Benchmark 42-Inch Lawn Tractor Quick Start Guide

Unpacking and Setup

1. Opening the Packaging

The machine is shipped partially dismantled and packaged in a crate. Remove all shrink wrap and plastic straps. Lift off the corrugated exterior cover and discard the wooden support posts. Review contents to ensure all parts and tools are present. Note: Wear heavy gloves.

2. Fitting the Steering Wheel

Fit the steering shaft onto the couplings and tighten the M8x25 screw. Fit the steering shaft cover. Insert the splined hub onto the shaft, mounting the steering wheel, spacer, and tightening the M8 nut. Insert the steering wheel cover and tighten the two ST4.8x16 screws. Note: Pay attention to the orientation of the parts.

3. Mounting the Seat and Connecting the Operator Presence Switch

Unfasten the two M8 nuts and bolts from the seat brackets. Mount the seat onto the brackets using these nuts and bolts. Connect the wire harness to the operator presence switch located under the seat. Note: Be sure that the connection is complete.

Important! The total weight (trailer and load, including the operator) must not exceed 136 kg (300 lbs.). Refer to the Operator's Manual for towing regulations.

4. Connecting the Battery

Fit the battery into its housing. Connect the battery connectors to the machine connection leads and tighten the screws. Cover the protective cap for the wires. Secure the battery with the rubber strap. Note: Position the battery with the polarities (+) and (-) as indicated.

Hazard! Sulfuric acid is poisonous and corrosive. It can cause blindness or severe burns.

5. Checking the Fuel and Oil

Oil:

Ensure the machine is on level ground. With the engine off, check the oil level. Use the oil grade specified in the engine manual. Fill between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.

Fuel:

Refuel using a funnel, but do not completely fill the tank. The tank capacity is approximately 7.5 liters. Before operating, open the fuel shut-off valve on the fuel cap to ON.

Important! The machine is shipped without lubricating oil in the engine.

Caution! Irreparable damage to the engine: Fill up with oil before starting the engine.

Use 4-stroke automotive detergent oil: SAE 30 (5° to 35° C), SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (-15° to +5° C), Synthetic Oils 5W-30 or 10W-30 (-25° to +35° C).

6. Starting the Engine

1. Open the fuel shut-off valve to ON.
2. Close the engine cover.
3. Lift the cutting deck to its maximum level using the cutting height adjustment lever.
4. Disengage the blades using the blade start/stop knob.
5. Shift the drive engagement to neutral (N).
6. Depress the brake pedal and engage the park brake lever.
7. When starting from cold, move the throttle lever to the CHOKE position.
8. If the engine is warm, position the throttle lever between SLOW and FAST.
9. Insert the ignition key and turn to ON, then to START.
10. Release the ignition key once the engine has started.
11. Once the engine has started, move the throttle lever to SLOW.

Operation and Safety

7. Drive Riding Mower Off the Pallet

After installing the steering wheel and seat, increase the tractor's cutting deck height to its maximum. Remove the six bolts near the front of the riding mower's pallet and remove the wooden cross plank. Carefully drive the tractor mower forward off the wooden base platform. Note: Only preliminary machine control functions are explained in this guide. Refer to the Operator's Manual for full controls.

8. Mounting the Mulching Kit

If you decide to mulch, assemble the mulching kit on the cutting deck. Open the side deflector. Pass the pivot boss on the mulching kit under and through the bottom of the side deflector's pivot pin. Insert the right dowel pin into the hole of the deck. Insert the left dowel pin into the self-locking base. Put down the side deflector. Note: This accessory is to be fitted following the instructions provided in the operator's manual.

9. Mounting the Front Bumper

Mount the bumper bracket L and bumper bracket R on the bumper using four M8 nuts and four M8 x 20 screws. Mount the front bumper on the bottom of the frame using four M8 nuts and four M8 x 20 screws.

10. Mounting the Towing Kit

Remove the tension arm bushing, hexagonal flange bolts M8 X 20, and hexagonal flange locking nuts M8 that secure the gearbox cover. Insert the bushing into the holes, align the towing plate, and install the hexagonal flange bolts M8 X 40 and hexagonal flange locking nut M8, then tighten the bolt.

11. Hydrostatic Transmission Disengagement Lever

This lever has two positions: <> = Transmission engaged (for all uses, moving and cutting). <> = Transmission disengaged (easier to move the machine by hand, engine stopped).

12. Machine Safety

Your lawn mower has been designed in accordance with specific safety standards. Safety systems prevent engine start unless all machine safety conditions are in place. The engine stops if the operator leaves the seat with the blade rotating, leaves the seat without parking, or engages the drive pedal while parked. Never tamper with safety switches or their power leads. In case of a fault, do not use the machine and contact an authorized service center.

Hazard! Danger if protective devices are removed or manipulated! Do not operate with any protective devices removed or manipulated. Defective protective devices must be repaired or renewed immediately! Protective devices include: Brake contact switch, Mower mechanism contact switch, Seat contact switch, Mower mechanism covers, Belt covers.

Warning! Dangers due to overloading the ride-on mower! Ensure permissible inclines/declines are not exceeded. Exceeding these values may exceed braking capacity and lead to dangerous situations! Note: The ride-on mower is not approved for road use.