SECTION 3 – OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
DO NOT allow operation of the machine by untrained personnel.
IMPORTANT! BEFORE OPERATING:
Be thoroughly familiar with all controls and how to use them before operating the machine. Know beforehand how to STOP machine motion, mower blades and engine in preparation for possible emergencies.
3.1 CONTROLS & THEIR FUNCTIONS
3.1.1.OPERATOR PRESENCE CONTROL (OPC) The Operator Presence Control (OPC) is designed to kill the engine should the operator release the handles while the mower blades are engaged and/or the transmission is in forward or reverse gear. The OPC is activated by depressing one or both of the OPC handles located over the left and right handle grips. See Figure 3.1.
WARNING
When the Operator’s Presence Control (OPC) is released, the machine will continue to operate a few feet. DO NOT use this Operator’s Presence Control (OPC) to routinely stop the machine.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to modify, remove, or otherwise alter the OPC in any way. Doing so may result in serious injury or death.
OPC
HANDLE 
HANDLE
GRIP
FIGURE 3.1
(Left hand shown; right hand identical)
3.1.2. TRACTION LEVERS
The Traction Levers control both the stopping and turning of the machine. See Figure 3.2. When squeezed, the lever simultaneously declutches the traction belt while applying the wheel brake. Squeezing the left lever turns the machine to the left, squeezing the right lever turns the machine to the right, squeezing both left and right levers together stops the machine.
HANDLE
GRIP
TRACTION
LEVERFIGURE 3.2 (Left hand shown; right hand identical)
WARNING
To avoid sudden and unexpected turning, both Traction Levers must be depressed or released at the same time when stopping or starting machine motion.
3.1.3. TRACTION LOCKS
The Traction Locks lock the wheel brakes to prevent movement of the machine. See Figure 3.3.
1.To lock: Firmly squeeze both traction levers against the handle grip, and with both thumbs, push the tab atop each traction lock forward. Slowly release the traction lever, checking to be sure that the locks have held.
2.To unlock: Firmly squeeze both traction levers against the handle grip and release. The locks are
PUSH | TRACTION LEVER |
TRACTION | SHOWN IN LOCKED |
LOCK | POSITION |
FORWARD |
|
SQUEEZE
TRACTION
LEVER
FIGURE 3.3
(Right hand shown; left hand identical)
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