Operating Instructions

WARNING

If you are not completely familiar with the Safety Instruction Manual read it now before proceeding with the operation of the mower. REMEMBER THERE ARE CERTAIN PRECAUTIONS LISTED IN THIS MANUAL THAT YOU MUST NOW TAKE BEFORE STARTING THE MOWER.

Inspect Mower Before Each Use:

Inspection of Mower: Do not use the mower

if any parts are not maintained in good operating condition. Examine all moving parts prior to each use. Look for excessive wear, bald drive tires or worn out front tires (normally smooth), cracks in parts, loose or missing bolts, cotter, linchpin or “hair” pins or cable yoke pins and replace before operating the mower. Make sure all safety equipment provided with the mower is in good operating order, including all warning decals and the operator-presence device which stops the engine and blades when the foot- operated Operator Presence Control (OPC) switch is released. To test the OPC, follow the instructions given later in this manual. Inspect the two anti-tip rollers and their respective bolts at the rear of the mower for tightness and proper operation. Ensure that all parts of the Quad Lever™ control system are tight and secure. This is to reduce the possibility that the mower could have a loss of control or safety.

Basic Operation: The following procedures are to guide you through the basic operation of the mower. You should be a qualified mower operator according to the safety section of this manual. If this is your first time, operation should only be done with the assistance of your dealer on a level area. You should go through each step, in the order indicated, every time you start the mower.

How to start the mower:

Before starting the engine

•Make sure the control levers are in the exact neutral position

•Apply the parking brake if it is not already set.

•Turn OFF the blade engaging switch if it is on.

•Turn fuel valve toward tank with fuel in it.

Starting the engine

Electric Start:

•Start the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation, see engine manual. Set the throttle control lever near mid

throttle, pull out on the choke control knob and turn the key to the start position. Do not engage the starter for more than ten (10) seconds at a time. This may overheat the starter and the wiring systems. Wait ten (10) seconds between attempts. If the engine does not start within ten tries or stalls frequently, take the mower in for service.

After starting the engine according to the engine manufacturer’s recommendation, push in on the choke control knob to open the choke valve, let the engine run for several minutes to get the hydraulic fluid circulating through the pumps, etc. and to allow the engine to warm up. Do not over-rev a cold engine.

Unusual noises or irregular operation:

As you drive the mower, listen for any unusual noises and test for irregular operation and adjust or service as necessary.

How to drive the mower:

While sitting or standing, both feet should be firmly placed on the foot platform. Set the engine speed about a fourth of the way from idle. Release the parking brake. Now try moving the hand control levers, one at a time, very slightly, forward and backward. Check to see if the wheels move forward and backward according to the position of the levers. (If not, check to see that the pump release valves are closed.) With both feet still firmly placed on the foot platform, increase the engine speed to about half of the way from idle speed. Release the parking brake. The higher engine speed will make the controls much more responsive and the mower much quicker; Use caution if it is your first time. Now try moving the hand control levers, one at a time, very slightly, forward and backward. Gradually increase your speed until you are well acquainted with the operation of the hand controls and the mower’s behavior. After gaining a good feel for how the mower handles, gradually attempt higher engine speeds until familiar with operation at full throttle engine speed.

How to Stop and Park the Mower

Come to a complete stop. If the blades are on, turn them off using the switch on the instrument panel.