Walker MT owner manual Operating Instructions, Danger, Adjusting Ground Speed And Steering

Operating Instructions

IMPORTANT: Make sure the choke is in the OFF position during normal engine operation; running with the choke in the ON position CAN damage the engine.

ADJUSTING GROUND SPEED AND STEERING

IMPORTANT: If the DSD52 or DSD62 Mower deck is installed on the tractor, make sure the dolly wheel is retracted BEFORE moving.

CAUTION

Learn to START, STOP, and MANEUVER the mower in a large, open area.

If the operator has not operated a ma- chine with LEVER STEERING OR DUAL HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSIONS, steer- ing and ground operation should be learned and practiced until the operator is completely comfortable handling the ma- chine BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO MOW.

DANGER

Keep feet on footrests all times when the machine is moving.

1.Move the FSC out of NEUTRAL-PARKposition to the desired forward speed. DO NOT hold for- ward on steering levers. It is not necessary to hold the FSC lever in position since a friction lock maintains the selected lever position (and forward travel speed).

NOTE: If the FSC lever will not stay in the selected position, the friction lock needs to be adjusted. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS of Forward Speed Control Friction Lock in Maintenance Instructions.

2.Steer by pulling the lever on the side of desired direction of turn, e.g., pull the LH lever to turn left. To minimize the possibility of overcontrol, use only one hand on both steering levers.

Beginning Recommendations are:

♦Learn operation of the mower in an open area away from buildings, fences, and ob- structions. Learn operation on flat ground BEFORE operating on slopes.

♦Start maneuvering the mower with SLOW engine speed and SLOW Forward Speed Control setting until familiar with all operat- ing characteristics.

♦Remember it is not necessary to hold the steering levers forward (a unique Walker feature); always PULL on the levers for steering or for reverse motion of the mower.

♦Learn to operate the mower with your left hand on the steering levers and right hand on Forward Speed Control. The use of two hands on the steering levers tends to cause overcontrol.

♦Learn to operate the steering levers with smooth action. Jerky movements are hard on the transmission and lawn. For sharp turns, do not allow the inside wheel to stop and twist on the grass. Pull the steering le- ver controlling the inside wheel into reverse for a smooth “rolling” turn (one wheel roll- ing forward while the other rolls backward).

♦Practice maneuvering the mower until you can make it go exactly where you are aiming.

♦Remember, for an emergency stop, or in case of loss of control, machine movement can always be stopped quickly by pulling the Forward Speed Control into the NEU- TRAL-PARK position.

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