level is not within the given tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Side-to-Side)

1. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the transport position.

· The transport position is the 127 mm (5 in.) cutting height position.

MX10369 MX10370 MIF

2. Place 76 mm (3 in.) wood blocks (B) under each side of the mower deck.

· The wood block placed under the left side of the mower deck must be positioned to the rear of the raised portion of the deck wall.

NOTE: The right front anti-scalp wheel must not rest on the wood block.

· The wood block placed under the right side of the mower deck must be positioned under the right front anti-scalp wheel bracket (C).

3. Lower mower deck down onto the wood blocks.

4. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the 83 mm (3-1/4 in.) cutting height position.

5. Remove mule belt from clutch.

MX10327

6. Loosen lift assist springs (D) on each side of machine to allow deck to sit flat.

7. Verify that cam follower located on rear lift shaft is in contact with height adjustment cam on lift system.

8. Adjust front and rear chain lengths (E) on each side of machine so there is no slack in links and deck is freely supported by the 76 mm (3 in.) wood blocks.

9. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the transport position.

· The transport position is the 127 mm (5 in.) cutting height position.

10. Remove wood blocks from under both sides of the mower deck.

11. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

12. Check side-to-side mower level. Repeat adjustment as needed.

Checking Level (Front-to-Rear)

1. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) in the straight forward (front-to-rear) position.

3. Measure from the right front blade tip to the ground.

4. Turn blade 180° and measure from right rear blade tip to the ground.

M40137

· The height (F) of the rear blade tip should be between 3 - 6 mm (1/8 - 1/4 in.) higher than the front blade tip.

5. If the front-to-rear level is not within the given tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Front-to-Rear)


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Adjust the left and right deck lift assist rods equally.

NOTE: Adjust side-to-side mower level before adjusting front-to-rear level.

Adjust both sides of the mower deck equally.

MX10327

1. Loosen jam nut (G) on each deck lift assist rod.

2. While positioned in front of the machine, adjust mower level:

· Turn hex nut (H) clockwise to lower front of mower deck.

· Turn hex nut (H) counterclockwise to raise front of mower deck.

3. Verify that the adjustment on right and left sides is equal.

4. Tighten jam nuts.

5. Check front-to-rear mower level.

6. Install mule belt when all adjustments are made.

Adjusting Deck Lift Spring Tension

NOTE: Deck lift spring tension is adjusted at the factory. If the effort required to raise or lower the mower deck is not satisfactory, an adjustment may be necessary.

Check Spring Tension

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Stop engine and lock park brake.

3. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the transport position.

· The transport position is the 12.7 cm (5 in.) cutting height position.

Mx10327

4. Measure distance (A) between the washers (B) on each deck lift spring assembly.

· The recommended factory setting is 28 cm (11 in.).

Adjust Spring Tension

NOTE: Both deck lift spring assemblies must be adjusted equally.

Do not over tension the deck lift springs. If the springs are compressed too tightly, the mower deck will float too freely.

Decrease deck lift spring tension if operating in rough terrain.

While positioned in front of the machine:

· Turn hex nut (C) clockwise to increase deck lift spring tension and reduce the effort to raise and lower the mower deck.

· Turn hex nut (C) counterclockwise to decrease deck lift spring tension and increase the effort to raise and lower the mower deck.

Adjusting Mower Deck Anti-Scalp Wheels

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before adjusting anti-scalp wheels:

· Stop engine.

· Lock park brake.

· Remove key.

· Wait for all moving parts to stop.

NOTE: The flattest cut can be achieved by having all four anti-scalp wheels adjusted off the ground. Check anti-scalp wheel adjustments each time the mower deck cutting height is changed.

It is recommended that all four anti-scalp wheels be kept off the ground to minimize scuffing.

1. Check machine tire pressure. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

2. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the transport position.

· The transport position is the 12.7 cm (5 in.) cutting height position.

3. Adjust mower deck to desired cutting height.

Mx10345

4. Adjust anti-scalp wheel (A) to one of three positions (B).

· Remove hex bolt (C), nylock nut and washer.

· Adjust wheel up or down so it is approximately
6-13 mm (1/4-1/2 in.) above the mowing surface.

5. Install wheel with attaching hardware.

6. Adjust all wheels to the same height.

Testing Safety Systems

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 procedures to check for normal operation.

If there is a malfunction during one of these procedures, Do not operate machine. (See your John Deere dealer.)

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

Testing PTO Switch

MX10313

1. Sit on the operator's seat with the motion control levers in the neutral lock position.

2. Lock the park brake.

MX10320

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

MIF

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

Result: The engine must not crank.

Testing Park Brake Switch

MX10313

1. Sit on the operator's seat with the motion control levers (A) in the neutral lock position.

MX10320

2. Push PTO switch (B) down to disengage.

3. Unlock park brake.

MIF

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

Result: The engine must not crank.

Testing Neutral Start Switch

NOTE: Repeat this test three times, with the motion control levers in the following positions:

1. Right side motion control lever inward.

2. Left side motion control lever inward.

3. Both motion control levers inward.

MX10346

1. Move motion control lever(s) inward to the neutral position (A).

2. Lock the park brake.

MX10320

3. Push PTO switch (B) down to disengage.

MIF

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

Result: The engine must not crank.

Testing Seat Switch

1. Start the engine.

2. Unlock park brake.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Before engaging mower, make sure that area is clear of bystanders, especially children.

3. Pull PTO switch up to engage.

4. Raise slightly off the seat.

Result: The engine must stop.

Testing the Park Brake

MIF

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

Result: Park brake must hold the machine stationary. (Machine should move no more than 61cm (24 in.) in one hour.) If machine moves more than that, brakes need to be adjusted. See your John Deere Dealer or refer to Adjusting Park Brake in the Service Steering and Brakes section.

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

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If the engine should stop while operating on an incline, the mower will free wheel. If this should occur, lock the park brake, start the engine, unlock the park brake and resume operation.

MX10334

· Raise park brake lever (A) to lock park brake.

Unlocking Park Brake:

MX10335

· Lower park brake lever (A) to unlock park brake.

Using the PTO Knob

Engage PTO:

MX10320

1. Move throttle lever (A) to the 1/2 to 3/4 fast position.

2. Pull PTO knob (B) up to engage mower deck.

3. Move throttle lever (A) forward to the fast position (C) for mowing.

Disengage PTO:

· Push PTO knob (B) down.

Using the Throttle Lever

MX10320

· Push throttle lever (A) all the way forward to the fast position (D) when mowing.

· Move throttle lever (A) to the half throttle position (C) when starting and warming the engine.

· Pull throttle lever (A) to rear to slow position (B) to idle engine. Do not run engine at slow idle any longer than necessary.

Using the Hour Meter

NOTE: The machine is equipped with an electric start. The hour meter will continue to run with the key switch left in the run position.

Mx10320

· The hour meter (A) shows number of hours the machine has run.

· The service interval chart gives necessary service intervals. Use the hour meter and service interval chart to determine when machine will need service.

Using the Motion Control Levers

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent personal injury. Learn use of the motion control levers and practice at half throttle until becoming proficient and comfortable with the operation of the machine.

Do not move motion control levers from forward to reverse or reverse to forward position rapidly. Sudden direction changes could cause loss of control or damage the machine.

The functions of the motion control levers are:

· Dual function neutral position.

· Steering.

· Acceleration.

· Braking.

Neutral Lock Position

MX10313

Picture Note: Motion control levers shown in the neutral lock position.

· Motion control levers (A) must be in the neutral lock position and the park brake locked to start the engine.

· Forward and reverse movement of the motion control levers is prevented when levers are moved to the neutral lock position.

· Operator can exit mower with the engine running when the PTO switch is disengaged, the motion control levers are in the neutral lock position and the park brake is locked.

· Motion control levers must be in the neutral lock position to safely enter and exit the operator seat.

Neutral Position

MX10346

Picture Note: Motion control levers (A) shown in the neutral position.

· Machine speed, motion, and direction can be controlled when the engine is running, motion control levers are in the neutral position, and the park brake is unlocked.

Forward and Reverse Motion:

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.

1. Move throttle lever to the fast position.

2. Unlock park brake.

3. Move both motion control levers from the neutral lock position inward to the neutral position.

4. Push the control levers forward to begin forward motion.

· The further forward the control levers are moved, the faster the machine will travel.

· Forward speed range:0-14.5 km/h (0-9.0 mph).

5. Pull both control levers rearward at the same time to begin reverse motion.

· Reverse speed range: 0-6.4 km/h (0-4 mph).

6. To stop motion, move both motion control levers forward or rearward until the machine comes to a stop.

NOTE: The motion control linkages are adjustable. If adjustment is required see Checking and Adjusting Motion Control Linkages in the Service-Transmission section.

Forward:

MX10341

· Push both motion control levers forward at the same time.

Reverse:

MX10342

· Pull both control levers past center rearward at the same time.

Gentle Left Turn:

MX10301

· Push right control lever further forward than the left control lever.

Gentle Right Turn:

MX10300

· Push left control lever further forward than the right control lever.

Sharp Left Turn:

MX10344

· Push right control lever forward and pull left control lever rearward at the same time.

Sharp Right Turn:

MX10343

· Push left control lever forward and pull right control lever rearward at the same time.

Starting the Engine

MX10313

1. Move both motion control levers (A) to the neutral lock position.

2. Sit on the operator's seat.

3. Lock the park brake.

MX10320

4. Push the PTO switch knob (D) down to disengage the PTO.

5. Move throttle lever (E) to set engine speed:

· Cold engine: set throttle lever at the 1/2 to 3/4 fast position.

· Warm / Hot engine: set throttle lever to the fast position.

6. Position choke knob (C):

· Cold engine: Pull knob up to the choke position.

· Warm/Hot engine: If necessary, pull knob up to the choke position.

MIF

7. Turn key switch to the start position (F).

8. Release key to the run position (G) when the engine starts.

9. With engine started:

· Push choke knob to the off position.

· Move throttle lever to the fast position.

· Unlock park brake.

Engaging Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Clear mowing area of all bystanders when operating this machine. Thrown objects could cause serious injury or death.

Keep hands and feet away from blades and discharge opening.

Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent damage to the PTO clutch: · Do not engage PTO with throttle in the fast position.

1. Start engine.

MX10320

2. Move throttle lever (C) to the 1/2-3/4 throttle position (B).

3. Unlock park brake.

4. Move both motion control levers to the neutral position.

5. Pull PTO knob (A) up to engage mower deck.

6. Move throttle lever to the fast position (D).

7. Push motion control levers forward slowly. Mow at a safe travel speed.

Stopping the Engine


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! To help prevent engine backfiring, throttle lever should be set at the 1/2 to fast position prior to stopping the engine. Do not stop engine when mower is on a slope of more than 30° for an extended period of time. Oil may run through valve train into carburetor and muffler.

MX10313

1. Move the motion control levers (A) to the neutral lock position.

2. Lock park brake.

MX10320

3. Move throttle lever to the 1/2 fast position (B).

MIF

4. Turn key switch to STOP position (C).

5. Remove key.

Using the Free-Wheeling Pump Release Valves

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.

NOTE: The free-wheeling pump release valves must be fully turned clockwise (closed) during normal vehicle operation.

When the machine needs to be moved without starting the engine, use the free-wheeling pump release valves:

1. Lock the park brake.

2. Lift and secure operator seat platform in the raised position.

MX10299

3. Turn both free-wheeling pump release valves (A) counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn.

4. Lower seat.

5. Unlock park brake.

6. Push machine to desired location. Due to hydraulic system drag, machine will move slowly.

Transporting Machine

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use caution when loading or unloading machine into a trailer or truck.


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.

Use a heavy-duty trailer to transport your machine. Trailer must have signs and lights required by law.

1. Step on deck lift pedal and turn height-of-cut knob to the transport position.

· The transport position is the 127 mm (5 in.) cutting height position.

2. Drive machine onto a trailer.

3. Stop engine and lock park brake.

4. Remove key.

MX10368

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

Mowing Tips

· Mow grass with throttle lever in the full fast position.

· Cut grass when it is dry.

· Keep mower deck and discharge chute clean.

· Mow with sharp blades.

· Properly level mower deck for a smooth cut.

· Mow grass high and often.

· Use a travel speed that fits the conditions:

· Mow tall or wet grass twice. Cut grass at half desired height - then cut at desired height.

· Travel slow when mowing tall, thick or wet grass.

· Avoid damaging grass by slipping or skidding machine drive wheels. Practice smooth control lever movements.

· When performing sharp turns, do not allow inside machine drive wheel to stop and twist on grass.

Mowing Travel Speeds

Use slow travel speed:

· Trimming.

· Working in close quarters.

· Mowing tall grass.

Use faster travel speeds for:

· Normal mowing on level ground.

Dismounting to Inspect Mower

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Help prevent serious injury. Keep hands and feet away from blades and the discharge opening.

Do not step on either side of the mower deck when mounting and dismounting the machine. Mount and dismount the machine using the front foot plate.

1. Park machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Push knob down to disengage PTO.

3. Move motion control levers to the neutral lock position.

4. Lock park brake.

5. Stop engine and remove key. Wait for mower blades to stop turning before leaving operator's seat.

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