Operating Instructions
Pull Steering
Levers With
Left Hand
Forward Speed Control
(FSC)
Keep Feet on Footrest
When Moving
Correct Operator Hand Position
on the Controls
3.Reverse direction of the mower by pulling both levers backward.
NOTE: Smooth action on the steering levers will produce smooth mower operation. Remem ber to keep the engine and ground speed slow until learning the control response.
WARNING
When moving forward, DO NOT suddenly put the tractor in reverse by rapidly pulling on the steering levers, especially when go- ing downhill, as this can lift the tractor tail wheel off the ground and set up a bucking motion due to operator overcontrol. If bucking does occur, immediately stop the bucking action by pulling the Forward Speed Control (FSC) lever into the NEU-
4.The FSC may be adjusted forward for faster ground speed and backward for slower ground speed. When mowing, ground speed should be adjusted to match the load on the cutter blades, i.e., as the engine pulls down in heavy cutting, pull back on the FSC lever to reduce ground speed. Adjusting ground speed helps maintain a balance between engine power and blade speed for
5.Stop ground travel by pulling both steering le vers backward to the NEUTRAL position (trac tor not moving) and then moving the FSC lever to the
NOTE: If the tractor creeps forward or back ward with the FSC lever in the
ENGAGING THE BLADE DRIVE
1.Set the engine throttle at about 1/3 speed. Do not attempt to engage the blade clutch at high engine speeds. This will drastically short en drive belt life. Use only moderate engine speed when engaging the blade clutch.
2.Engage the blade clutch by pulling the blade clutch lever SLOWLY up. For disengagement, push the blade clutch lever down SLOWLY.
CAUTION
An operator presence switch (seat switch) will cause the engine to stop if the blade clutch is engaged and the operator is not in the seat. The function of this switch should be checked by the operator raising off the seat and engaging the blade clutch; the en- gine should stop. If the switch is not work- ing, it should be repaired or replaced be- fore operating the mower. DO NOT disconnect the safety switches; they are for the operator’s protection.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT engage the blade clutch when transporting the mower across drives, side walks, loose materials, etc. DO NOT engage the blade clutch with the PTO shaft disconnected (the mower deck removed from tractor).
33