Operating Instructions
CAUTION
A brake stops the cutter blades from freewheeling within five (5) seconds after disengaging the clutch. If the brake system malfunctions and the blades do not stop within five (5) seconds, the brake should be adjusted or repaired before operating the mower. Refer to ADJUSTMENTS of Blade Clutch (PTO) in Maintenance Instruc-
tions.
4.Slow the engine to idle, put throttle in IDLE po- sition; and turn the ignition switch OFF.
WARNING
Remove the key from the ignition switch when leaving the mower unattended. This will prevent children and inexperienced operators from starting the engine.
5.Engage the parking brake.
IMPORTANT: The transaxles lock to prevent the mower from rolling freely with the engine stopped. However, if the mower is parked on a slope, it is necessary to ENGAGE the parking BRAKE to prevent the mower from creeping. This is due to a small amount of slippage in the transaxles, especially when transmission fluid is warm.
ADJUSTING CUTTING HEIGHT
WARNING
The engine must be stopped before adjusting cutting height. Disengage the blade clutch (PTO), stop the engine, and remove the ignition key. Wait for all movement to stop before leaving the operator position.
Cutting height is adjusted by positioning the four retainer hitch pins in a series of seven vertical holes on the deck support pins. Lift handles have been provided on each end of the deck to assist in raising the deck while positioning the hitch pins. Cutting heights range from 1 in. (25 mm) [top holes] to 4 in. (102 mm) [bottom holes] in 1/2 in. (13 mm) increments.
Lift Handle
Deck Support
Pin
Hitch Pin
Cutting Height Adjustment
TRANSAXLE LOCKOUTS
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TOW this mower with the transaxle lockouts engaged. Towing can produce excessive internal pressure and damage the transaxle.
To move the mower with the engine NOT running (will not start, maintenance, etc.), unlock (release) the transaxles.
1.Locate each lockout rod at the rear of the mow- er on either side of the tail wheel below the fuel tank.
2.Pull each rod out and lock them on the body us- ing the shouldered part of the rod.
3.The mower will “freewheel” with the rods in the LOCKOUT position. The rods must be shoul- dered on the body to completely unlock the transmissions.
4.After moving the mower, release the rods, plac- ing them in the normal OPERATING position. The transmission rod ends should be complete- ly retracted against the body, otherwise opera- tion of the transmission may be erratic.
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