Operating Instructions
TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TOW this mower with the transmission lockout engaged. Towing can produce excessive internal pressure and damage the transaxle(s).
To move the mower with the engine NOT running (dead battery, maintenance, etc.), the transaxles are unlocked (released).
1.Raise the body.
2.Pull up the transaxle lockout rods on both the RH and LH transaxles and secure into place by shouldering both rods in the chassis notch area.
3.The mower will “freewheel” with the rods in the LOCKOUT position. The levers must be in the highest position to completely unlock the transmissions.
Hydro Lockout Rod
Hydro Lockout Rod - Freewheel Position
4.After moving the mower, release the rods, plac- ing them in the normal OPERATING position. The transmission rod ends should be com- pletely retracted against the chassis, otherwise operation of the transmission maybe erratic.
Hydro Lockout Rod
Hydro Lockout Rod - Normal Operating Position
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOWING
IMPORTANT: Operate the engine at full speed when mowing, to allow the engine to produce full horsepower and to increase efficiency of the engine cooling system.
•Keep the mower deck clean.
•Mow with sharp blades. A dull blade tears the grass (resulting in poor lawn appearance) and uses extra power (slowing the mowing speed).
•It is preferable to cut grass when it is dry and not too tall. Mow frequently and do not cut grass too short. (For best appearance, cut off 1/3 or less of existing grass height.)
•When mowing, operate the engine at or near full throttle for the best cutting action. Mowing with a lower engine RPM causes the mowing blade to not cut clean and tear the grass. The engine is designed to be operated at full speed.
•When mowing in adverse conditions (tall and/or wet grass), mow the grass twice. Raise the mower to the highest setting - 5 in. (127 mm) - for the first pass and then make a second pass cutting to the desired height.
•Use a slow setting on the FSC for trimming operations.
31