Blade Brake Control Test

Section 4: Operation

When the Operator Presence Control is released during operation of the mower, the engine does not stop, but the blades should stop within three (3) seconds. The following test provides a visual test of whether the Blade Brake Control System is functioning. Perform this test before each use of the mower.

1.Park mower on a portion of lawn which has not been recently mowed.

2.Set the cutting height so the mower cuts 1/3 of the grass height.

WARNING

To avoid personal injury or property damage, make sure that the mower is on grass, and that the test area is clear of foreign objects and bystanders be- fore you begin the Blade Brake Control Test.

If the Operator Presence Control or the Blade Drive Control are not adjusted correctly, the blades may continue to rotate after release of the Operator Presence Control. If the blades do not stop within three (3) seconds of release of the Operator Presence Control, move the Engine Throttle Control to the STOP position, disconnect the spark plug wire, and move the wire away from the spark plug. Do not operate the mower until the Blade Brake Control System has been repaired.

Failure to do this could result in per- sonal injury or property damage.

3.Start the engine.

4.Press the Operator Presence Control down against the handlebar grip and push the Blade Drive Control fully for- ward until it stays in the engaged posi- tion.

5.Put the Gear Select Lever in the No. 1 setting.

6. Engage the wheels with the Wheel Drive Control and drive the mower for several feet. Then release the Operator Presence Control.

A. Look at the lawn just mowed. The lawn should be cut up to the point where the Operator Presence Control was released.

B. Press the Operator Presence Control against the handlebar grip but DO NOT re-engage the Blade Drive Control. Drive the mower forward for several more feet. Release the Operator Presence Control and look at the lawn. The grass should NOT have been cut. This indicates that the Operator Presence Control has disengaged the blade drive and stopped the blades.

7.If the mower cuts the grass in Step 6-B, the Operator Presence Control is NOT disengaging the blade drive.

Immediately stop the engine, discon- nect the spark plug wire, and move the wire away from the spark plug.

8.Do not use the mower until the Blade Brake Control System has been in- spected, adjusted or repaired by an au- thorized dealer.