16 OPERATION continued

16.5 PROPULSION

16.6

HILLSIDE MOWING

This unit is self-propelled, and is controlled by an operator presence control. To engage the wheel drive, first push down on the BRAKE RELEASE lever on

HILL

the right side, then lift the operator's DRIVE lever on the right side against operator's handle. The drive is disengaged by releasing the lower lever. (see figure 16-6). Push and hold the Brake lever to free wheel.

brake release lever - down to release

Fig. 2

operator's handle

Figure 16-8

WARNING! Never mow on any slope greater than 15 degrees. Always mow across the face of slopes; never up and down or diagonally (see figure 16-8). DO NOT attempt sudden starts or stop when mowing on a slope. Avoid sudden turns and use extreme caution when changing direction on a slope.

16.7HANDLING & TRANSPORTING:

CAUTION: ENGINE MUST BE OFF while handling, lifting, or transporting the unit on or off the vehicle.

Figure 16-6

drive lever -

 

 

up to drive

GROUND SPEED can be varied by selecting a higher or lower gear using the gear shift lever on top of the console (see figure 16-7). Under most conditions cutting should be done in second or third gear. Fourth gear should be reserved for conditions where grass is thinned out or not as tall. The quality of the cut produced is directly related to the unit's ground speed during cutting. If the quality of the cut is not satisfactory (i.e. material left standing), you should shift into a lower gear during cutting. For improved control in confined areas, this machine can be pushed forward or backward by releasing the drive lever located at the bottom of the operator's right-hand handle while depressing the brake release lever.

Using two people to lift machine is recommended. Lift holding the handle and front of deck. Secure in place during transport.

16.8STORAGE

Never store engine indoors or in enclosed poorly ventilated areas with fuel in tank, where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark or pilot light, as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer or other gas appliance.

If engine is to be unused for 30 days or more, prepare as follows:

Be sure engine is cool. Do not smoke. Remove all gasoline from carburetor and fuel tank to prevent gum deposits from forming on these parts and causing possible malfunction of engine. Drain fuel outdoors, into an approved container, away from open flame. Run engine until fuel tank

is empty and engine runs out of gasoline.

NOTE: Fuel stabilizer (such as Sta-Bil) is an acceptable alternative in minimizing the formation of fuel gum deposits during storage. Add stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or storage container. Always follow mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Run engine at least 10 min. after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach the carburetor.

CAUTION: Wheels must be chocked or blocked when unit is parked on a slope.

Figure 16-7

Part No. 520187

Page 9 of 20

Form No. F102004A

Page 9
Image 9
Billy Goat FM3301E owner manual Propulsion, Handling & Transporting, Storage